James Daly MP has taken a sneak peek at the Manchester Museum, a part of the University of Manchester, which is currently in the final phase of its £15 million transformation project.
Chair of the APPG for Northern Culture and local MP James Daly visited the Manchester Museum’s ambitious and complex project, which will see the museum’s beautiful building transformed. New galleries will also be installed - including a stunning Exhibition Hall, which will host the internationally successful ‘‘Golden Mummies of Egypt.
After visiting, James Daly commented
“The Manchester Museum has been a hidden gem in our region, and I’m extremely excited to see the transformation it is undergoing to bring exciting and interesting exhibits to our area and expand the offer that is available to people across Bury and Greater Manchester.”
“The project has received some fantastic investment from the Government, who are committed to expanding the academic and cultural reach across our communities. The University of Manchester, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the generosity of numerous philanthropic supporters have also invested. I am excited to come back when the museum re-opens fully in February next year.”
Mr Daly was shown around this exciting project by Head of Exhibitions and Collections, George Young. Speaking after the visit George said
“It was a pleasure to share with James Daly MP the more caring, inclusive and imaginative Manchester Museum that we are creating and to talk about how the museum works beyond the bricks and mortar across Greater Manchester. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through our new doors from February 2023.”
Manchester Museum has benefitted from a two-storey extension which has extended its footprint by 25%, with an extensive reconfiguration of existing spaces. Over 18,000 objects have had to be moved or protected from building work. As much material as possible is being reused or recycled.
In addition to the ‘‘Golden Mummies of Egypt’ exhibition, there will also be a new Belonging Gallery, Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, and a South Asia Gallery in partnership with the British Museum. The South Asia Gallery is the first-ever permanent exhibition space in the UK dedicated to exploring the stories, experiences, and contributions of South Asian communities.
You can find out more about the Manchester Museum here https://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/
