Museum looks to the future Major campaign to raise £40m to create new exhibition centre and galleries
BIRMINGHAM Museum and Art Gallery is to launch a £40 million fund-raising appeal to create new galleries and a separate cultural exhibition centre in the east of the city.
The museum will redesign its galleries and exhibition spaces as the adjoining Council House undergoes refurbishment and restoration.
Plans include the creation of a new children’s gallery to inspire the city’s youngsters.
But, in a linked development, the museum is teaming up with the Birmingham Royal Ballet to create a major new storage facility and cultural exhibition centre, which will see more of its treasured artworks go on display as well as replace the Museum Collection Centre in Nechells. The appeal will be launched early next year and seek the support of businesses, sponsors and donors as well as submitting a major bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Visitors to the Museum & Art Gallery will not only be asked to donate what they can, but also offer suggestions for future exhibitions and galleries and for their memories of the museum.
It comes after architects were appointed to oversee the works on the grade II*-listed Council House, built in 1879, and its 1911 extension where much of the Museum and Art Gallery is based.
A key part of the works is to modernise its old electrical and heating systems.
As back office functions and its storerooms are moved to the new site, space will be freed up within the historic museum for more galleries, conference and education rooms, shops and a restaurant with direct street access.
Birmingham Museum Trust director Dr Ellen McAdam said: “Birmingham’s civic collection is one of the greatest in the UK and the development project will ensure the building and its displays reflect this.
“The fundraising drive the next stage in the realisation of our plans for a new museum for Birmingham, which will be truly fit for the 21st century. With the support of funders, businesses, and visitors we will create a new museum that continues to inspire generations to come.” is