A major transformation of Wigan Museum is now underway after it closed its doors to visitors until next summer.
The museum shut on Saturday, 25 July to allow work to begin on its ground floor gallery and learning space, part of a £249,000 National Lottery Heritage Fund project first announced back in March. Wigan Local Studies, based on the upper floors of the building, will remain open for much of the redevelopment period while work continues in the main gallery space below.
The funding is supporting the delivery of Our Northern Soul, a new exhibition exploring what makes Wigan borough special through the stories, objects and experiences of local people. You can read more about the original funding announcement and early design concepts here, including the “Wigan personality traits” theme that will shape the new displays.
The redesigned ground floor will include a new entrance, an activity zone incorporating the reception area, and a flexible retail and events space for exhibitions, film screenings, learning programmes and community gatherings.
Cllr Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “This is just the start of an exciting journey for Wigan Museum. We’re creating a space that better reflects the borough we are today while celebrating the stories, people and heritage that have shaped us.
“Thanks to the involvement of community partners and local people through workshops and consultation sessions, the exhibition’s themes, content and early design concepts are already taking shape.
“By continuing to put local people at the heart of the project, we’re making sure Our Northern Soul is a true reflection of Wigan Borough, created by the community, for the community.”
Community involvement has already begun through workshops and consultation sessions, and further details on how people can get involved will be announced in the coming weeks.