New-look North Lincolnshire Museum set to open its doors after £150,000 revamp

The museum temporarily closed its doors on December 24 whilst improvement work was carried out on: a new post-war gallery; refurbishment to reception and gift shop; refurbishment to the café; new under-fives room called Dudley’s Den (work is still ongoing and this will open in the summer).

The family fun day on Saturday February 13 from 10.30am to 3.30pm will celebrate the reopening. Families will be able to get involved in a whole range of fun-filled activities throughout the day.

Take part in Dinosaur themed crafts and fun, plus there will be a chance to win two children’s goodie hampers by taking part in the trails and quiz.

Visitors can also take a look around the new-look Museum including the post-way gallery featuring a 1950’s style kitchen, 1960’s living room and 1970’s collection items.

Discover the lifestyle of these decades. You will also be able to take part in activities and games, such as dressing up, kitchen sensory board and object handling.

In the main exhibition area there will be works by Harold Gosney. Gosney’s themes are often inspired by classical and renaissance art and the two subjects that dominate his work, the human form and the horse.

This temporary sculpture exhibition covers almost 60 years of his work from 1959 to the present day and is supported by what he describes as ‘working drawings’, but are clearly works of art in themselves. You can see this exhibition until 12 June 2016.

The new Courtyard tearoom offers a brand new snack and lunch menu and takeout service. Collect a leaflet to get 15 per cent off any food and drink anytime on February 26, 27 and 28.

Dudley’s Den, the brand new under-fives room opening in the summer will offer a new experience for younger children and families. The sea themed activities will allow babies and young children to explore textures, colours and sounds. For older children they can explore the world of archaeology by taking part in the brand new dig activity. Activities and sessions for children under five will also be run, including the popular Tots’ Time.

As well as offering the very popular make and take crafts at weekends and school holidays, the Museum is also offering fun new activities ideal for young children to become Dudley’s explorers.

These extra activities are free to take part and will change each week so that visitors can come back and experience a different activity each time. These include games, stories, trails and quizzes.

If that isn’t enough to keep you busy, why not pick up a free family back pack from reception filled with activities?

During February half-term the museum has lots on offer to keep the whole family entertained. There will be a range of crafts and Dudley’s explorers can learn about the Museums history as they are taken on different adventures. Activities are free and will run daily from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Arts Council England has provided a grant of £124,213 for the refurbishment work and the council has contributed £25,000.

Councillor John Briggs, cabinet member for Assets, Culture and Housing, said: “I am looking forward to everyone being able to see the new-look North Lincolnshire Museum when it opens on 13 February. A lot of hard work has gone into the refurbishment and it will make a huge difference to the visitor experience. The reception, café, gift shop and post-war gallery look brilliant. It has been giving a more modern look and feel, which I’m sure visitors will enjoy.

“Come along to the Family Fun Day and get involved in a whole range of activities that all the family will enjoy. You will also be able to have a look around all the new facilities.

“We would like to thank all our visitors for their patience during the refurbishment. We’re thrilled to be welcoming everyone back soon. We have got lots of exciting things happening at the Museum this year.”

The contact telephone number for the museum is changing from February 13 to 0724 297055. Until this time, you can contact the museum as usual on 01724 843533 or email [email protected].