We’re excited to report that the roof and skylight over Gallery 1 has been repaired and is fully watertight. The printed banner that once hung over the front of the building to disguise the scaffolding has been removed (to use elsewhere). This will allow the tin-hat structure over Gallery 1 to move to the next section when required. It also means there is better access and light to allow contractors to work on the upper level brickwork façade removing water-damaged drainage and replacing old mortar with lime mortar which is more in-keeping with the age of some of the buildings onsite.
Preparations for the works in Galleries 2 and 3 are underway. The roof above these galleries will be replaced and protected. Within the galleries themselves there will be internal decorations including a fresh coat of paint and new floors. This work is taking place between now and the Festive Break.
Objects in these galleries have been removed and put safely into storage whilst the work is carried out. Any objects which can’t be protected by removal will be protected in situ, such as the popular lion and buffalo display in Gallery 3.
Other small works such as painting the insides of display cases are being undertaken by our team. Find out more about these works behind-the-scenes with Daiz.
Then, in January 2025, our Collections Team will move into this fresh space and create the new Kenyan, Ugandan and Ethiopian displays which have been designed by our team of Community Advisors.
The Natural History dioramas have not changed (and never will be) but the accompanying interpretation will have been updated. These galleries will feel more welcoming, telling us fascinating stories and enhance the visitor experience when we reopen for our season on Saturday 15th February 2025.
MEND is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and is administered by Arts Council England.
