Communities Minister ‘reawakens’ the Ulster Folk Museum with £50m in funding

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £50million investment in the Ulster Folk Museum.

The funding will support the delivery of the Reawakening project – a pivotal opportunity to improve the Ulster Folk Museum's facilities, enhance access to collections and strengthen the museum's role in helping people connect with their heritage.

The Minister said: “For more than 60 years, the Ulster Folk Museum has preserved, shared and celebrated the traditions, skills and ways of life of the people of Ulster, past and present, and this investment is vital to ensure our heritage is retained for future generations.

“The Reawakening Project will see the Ulster Folk Museum transform to a multi-layered heritage and environment resource, which sustains more relevant and active connections with its audiences. This marks a profound shift in the museum's positioning. The Reawakening is not just about reinvestment – it's about reimagining the museum's purpose to ensure it thrives for the next 25 years and beyond as a vibrant, relevant and indispensable resource for society.”

The project will be funded by £40million through the Department for Communities and £10million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – their biggest grant in Northern Ireland in a decade. National Museums NI is also working with a number of funding trusts and philanthropists to explore other sources of funding, recognising the very significant benefits this project delivers and in line with the Framework for the Department's Heritage, Culture and Creativity Programme.

Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said: “The Ulster Folk Museum has had limited investment for decades, and some of its facilities are no longer fit for purpose. Our Reawakening project will deliver lasting and measurable social and economic value. We have been advocating Ulster Folk Museum's potential as a heritage asset for a number of years.

“Today's confirmation of support from the Minister and his Department is a significant and exciting milestone. We are also grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their instrumental support on our journey.

“The Ulster Folk Museum's collection is a people's collection. It has never been more relevant to our lives than today. These objects and stories reflect shared experiences and different traditions from across Ulster and help people better understand who we all are. This co-ordinated investment allows us to prioritise the themes of identity, the environment, and learning and skills, across the museum experience, ensuring Ulster Folk Museum will serve communities for generations to come.”

Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It's wonderful to see National Museums NI bring together a funding package that will reawaken the much-loved Ulster Folk Museum.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we're able to commit £10million that so far has helped lay the groundwork and will now deliver this visionary project that will connect people to heritage that is accessible, relevant, sustainable and valued.

“At the same time as improving facilities, opening up collections and focussing on the natural environment, the project provides opportunities for creating and sustaining jobs and sharing heritage and craft skills alongside learning experiences for all ages."

Notes to editors:

1. Artist impressions of the project are available on request.
2. With the support of a development grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, ambitious plans have been created for a £50million reinvestment project. £10million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has already been secured, and the Communities Minister has committed to providing the balance of the capital funding required, beyond that provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and any secured from other funders, to deliver the project over the coming years.
3. National Museums NI is a non-departmental public body accountable to the Northern Ireland Assembly through the Department for Communities. It is a registered charity.
4. The project received full planning permission from Ards & North Down Borough Council in 2023. The first phase of Reawakening is now due to commence later in 2026, with completion currently scheduled for 2029.