Communities Minister has visited the Ulster Folk
Museum to mark the start of the Reawakening project, as work
begins on the Pavilion development.
The Pavilion is the first step in this £50million project, a
significant initiative aimed at enhancing the museum's facilities
and strengthening its role in connecting people with their
heritage. It will unlock the Ulster Folk Museum's potential as a
unique heritage and environment resource over the next five
years.
On completion in spring 2027, the pavilion will become a new,
dedicated space for engagement, giving visitors a glimpse of how
Reawakening will transform the Ulster Folk Museum and create more
opportunities for learning, discovery and participation.
Speaking at the commencement of construction on the new pavilion,
the Minister said: The Ulster Folk Museum has an exciting future
as it evolves and continues to preserve, share and celebrate the
traditions, skills and ways of life of the people of Ulster. Its
role has never been more relevant, ensuring our unique shared
heritage is protected for future generations.
This exciting project will create more meaningful opportunities
for people to connect with who they are. Reawakening this
important asset is not simply about reinvestment it's about
reimagining the museum's purpose.
The Ulster Folk Museum is an indispensable resource for Northern
Ireland as we all continue to learn from the past and explore
what it means to be of this place today.
Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said:
Reawakening the Ulster Folk Museum is very much in the making and
today is an exciting milestone in our journey to transform the
Ulster Folk Museum into a place that is more unique, more
relevant, and more valued - futureproofing its role as a heritage
and environment resource.
This is an ambitious programme of transformation a project for
everyone. It means people can get closer to the museum's heritage
assets than ever before and get more involved in collective
experiences, where heritage is not just seen, but shared. The
Ulster Folk Museum's collection is a people's collection and has
never been more relevant to our lives than today. By sharing more
of the stories and objects within it, we allow people to explore
their identity, languages, the environment, and learn new skills,
ensuring we serve communities for generations to come.
Aidan Flynn, Managing Director at Flynn, the contractor for the
Pavilion, said: We recognise the importance of the Ulster Folk
Museum to local communities and its role within the cultural
landscape of Northern Ireland. It is a privilege to play our part
in Reawakening a significant project that will help people to
connect more deeply with the rich heritage of this place. We look
forward to working closely with National Museums NI to deliver
the pavilion as a welcoming and accessible space for public
engagement, transforming opportunities for people to connect and
explore.
Notes to editors:
- The Reawakening project is supported by £40million in funding
through the Department for Communities and £10million from The
National Lottery Heritage Fund. Reawakening sets a new benchmark
for the important role museums play in Northern Ireland.
- Maurice Flynn & Sons Ltd. has been appointed as the
contractor for the Pavilion and AtkinsRéalis as the Reawakening
Design Team also marks an important step forward in delivery. A
refreshed Project Board has been established and a contractor
market engagement exercise is imminent.
