The contract has now be signed – everything you need to know
How the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery will look
Major work is now underway after a £5 million contract has been signed to overhaul Hanley’s Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Construction firm Seddon has been appointed to transform with city centre attraction with a new entrance, a foyer cafe and improved public spaces.
Preparatory works have now been completed and the main building work will begin this month. The museum is set to reopen in stages from March 28. From that date, visitors will be able to access the Spitfire, the Forum Theatre and Violet’s café which will feature a new display, with managed entry while work continues elsewhere in the building.
Plans also include creating increased open storage, allowing artefacts to be seen by visitors when they are not on formal display.
And an artist-in-residence room will be established, enabling artists to work alongside the museum’s collections and create new pieces inspired by them.
Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This £5 million investment protects one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most important cultural assets.
“The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of Staffordshire ceramics and the iconic Spitfire that draws visitors from across the country.
“These improvements will create a stronger entrance, better public spaces and a more welcoming environment, while keeping our nationally significant collections accessible as work progresses.”
The redevelopment comes after a successful council for £5 million from Arts Council England and the Department for Culture Media and Sport Cultural Development Fund.
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