Ulster Museum reopening heralds new era
Thursday, 22 October 2009The new Ulster Museum opened its doors to visitors today - heralding a new era for Northern Ireland's cultural life.
DCAL Minister Nelson McCausland said the world-class refurbishment had delivered an iconic building which will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from home and abroad - boosting tourism, learning engagement and purposeful leisure activity.
The project, costing £17.2million, includes a new 23-metre high welcome zone, learning discovery zones, a spectacular Window on Our World exhibition and new science and history galleries. Today’s launch marks the 80th anniversary of the original museum on the site.
Speaking at the official opening today, Culture Minister Nelson McCausland said visitors will be thrilled at the transformation of the building.
The Minister said: "The range of collections on display at this flagship visitor attraction is breath-taking. Northern Ireland now has a superb museum of international quality and I would encourage everyone, from right across the community, to use and enjoy it. Entry to the museum remains free - something to be celebrated in these difficult economic times.”
The Minister was welcomed to the building by Dan Harvey, Chairman of National Museums Northern Ireland and by the Director, Tim Cooke.
Dan Harvey paid tribute to funders, partners and staff who were central to delivering the landmark rejuvenation project.
Mr Harvey said: "The commitment and creativity behind this project has been remarkable and the finished museum will be a major boost for Northern Ireland’s culture and tourism sectors. I would encourage everyone to come and see the results for themselves."
Tim Cooke added: "With the new building now launched we will be taking a fresh approach to events, exhibitions, learning and partnership - all designed to ensure our engagement with our community is as broad and meaningful as possible."
Ronnie Spence of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) expressed delight with the results of HLF's £4.7million investment in the project.
He said: "This is a truly landmark cultural project for Northern Ireland which will offer greater access to science, history and art collections across our community. This has been HLF’s largest funding project in Northern Ireland and we are delighted to share and invest in the vision for the revitalised Ulster Museum.”
Today's opening ceremony was attended by representatives of schools, councils and community groups from across Northern Ireland.
A major art exhibition of work by the internationally celebrated abstract painter, Sean Scully, will be on display on the top floor of the museum for the next four months. There is a new ground floor restaurant and cafe overlooking Botanic Gardens and a new shop near the entrance.
Notes to Editors:
1. The £17million rejuvenation project has been funded by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (£11.2million), the Heritage Lottery Fund (£4.7million) and £1.3million from trusts, foundations and private donations.
2. Extended opening hours will be in place during the Ulster Museum’s opening week. (Thursday 22 October 11.30am – 10pm, Friday 23 – Sunday 25, 10am – 6pm, Tuesday 27 – Sunday 1 November, 10am – 6pm.) From 3 November, the Ulster Museum will open from Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm.
3. The Ulster Museum is part of National Museums Northern Ireland which also includes the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Ulster American Folk Park, Armagh County Museum and W5.
4. Media contacts for National Museums Northern Ireland:
Kathryn Kirk, JPR, kathryn.kirk@jprni.com, 028 9076 0066/ 078 3404 9137.
Joris Minne, JPR, joris.minne@jprni.com, 028 9076 0066/ 078 7621 8978.
Chloe Elliott, JPR, chloe.elliott@jprni.com, 028 9076 0066.
5. Media contacts for HLF: Julie Halliday, julieh@hlf.org.uk, 07733 100674.
6. Media enquiries to DCAL Press Office on 028 9051 5047 or email: press.office@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
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