Manchester Museum is to close for over a year while it completes an ambitious transformation project to include a two-storey extension and new galleries.
The venue, which is part of the University of Manchester, has reached the final phase of the scheme worth over £13m - and will temporarily shut its doors so the construction work can take place.
The venue said it will be closed to the public from August 29 until "late 2022" when it will emerge as a "museum for the 21st century".
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The £13.5m project, known as 'Hello Future', will include a two-storey extension and new galleries including a large exhibition hall, 'Belonging Gallery', the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery, and the South Asia Gallery.
Manchester Museum’s director Esme Ward said: "'Hello Future' is a hugely important project that aims to build understanding between cultures and create a more sustainable world. Once complete, visitors will experience exhibitions that tell new, powerful stories and engage with big ideas.
“We are excited to have reached the final stage of our transformation and I want to reassure our visitors that although our doors will temporarily close, we are still here for you. Manchester Museum exists beyond a building. Throughout the closure, we will be holding pop-up events and outreach programmes, and our collections are all available to explore online.
“We look forward to opening the doors to Hello Future in 2022 and welcoming visitors to a bigger, more imaginative and even more inclusive museum.”
The South Asia Gallery, a partnership gallery with the British Museum, will be the first ever permanent exhibition space in the UK dedicated to exploring the stories, experiences and contributions of South Asian communities.
The museum will also gain a new entrance, shop, café, and inclusive visitor facilities that are fully accessible.
Hello Future is a £13.5m project supported using public funding by Arts Council England and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The University of Manchester - and "numerous philanthropic supporters".
The museum’s opening hours will be extended until 9pm on August 26 and 27 to give more people the chance to see the collections before doors close.
