Royal Albert Memorial Museum closed for a major facelift
Design for new entrance next to the ancient Roman wall
RAMM
This space is a carpark at the moment (2007)
RAMM
Building to re-open in 2011
By Sarah, Curator of West Exe
On 1 December 2007 the Museum building closed its doors to the public for a major facelift. There's plenty to keep staff busy whilst we're closed. We've taken down displays and put objects away ready for the builders. If you've ever moved house imagine what it's like packing up a museum.
RAMM staff are working with designers, selecting objects for the new displays then researching and writing new scripts. Most of these objects are also undergoing some conservation work at the 'ARK' our new conservation labs.
RAMM is also out and about in the community. We are touring small exhibitions and our education team are visiting schools and running workshops in St Nicholas Priory. Whilst the Museum is closed you can also find us in our temporary mini-museum in Exeter Central Library.
The re-opening and what will be new
Over the next three years the whole place will be upgraded. When RAMM re-opens in 2011 there will be:
- a brand new entrance with level access
- old favourites like Gerald the giraffe redisplayed in new ways
- more of the collections on show
- a great new space for temporary exhibitions
- lost architectural features restored
- new modern services important for the care and display of exhibits
- plenty to do for children and families
- a stylish new cafe
In a separate project Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens will be restored as part of the new Castle Quarter in the city centre. Both gardens have a long heritage in their own right
How to become involved
More than 95 per cent of the scheme's £15.1 million cost is already raised. Exeter City Council has committed £5.5 million and Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £9 million to the visionary project. Generous grants of over £300,000 have been received. The Museum Appeal Development Trust has pledged to raise a further £200,000 and an exciting fundraising project "A Snapshot in Time" allows everyone the opportunity to become involved.