BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND.-Opening up the Ulster Museum is a major renewal project which will result in the revitalisation of a long-established national museum. Work on this familiar landmark, scheduled to begin towards the end of 2006, will not only radically transform the interior of the building, but will greatly enrich the museum experience for visitors.

Innovative learning and outreach programmes, associated with dynamic new exhibitions and interactive displays, will make its diverse collections visually and emotionally stimulating and intellectually meaningful for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

The programme is based on the philosophy that the Museum should have a central role in the life of the Northern Ireland community, that it should be accessible to everyone and that it should encourage participation in a wide range of activities and events that meet the needs and interests of all sections of our rapidly changing society.

Visitor Orientation - The design concept includes a new visitor orientation facility, featuring a dramatically redesigned Central Courtyard and an extensive refurbishment of the Museum's ground floor, aimed at enhancing significantly the spaces for temporary exhibitions, visitor access and public amenities.

New Galleries - Central to the development is a series of new History and Sciences galleries presenting our natural heritage, human history, culture and way of life from the earliest times, using the latest techniques of interpretation and discovery to engage with, and challenge, our visitors.

Visitors will enjoy direct access from the Central Courtyard to the Art, History and Science galleries and to a new sculpture court for the museum's important collection.

Learning Opportunities - A new state-of-the-art Learning Zone on the ground floor, gallery-based Discovery Centres and a new public performance area will provide students, researchers, family and community groups, artists and tourists with unprecedented access to the themes and treasures of the Ulster Museum.

A Museum for the 21st Century - This exciting development will increase the Museum's capacity to meet the needs of visitors and the challenges of the 21st century, and will ensure its continued success as one of Northern Ireland's best loved and highly respected cultural institutions.

Funding Announced at Press Launch - At a press launch in the Museum on Tuesday 26 July, Mr David Hanson MP, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, announced his Department's commitment of 7 million towards the project. Mr Hanson said that the project would

" ... radically transform the interior of the building, providing new history and science galleries, extensive learning zones and up-to-date facilities and services for visitors.

"This is not just an investment in the museum; it is an investment in the economic regeneration of the City. Over the last ten years Belfast has reinvented itself as a modern capital city. The museum has a vital role to play in cementing its growing reputation both as a tourist destination and as a dynamic and outward-looking city in which to live and work.

Modern museums should have a central role to play in the community and must be able to offer facilities which meet the needs of our rapidly changing society."

Mr Hanson, who was welcomed to the Ulster Museum by Margaret Elliott, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Museums and Galleries, said:

"As Minister, I want to see greater numbers of visitors coming through the doors of the Ulster Museum. I want to see people walk into this building - people who have never been to a museum before in their lives - and I want to see them enjoying the experience."

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is further boosting the plans for the Museum, with the news of their largest planned grant to date in Northern Ireland. HLF has earmarked a record 4,713,000 towards this major redesign project.

The Museum has been awarded a Stage One Pass, which means that money has been earmarked by HLF for the project in question. Competition at this stage is tough and, while a Stage One Pass does not guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support, and money for the scheme is set aside. The applicant can then progress to Stage Two and submit a further, fully developed application to secure the full grant.

Commenting on the award, HLF's Chair for Northern Ireland, Primrose Wilson, said:
"HLF funds projects that transform historic buildings and collections, but also reach out to new audiences and provide exciting learning opportunities for everyone to enjoy. This project will encompass all of these aims. We're pleased that we can support one of Northern Ireland's most important cultural heritage institutions."

Tim Cooke, Chief Executive of the National Museums and Galleries, on presenting details of the redevelopment, said: "This is a major step forward in revitalising one of Northern Ireland's most important assets. It will allow us to build upon the established reputation of the Ulster Museum as a home for inspirational collections, excellent exhibitions and engaging learning and creative programmes".

"We will now be concentrating on the specific design and content of the project. We are deeply grateful to DCAL and HLF for their support and would encourage other potential partners to join with us in maximising this unique opportunity to make a purposeful and lasting contribution to the lives of today's and future generations".