The Museum of Archaeology housed within Palace Green Library, has been awarded £217,844 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to redevelop its main gallery, improving access to Durham's 10,000-year archaeological story. The award is part of The National Lottery Heritage Fund's ongoing support for heritage projects across the UK, made possible through money raised by National Lottery players.
Redevelopments to the gallery
The redeveloped gallery will continue be a dedicated space to reflect the voices and stories of the people of Durham.
Plans will see the Museum's main gallery reopen for the first time since 2020. Improvements will include new interpretation, refreshed displays, environmentally controlled cases for fragile objects, and enhanced accessibility, ensuring the gallery is welcoming to a wide range of visitors. These aims align closely with The National Lottery Heritage Fund's guidance, which emphasises clear public benefit and long-term impact.
Durham University has a strong, long-term commitment to celebrating and caring for the region's heritage. Receiving this National Lottery Heritage Fund grant will enable the Museum to preserve and share its collections in new ways, creating a more engaging and accessible gallery for visitors, community groups and schools.
Public consultation
Public engagement will play a central role in shaping the redevelopment. Students from Durham University's Department of Archaeology's will contribute interpretation, learning and engagement and public consultation as part of their studies.
Consultation will take place through events in the Museum of Archaeology's public programme. Feedback gathered through these activities will help shape the updated gallery experience and inform future engagement work
Preserving Durham's heritage
The project builds on the momentum of the Museum's 50th anniversary in 2025, which included an extensive programme of works such as essential roof repairs and upgrades to energy-efficient lighting. These improvements established firm foundations for the gallery redevelopment to move into its next stage, in line with The National Lottery Heritage Fund's expectations around sustainability and responsible project planning.
The gallery redevelopment also sits alongside other recent University investment across the Durham World Heritage Site, including conservation work at the Norman Chapel in Durham Castle and the Almshouses on Palace Green, supporting the long-term preservation of the city's heritage.
