Work will to begin to transform Wigan Museum for an exhibition celebrating local people
Wigan Museum is closing its doors until next summer while work is carried out to transform its ground-floor gallery and learning space.
The redevelopment follows the museum's successful bid for £249,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
It will support the delivery of Our Northern Soul, a new exhibition exploring what makes Wigan borough special through the stories, objects and experiences of local people.
The museum will close to the public from Saturday and will reopen in summer 2027.
Coun Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: "This is just the start of an exciting journey for Wigan Museum. We're creating a space that better reflects the borough we are today while celebrating the stories, people and heritage that have shaped us.
“Thanks to the involvement of community partners and local people through workshops and consultation sessions, the exhibition's themes, content and early design concepts are already taking shape.
“By continuing to put local people at the heart of the project, we're making sure Our Northern Soul is a true reflection of Wigan borough, created by the community, for the community."
The project will transform the museum's ground floor, creating a more welcoming visitor experience.
It will include a redesigned entrance, a new activity zone incorporating the reception area, a retail and flexible space for exhibitions, film screenings, learning programmes and community events.
Wigan Local Studies, which on the upper floors of the museum, will remain open for much of the redevelopment period while work takes place in the main gallery space.