ONE of Teesside’s best loved museums is to get a major overhaul thanks to a Government grant.
The £500,000 boost will see the creation of new exhibition and education spaces at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Stewart Park.
The grant followed a visit to the region by Chancellor George Osborne in February and will pave the way for celebrations in 2018 marking the 250th anniversary of the great explorer’s first voyage of discovery.
The proposed works will see refurbishment of the Middlesbrough museum’s first floor, alongside the creation of a new temporary exhibition gallery within the main exhibition galleries.
The award – administered by Arts Council England – will also enable the development of new artefact, archive and handling collections and resources to enhance the museum’s existing Cook collections.
The works are expected to take place during the museum’s winter closure period, with completion in time for re-opening in April, 2017.
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, will consider a report on the proposed improvements at a meeting on Wednesday, June 1.
Cllr Young said: “We are always looking for ways to develop our museums to ensure they maintain regional significance, and this grant will enable an important upgrade to the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum.
“The creation of a new interactive exhibition, educational upgrades and a revamp of key areas of the building will keep the museum fresh, relevant and attractive for visitors.”