At the heart of the refurbishment is Bolton's Egypt, a new permanent exhibition centred around one of the most important Egyptology collections held by a local authority museum in the UK. More than 2,000 artefacts are brought together through a series of immersive and family-friendly displays which explore Bolton's historic links with Ancient Egypt. A full-scale reconstruction of the burial chamber of Thutmose III forms the centrepiece of the exhibition, creating a memorable visitor experience and providing a striking setting for interpretation, education and public engagement. The relocation of the History Centre to its new home within the adjoining library also released valuable gallery space, creating stronger links between the museum, archives and local history collections.
The refurbishment has been equally focused on the building itself. Historic rooflights that had been boarded over for many years were repaired and reinstated, bringing daylight back into a number of the galleries and revealing their original architectural character. Throughout the museum, bespoke exhibition design, display cases, graphics, interpretation panels and lighting strategies create a series of distinctive environments, from bright and welcoming collection galleries to the atmospheric recreation of the Thutmose III tomb. The project also included improvements to visitor facilities, circulation spaces and the museum shop, helping create a more coherent and welcoming museum experience.
The completed refurbishment has secured the long-term future of one of Bolton's most important cultural assets. By combining careful restoration with new exhibition design and improved facilities, the project allows more of the museum's collections to be seen, understood and enjoyed while creating new opportunities for education, interpretation and community engagement.
