Shaping a Brighter Future: Museum of Gloucester's MEND Initiative Unfolds
An update on MEND and our upcoming RPS Exhibition
12/02/2024
As with many building projects in heritage buildings, the parameters can shift as you learn more about that building. As we have gone through our MEND project to upgrade the Museum, we have had the RAAC in the roof space above our temporary exhibitions gallery properly inspected and it needs better support. Thankfully, there is a relatively simple steel brace structure that we can install to solve any potential future structural problems, and this can be installed in the coming weeks.
However, this has meant that our Exhibition Gallery will be out of action for longer than expected, and our fantastic RPS International Photographer of the Year exhibition this March has had to be cancelled. We are looking at whether we can remount the exhibition later this year, but for now, to all who had purchased to attend, we will be contacting you to refund your tickets, and for those who were looking forward to it, make sure you sign up to our mailing list to find out when it might return, and hear about the rest of our 2024 programme.
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From Monday 8th January to Saturday 10th February 2024, the Museum of Gloucester will embark on an exciting journey—the MEND Project. Generously funded by Arts Council England, this initiative aims to elevate our environmental responsibility and financial sustainability by enhancing our building's performance and amenities. While our doors may be temporarily closed to the public, the profound improvements we're making will shape a more inclusive and resilient museum experience for all.
Let's dive into the exciting changes coming your way. We're dedicated to fostering greater accessibility for all, including those with diverse needs. This involves bolstering independent access for individuals with disabilities, ensuring our cherished collections are more accessible, and fortifying our landmark building for the future.
What does MEND entail, you might wonder? Here's a glimpse of what's on our improvement agenda:
Roof Renovation: We're replacing the flat roof extension, installing access ladders, emergency lighting, and harness points to ensure safe and efficient maintenance.
Enhancing Accessibility: Improvements to our lift will guarantee smoother operations with repairs and enhancements to door mechanisms, control panels, and sensors.
Drainage and Waterproofing Revamp: We're reinforcing the museum's rear drainage and implementing waterproofing measures for open chutes. These steps protect our building against environmental factors, ensuring its durability.
Efficient Heating and Dehumidification: Optimising our heating systems for visitor comfort and preserving our collections is a priority. Upgrades include replacing dehumidifiers in critical areas to maintain ideal conditions.
Electrical Upgrade: We're revamping our electrical setup by testing wiring, removing redundant services, and installing new distribution boards. These changes ensure safety and energy efficiency across the museum.
Illuminating Spaces: With sustainability in mind, we're introducing LED lighting to our office spaces, display cases and public areas. Ensuring a brighter and more energy efficient workplace and Museum.
Improved Air Quality: We will be enhancing our air handing units in vital areas.
Even before the official launch, the Museum of Gloucester has been actively enhancing our spaces. We've already begun by refreshing our exhibition galleries' lighting and giving Wheatstone Hall a fresh coat of paint. These early steps showcase our commitment to revitalising our museum's spaces and preserving our city's cultural heritage.
We're thrilled about the transformative potential of the MEND Project. These upgrades don't just represent physical changes; they signify our commitment to fostering a more accessible, sustainable, and welcoming space for everyone in the heart of Gloucester.
During this period, we eagerly anticipate welcoming you back to experience an enhanced, more inclusive Museum of Gloucester. Stay connected with us on social media for exclusive peeks into our renovation journey. Join us as we unveil the progress and showcase the dedication behind shaping a better museum experience for all.
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this exciting phase of growth and improvement.
