Developments in Hereford

The redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery aims to create new visitor experience, showcasing amazing collections such as the Herefordshire Hoard. It will transform the building into a state-of-the-art museum and art gallery offering a varied programme of activities, events and exhibitions.

The redevelopment of the Grade II-listed building will create new permanent galleries, temporary exhibition spaces, and restore the historic Woolhope club room. Additionally, the project will introduce new commercial areas, such as a retail space, a rooftop café, and event and education spaces. It will also improve the visitor facilities and accessibility for all.

The building will be topped by a spectacular viewing beacon and roof terrace accessible from the fifth-floor courtyard, offering breath-taking 360-degree views of the city and surrounding Herefordshire landscape. The redevelopment is anticipated to have a positive impact on the local economy, community, and cultural scene. It aims to put Herefordshire on the map as a destination for art, history, and culture.

Concept design for the new gallery space.

Summer – autumn 2023

The museum closed for redevelopment in early summer 2023. Over the following months the museum and library moved out of the building, with the books and collections relocated, to allow the building to be fully cleared for the redevelopment work to begin.

This included taking down the two Kenchester mosaics in the stair hall. Both mosaics date to around 350-380 AD. The mosaics were first put up in the stair hall in 1927, 15 years after they had been found during excavations at Kenchester. This was a painstaking and delicate process that took four people three weeks to safely complete. They have been moved to the stores for safe keeping. We were able to produce a time-lapse of them coming down.

Winter – spring 2024

Over the winter 2023 and spring 2024, work has continued behind the scenes. A team of building specialists conducted series surveys to understand the building's condition and to inform the designs. The surveys have included paint testing, masonry strength testing, mortar testing, fabric, drainage, asbestos refurbishment and demolition, ground investigation surveys, U-value testing, and moisture monitoring.

A significant milestone was reached with the appointment of Mather & Co as the gallery designers. They will contribute to creating an engaging and innovative visitor experience and will ensure that the stories told embrace the spirit of Herefordshire: past, present, and future.

Concept design for roof terrace and viewing beacon.

Summer – autumn 2024

The redevelopment reached a major milestone in July, with planning permission and listed building consent being granted. This has allowed the design team to progress to the technical design phase, working towards the completion of RIBA Stage 4 and finalising the detailed architectural and structural plans necessary for construction.

Behind the scenes, work has continued on gallery plans and community engagement activities. The museum team has started hosting collaborative sessions across Herefordshire, bringing together local residents and cultural groups to explore how the new museum and gallery can reflect the perspectives and stories of the local community. A Curatorial Advisory Panel has been established and recruitment has begun for co-production groups to further shape the exhibitions through direct community involvement. These collaborative efforts are building a strong foundation for a museum experience that celebrates Herefordshire's unique heritage and identity.

Public hard hat tours, October 2024.

Funders

The redevelopment is being funded by:

• £8.4 million from Herefordshire Council
• £5.08 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players
• £5 million funded from the government's Towns Fund
• £0.75 million from Arts Council England