Construction for Yorkshire’s newest arts and culture hub has been completed with curators now given the keys to transfer exhibits and displays over to the new visitor experience.
Based at the historic Doncaster School for Girls, the new centre will blend classic original features and 21st century technology in the highly anticipated museum and art gallery costing £14 million.
Originally built in 1350, the former school’s entrance is a centrepiece of the new attraction which contractors Willmott Dixon has carefully restored to showcase the landmark at the centre of Doncaster’s rich heritage.
Covered with glass, the former entrance of one of Doncaster’s oldest schools is a focal point of the new centre
The museum’s collections will be separated into various experiences, which will allow visitors to delve into the working-class town’s colourful history and the milestones which has shaped Doncaster to how it is today. A natural history collection and rail heritage centre will be amongst the experiences showcased at the new museum.
The new arts and culture centre will feature world-renowned artworks loaned from some of Britain’s leading art collections, including the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Arts Council Collection, as well as opportunity for local artists to display their work.
A new library will also be based at the hub, which will feature engaging reading interactives as well as more traditional ways of learning to suit younger children, older adults and those with disabilities.
The new project has been funded by Doncaster Council who are investing a total of £40 million in local businesses to inspire, empower and bring people from the working-class town together.
Commenting on the new visitor experience, Councillor Nigel Ball Cabinet Member for Public Health, Leisure and Culture said “We are raising the bar with the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum by creating a state-of-the-art public building with a range of modern and quality services for our residents. It will showcase the varied history and many achievements of this great borough and has been designed to inspire creativity, encourage learning and drive innovation.
“We want to encourage local people to aim for the stars and inspire them to learn about Doncaster’s rich and varied heritage as well as promoting Doncaster and our achievements to the masses. We want to connect people with outstanding exhibitions and empower them through the new library to gain knowledge, skills and new talents that help them make the most of their lives. This superb new building will do just that.”
Doncaster Council has yet to reveal when the new arts and culture hub will open to the public.
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