Introduction

From 2000 to 2005 the number of people visiting The Bowes Museum doubled to 120,000. This was achieved through an ambitious exhibition programme, improved display of the permanent collections, new educational activities, and increased promotion of the Museum.
Improvements to the building itself are needed to continue this growth, and safeguard the Museum for future generations. The aim of the current capital projects plan is to renew the 115-year old museum, retaining the history and quality of the building whilst bringing it into the 21st century, resulting in a museum that is an invaluable resource for all users alike.
A programme of new design, building and display is underway and will continue until 2012. During this time the museum will be striving to minimise distribution but asks for your patience over this exciting time. Much of the funding for this work is already secured and we are busy raising additional funds from other sources.

Supporters include:

Heritage Lottery Fund

One NorthEast through the County Durham Economic Partnership

English Heritage

Northern Rock Foundation

The Monument Trust

The Foyle Foundation

DCMS / Wolfson Museum and Galleries Improvement Fund

Garfield Weston Foundation

European Regional Development Fund

Designation Challenge Fund

Durham County Council

The Shears Foundation

County Durham Foundation

The Friends of The Bowes Museum

The Headley Trust

The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust

Sir James Knott Trust

Mercers Charitable Foundation

Welton Foundation

Idlewild Trust

Margaret Phyllis Mewhort Trust

Fenwick Ltd

P T Settlement

The Bill & May Hodgson Charitable Trust administered by Dickinson Dees

 

For Blueprint, the capital projects newsletter please click here

If you would like to make a donation please click here

To be kept informed about The Bowes Museum please click here