Newcastle’s Discovery Museum receives £200,000 to enhance exhibits and create a play area for children, including those with special needs.
Newcastle: The Discovery Museum is getting a £200,000 funding boost. This money will help improve the museum and create a new play area for kids.
The funding comes from the Wolfson Foundation, a charity that supports various projects. The museum will transform its Working Lives gallery into a flexible space for displays and events.
They will also replace the old Play Tyne area with a new under-fives space. This area will be designed for young children, including those with special educational needs.
Research shows that play helps kids develop important skills. The new play area will focus on themes like transport and engineering, showcasing local achievements.
Additional funding comes from the Sir James Knott Trust and the Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust. A crowdfunding campaign will start in March to raise more money.
The goal is to open the play space this spring. The new exhibition area will be ready by 2026, featuring stories from the region’s history.
Keith Merrin, the museum director, expressed gratitude for the grant. He emphasized the importance of providing experiences for families of all ages.
The museum is free to enter and offers many attractions. These include a gallery that tells Newcastle’s story and a hands-on Science Maze with fun activities.
Recently, the museum won an award for its Steam to Green exhibition, highlighting local energy and travel innovations.
