7 Februrary 2008
The National Waterways Museum has unveiled details of how its refreshed exhibits will look and feel following the major refurbishment of the museum which is currently underway. Water Lives: Living, moving and working on Britain’s changing waterways is the central theme to the new galleries which will open to the public in May 2008.

Water Lives is being designed specifically to bring the history of our inland waterways to life. Drawing on the experiences of real people visitors to the revitalised museum will be able to discover what it was like to grow up, live and work on the canals.

Using stimulating displays and colourful graphics the four exciting new galleries will provide an insight into all aspects of canal life, from the origins of the waterways in the 18th Century, right up until their modern day renaissance.

Vistors will pass through the new entrance into the redesigned reception and shop area where they will have a taste of what lies inside the museum. There will also be information other aspects of the Docks as it continues its multi million regeneration programme.

Two new galleries will be situated on the ground floor. The Ecology Gallery will be devoted to the wildlife and ecology that exists along our canals and rivers. Visitors will then pass through into ‘Move It’, a totally redesigned interactive space that explains how the canals were built and operated and how the engineering pioneers of their day overcame huge technological difficulties to create a national water-based transport network.

On the second floor, the museum opens up to reveal a newly created series of displays, each telling the story of different people who worked, moved and lived on the waterways. A separate display area on the second floor will be devoted to local stories. These real life accounts and experiences will bring the heritage of the Gloucester area to life.

Moving on to the museum’s third floor, a completely new education space is being developed to provide improved facilities for all age groups, from pre-school to adult learning opportunities. An new space for temporary exhibitions is also being developed here so the museum can host different events, giving visitors another reason to return time and time again.

Outside the museum there will be display areas on the dockside and a selection of historic canal boats for visitors to explore outside the museum. 

Students from the University of Gloucestershire, who are helping to develop the information for the new galleries, are organising a series of Café Days to gather the stories and experiences of people who were directly connected with different aspects of the waterways, either working or living on the canals or docks or who witnessed key events that have taken place over the years. These tales will be recorded and interpreted as part of the new displays. Anyone with interesting stories to tell and who might like to become involved with future events should contact Project Manager Sarah McCormick at the museum on 01452 318221.

Commenting on the new-look museum General Manager Chris Hayes said: “We’re really excited about the developments. The re-invented spaces will be fun and engaging, telling the nationally significant story of the inland waterways in a lively and exciting way that is entertaining and easy for everyone to appreciate. This refurbishment,” he continues “is all about delivering a quality and enjoyable learning experience to today’s discerning visitors. We are delighted with the scheme that our consultants TGA have developed and believe that all of our visitors in the future will enjoy a truly memorable day out that is informative into the bargain”.

The refreshed museum is due to open its doors in May 2008 and an exciting programme of launch events and activities is being planned. Funding for the refurbishment has been provided jointly by Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company and British Waterways with generous support too from the Friends of the National Waterways Museum.

As part of the redevelopment the museum café has also been completely renovated to house Coots, a new destination café bar, which opens its doors to the public with a special launch event commencing at 7.30pm on Friday 1 February 2008. In addition to providing refreshments for museum visitors and a wide-ranging menu of hot and cold food and drinks for everyone to enjoy, the new café will be presenting an exciting programme of lunch-time and evening music and performance events from its revitalized dockside location.

Scheduled boat trips, boat hire, corporate entertainment facilities and education trips have continued throughout the renovation. The new Cruise Schedule for 2008 commences in February and lots of new and developing opportunities will be available following the refurbishment. For up to date information or to register for news bulletins visit the National Waterways Museum website at www.nwm.co.uk/gloucester or contact the museum on 01452 318200.