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Museum revamp highlights city's history

Stuart Walker View of a museum gallery, featuring a number of signs and posters including a sign depicting what appears to be a Roman mosiac. A man is standing looking at a pillar which holds some written displays, and a woman and a child are viewing a screen. To the far left there is a display case with stuffed birds.Stuart Walker
A new exhibition space explores the diverse history of the border city

A museum has reopened fully after a major refurbishment to enhance the visitor experience.

Tullie, in Carlisle, temporarily closed at the end of 2023 for a £4.5m revamp, and after a series of delays it partially reopened in November.

Visitors now have full access to its new exhibition space dedicated to Carlisle's "diverse and rich history", with themes such as wild, industrial and revolutionary.

The entrance has also been developed, and there is a cafe, shop and events space.

Funding came from the government's Town Fund and Future High Streets Fund, Arts Council England and Cumberland Council.

The Grade I listed Gatehouse has also been restored with funding from Historic England, allowing for its removal from the Heritage at Risk register.

Stuart Walker Giant whale skeleton, viewed from below against a blue wall and a skylight.Stuart Walker
Driggsby, the giant whale skeleton, is back after being in storage for the duration of the works

The 130-year-old museum's full reopening was pushed back four times, after "complex" redevelopment work had overrun.

Items back on display include a 46ft (14m) fin whale skeleton - named Driggsby - which was discovered by a dog walker when it was washed up on the west Cumbrian coast in 2014.

Council cabinet member Anne Quilter described Tullie as one of Carlisle's "flagship attractions".

"These exciting developments will provide a lasting legacy for both locals and visitors, enriching the cultural landscape of Carlisle for years to come," she said.

Emmie Kell, from Arts Council England, added: "It's a pleasure to continue supporting Tullie in its mission to offer a vibrant and inclusive cultural experience to all."

Stuart Walker Three people walking into an arched stone entrance in front of some glass doors. The person on the left has short dark hair, jeans and a khaki jacket, the one in the middle has long dark hair, leggings and a blue jacket, and the one on the right has long deep chestnut coloured hair, dark trousers, a maroon jacket and a walking pole. To the left is a large illuminated purple T sign.Stuart Walker
The entrance has also been redeveloped

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