Wigan Museum will close to the public on Saturday 25 July as a major redevelopment of its ground floor gets under way, council leaders have confirmed. Backed by a £249,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the work will deliver a new permanent exhibition called Our Northern Soul and a reconfigured visitor area designed to make the museum more welcoming and community-focused.
What the redevelopment will deliver
The project will transform the museum’s ground floor to provide a redesigned entrance, a new activity zone incorporating the reception space, and a retail and flexible area intended for temporary exhibitions, film screenings, learning programmes and community events. An exhibition area dedicated to Our Northern Soul will showcase the stories, objects and experiences of local people to celebrate what the council describes as the spirit of Wigan Borough.
- Closure date: 25 July 2026
- Reopening: expected summer 2027
- Funding: £249,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
- What stays open: Wigan Local Studies on upper floors remains accessible for much of the redevelopment
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods at Wigan Council, described the work as “just the start of an exciting journey for Wigan Museum.” He said the redesign aims to reflect the borough as it is today while celebrating the people and heritage that have shaped the area.
“By continuing to put local people at the heart of the project, we're making sure Our Northern Soul is a true reflection of Wigan Borough, created by the community, for the community.”
Community involvement and outreach during closure
Council officers and museum staff say community partners and local people have already been involved in workshops and consultation sessions that shaped themes and early design concepts. The museum has pledged to continue working with residents to gather stories, memories and objects that capture the borough’s character.
While the building is closed, the museum will remain visible around the borough. From September a pop-up space will open in Makinson Arcade, where staff aim to deliver events, maintain a public presence and continue engagement activity. Wigan Local Studies, located on the upper floors, is expected to stay open for much of the redevelopment and will be accessible by stairs and lift.
Practical implications for visitors and local groups
The closure means regular visitors and community groups who use the museum for activities and learning programmes will need to adapt for the next year. Schools, historical societies and volunteer groups that rely on museum facilities should check the council’s announcements for details of relocated sessions at the pop-up site and alternative arrangements for research or collections access.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grant amount | £249,000 |
| Closure | 25 July 2026 |
| Planned reopening | Summer 2027 |
Officials say the redesigned entrance and activity zone are intended to provide a more accessible and flexible layout for exhibitions and community programming. The flexible space is planned to allow the museum to host screenings, temporary displays and learning activities aimed at a broad audience.
For residents who value the museum’s role as a community hub and cultural resource, the redevelopment will be closely watched. The council has underlined its commitment to keeping local people involved as curators of the borough’s stories and to maintaining access to local studies material during the works.
Further practical information about the closure, the pop-up venue and how to contribute to the Our Northern Soul exhibition will be published by Wigan Council and the museum in the coming weeks.
