Major milestone as new entrance brings colour to site at Paisley Museum
Work on the refurbishment of Paisley Museum, Scotland's biggest cultural heritage project, has reached a critical milestone, with the installation of its eye-catching glazed entrance facility.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 3 October 2023 9:50
The ‘red drum’, which consists of specially designed red panes shipped from Germany, has been put in place by contractors Keir, as construction on the new west extension of the original Victorian museum takes shape.
The ambition behind the project is to create a new, world-class museum space, shaped and focussed by, and for, the people of the town, celebrating its history and impact on the world, while creating a new community space that’s open and accessible to all. At its core, the museum will bring history to life, connecting it to today’s town and people, creating a vibrant and colourful new cultural thread, weaving together past, present and future.
Renfrewshire Provost, Councillor Lorraine Cameron was joined on site by OneRen’s Chair, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes to mark the milestone moment.
Provost Cameron said: “Paisley Museum will be the crowning glory in a once-in-a-generation investment in Paisley’s cultural infrastructure that will breathe new life into the town. I’m blown away by the sheer scale of the project and the incredible ambition of the team which will create a world-class museum with community at its heart.
“It is going to be quite stunning and somewhere which the people of Paisley, Renfrewshire and beyond will be rightly proud of.”
Councillor Hughes, the Chair of OneRen, the charity which will manage the museum, said: “To stand in the new entrance, where next year we will be welcoming excited visitors to our incredible new museum, is a really special moment.
“Our expert museums team and our partners have worked on over 100 story displays, featuring more than 1,200 objects, more than double what was on display previously. I can’t wait to welcome visitors from Paisley, Scotland and beyond to see the results for themselves.”
With eight new public spaces, the new Paisley Museum will be filled with more than 60 digital displays and will be home to a new garden gallery, public courtyard, café and picnic areas. The Thomas Coats Observatory – the oldest public observatory in Scotland – will be open and accessible to the public, its rich and vibrant history as both civic timekeeper and a truly remarkable, 150-year-old weather station, available to all.
While celebrating the area’s significant industrial past and the town’s importance, not least in textiles, weaving and exploring the origins and impacts of the famous Paisley pattern, the refurbished museum’s gallery spaces will increase by more than a quarter, with ambitious architectural and engineering interventions to welcome visitors to stunning indoor and outdoor spaces.
The museum refurbishment is funded by Renfrewshire Council, the Scottish Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland. The project is being further funded by a charitable fundraising campaign that has been supported by a number of trusts and foundations and corporate donors.
The museum is expected to reopen in 2024. Renfrewshire Council is investing tens of millions of pounds in a once-in-a-generation refresh of its cultural estate. The £22 million refurbishment of Paisley Town Hall has been almost completed, with he Victorian masterpiece transformed into one of Scotland’s premier performance spaces. Paisley’s Central Library will move into a former retail space in the heart of the town’s High Street and will open in November, following £7 million of investment. Paisley Arts Centre will reopen in 2024, following a significant investment that will create a more intimate performance space for audiences and performers.
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Jason Manford to play Paisley Town Hall as part of tour
Comedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Set sail for Paisley and enjoy a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas!
Ahoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MORE
Paisley Town Hall bells mark Imagination Library becoming permanent
Much loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
Crowds celebrate the summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Thousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Grab your free reusable cup!
Fancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORE
Thorn Athletic and Inchinnan Development Trust to create brand new artificial pitches in Renfrewshire
Two major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Refurbished play park is a big success with local pupils
Pupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Clan Wrestling returns to Braehead Arena with former WWE Champions
After their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire invited to honour Armed Forces community
The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORE
Works set to be undertaken to restore historic Kilbarchan Steeple buildings
Councillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Young people to choose their winners as Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund voting opens
Voting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORE
Get set for summer at Barshaw Gala Day
Crowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
XSite Braehead accelerates into summer with a major car event
On Saturday, 28th June, Chrome 'n' Classics will host its annual event in the XSite car park for the first time – showcasing over 200 classic, custom, American, and vintage cars!
READ MORE
Programme revealed for the 2025 Sma Shot Day celebrations
Paisley town centre will host a day-long programme of entertainment this summer to celebrate Sma' Shot Day – one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.
READ MORE
Ready, Steady, Go! Paisley CarFest is back this weekend!
Paisley's CarFest is returning to Paisley town centre this Saturday, 14th June, with a fun day out for all the family guaranteed!
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Star supporting Gary Barlow visits Kibble kids in Paisley for music session
Rising music star and Channel 4's The Piano winner Brad Kella visited Kibble's Goudie Academy to meet with care-experienced young people, share his story and inspire the next generation of musicians.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Local people invited to have their say on proposed Brown Institute garden
Renfrewshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses and partners to have their say on proposals for a public garden on the site of the former Brown Institute in Renfrew.
READ MORE
MINISO debuts this week at Braehead Shopping Centre
Braehead Shopping Centre is pleased to officially welcome MINISO, the brand's first store in the West of Scotland, opening at 12pm on Friday 6th June.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links