Imagine a treasure trove of history, brimming with stories waiting to be uncovered, yet locked away from curious eyes. That's the reality for many museum collections, but Beamish Museum is about to change that. Thanks to a generous £49,000 grant from Art Fund, the national charity championing museums and galleries, Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, is embarking on a mission to unlock its hidden gems. This funding, part of Art Fund's £1.3 million Reimagine programme, will breathe new life into Beamish's stored collections, making them more accessible than ever before.
But here's where it gets exciting: Beamish's 'Reclaim the Stores' project isn't just about dusting off old artifacts. It's a bold initiative to reopen the museum's beloved Open Store, shuttered since the pandemic, and reveal previously unseen treasures to the public. This means fresh perspectives, untold stories, and a deeper connection to the region's rich heritage.
Rhiannon Hiles, Beamish's Chief Executive, expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the museum's commitment to its community. 'As a charity and independent museum, we place our communities and people at the heart of everything we do,' she said. 'This funding allows us to expand access, co-create displays with our communities, and ultimately, reopen our Open Store, a space cherished by many.'
And this is the part most people miss: Beamish isn't just about preserving the past; it's about making it relevant today. With over three million objects in its care, the museum is a treasure trove of regional history, recently crowned Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025. Helen Barker, Executive Director of Collections and Programmes, highlights the transformative potential of this funding: 'We're reimagining how our stored collections can inspire, educate, and delight. By optimizing storage, enhancing accessibility, and investing in staff training, we're ensuring these objects continue to tell their stories for generations to come.'
Beamish, the North East's most visited attraction, welcomed nearly 839,000 visitors last year. With the completion of its largest-ever capital project, Remaking Beamish, the museum is poised for an ambitious future. The Reimagine programme, launched in 2020 to address pandemic-related challenges, has become a lifeline for UK museums. Art Fund's 2024 Museum Directors Survey revealed that 56% of museums struggle with funding for essential collection work, making this support more critical than ever.
Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund, underscores the significance of this initiative: 'At Art Fund, we believe in the power of collections to enrich lives. Supporting Beamish, our Museum of the Year 2025, through Reimagine allows us to preserve and share these treasures, ensuring they remain accessible and meaningful for future generations.'
But here’s the controversial part: In an era of digital dominance, is physical access to collections still relevant? While digitization is vital, there’s an irreplaceable value in experiencing history firsthand. Beamish’s approach bridges this gap, offering both tangible and digital engagement. What do you think? Is the physical connection to the past worth preserving, or should museums focus solely on virtual accessibility? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments!
This transformative funding is made possible by The Kirby Laing Foundation, Art Fund members, and supporters of the Expanding Horizons appeal. Together, they’re ensuring that Beamish’s collections continue to inspire, educate, and connect us all.
