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Fire forces temporary closure at Milton Keynes Museum

Image: A photo from the scene (Milton Keynes Museum)

The museum is expected to close for two to three weeks as it recovers, buy reports no artefacts are considered damaged

A fire which broke out at Milton Keynes Museum during the early hours of this morning has forced its temporary closure, which is expected to last two to three weeks.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 5 February 2025, Firefighters were called to a fire in the area occupied by the Ccommunications Gallery, the museum said.

It is thought that a small amount of interactables are the extent of loss from the fire. The museum said “fortunately no artefact has been damaged.”

Last month the museum opened the doors of its new Ancient Gallery, concluding an eight year project. Among objects on display are the fossilised remains of an ancient marine reptile, and remnants of woolly mammoths and woolly rhinos.

Museum director Bill Griffiths said in statement: “It is incredibly sad to have this happen at any time, but coming so close to the launch of our new gallery is particularly upsetting,”

“We are incredibly grateful to the fire crews who worked so hard overnight, and currently remain on site damping down. They have been superb.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their well wishes and support,” Griffiths added.

“The Museum is at the heart of the community, and we’ve been buoyed by the volume of support we’ve received throughout the night and this morning.”

Milton Keynes Museum will be closed for the clean-up and repairs, but is expected to re-open within two to three weeks.

Milton Keynes Museum reveals new ancient history gallery

 

Prior to the fire, the museum had announced that its Ancient Gallery opening would be followed by the opening of its ‘New Gallery’, focusing on the city’s modern history.

It said further updates will be posted through the Museum’s social media channels.