Entrance Pavilion to International Slavery Museum © Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum set to close until 2028 as planning permission is approved
Planning permission has been granted for a major redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum.
The National Museums Liverpool redevelopment will see both venues close in early 2025 for works to begin, reopening to the public in 2028.
Works include the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building being transformed into a new entrance to the International Slavery Museum, and a new iron and glass bridge connecting its galleries to the Hartley Pavilion.
The Maritime Museum will see a transformed visitor welcome and orientation space and enhanced commercial facilities, including a shop, café and events spaces as part of the plans.
Laura Pye, Director, National Museums Liverpool, said planning approval was an important milestone, adding: “we have been guided by our community stakeholders and this bold and exciting approach is a testament to their energy, knowledge and experience, alongside the powerful collections and stories both museums hold.”
In January 2024, National Museums Liverpool announced the appointment of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios) as the new team leading the architectural design of the £58m project.
Kossy Nnachetta, Partner and Architect at the company, said: “This project – like both museums within it – embodies a determination that our collective and shared history is expressed.”
The redevelopment of the two museums is part of the wider Waterfront Transformation Project, which is designed to transform the area between the Royal Albert Dock and Mann Island, as well as revitalising waterfront facilities.
