And here is our first blog!

As you may already know, Epping Forest District Museum is now closed to the public. This is to undergo a major refurbishment project to extend and develop the museum on its existing site, making both the building and the collections more accessible to all.

One of the aims of this project is to bring together the majority of the museum’s collections. As well as creating an amazing storage space onsite, there will also be the addition of a new temporary exhibition gallery and an ‘Explore’ gallery providing access to the reserve collections. This will give both the staff and the public better access to the amazing collection of resources the Museum has to offer.

As well as improving the access to the collections the new developments, within the additional space above the library in 37 Sun Street, will provide a much needed community room. This space will mean that schools will have better resources, that family and toddler activities will have dedicated spaces and that the events and activities programme will grow.

Finally the other major and important part of this project will truly make the building completely accessible and this is the inclusion of a lift. This will mean that access will no longer be limited to the ground floors and allow everyone to visit all parts of the museum.

This project is really exciting for the Museum team who are looking forward to the fantastic developments that will be taking place. We also want to spread the word to the wider community so that everyone is aware of the future plans for the Museum. Along with making the visitor experience better the team involved in the project will make sure that the historical integrity of the building itself is maintained. The oldest part of the museum, a historic Grade II* listed Tudor timber framed house dating to 1520, will be interpreted and displayed as a significant historical structure in its own right.

Follow our blog to find out the behind the scenes action during the renovation work and lots more!