Museum of Gloucester awarded major funding from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund

The Museum of Gloucester is delighted to announce that it has been awarded significant funding from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund 2025-26. This vital investment of over £360,000 will enable the Museum to continue serving the people of Gloucester and beyond, ensuring that its remarkable collections of over 700,000 objects remain accessible to all, and supporting ambitious plans for the future.

The Museum Renewal Fund, a £20 million initiative from DCMS distributed by Arts Council England, is designed to support museums with strong local authority links, helping them to overcome financial challenges and safeguard their role at the heart of local communities.

With this funding, the Museum of Gloucester will be able to deliver a more rapid review of its collections, expand public engagement, and invest in new business and brand development, so that residents and visitors can connect with Gloucester’s rich heritage in new ways.

The grant will also allow for additional public engagement to ensure the voices of Gloucester’s communities are at the heart of decision-making, contributing to the Museum’s development, ensuring its future is relevant and inclusive.

Councillor Caroline Courtney, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that the Museum of Gloucester has been successful in securing this funding from Arts Council England. This investment will help us better serve our communities, expanding our ability to connect people to our city’s stories and treasures, and ensure our collections are preserved for future generations. It will also enable us to plan confidently for the future, strengthening the Museum’s role as a vibrant, inclusive hub for learning, inspiration, and civic pride.”