Party time as Bolton Museum welcomes more than 275,000 visitors

17 Sep 2019 11:02
Published by: Daniel Almond

More than 275,000 people have flocked to Bolton Museum since last September, after a £3.8 million refurbishment.

 

And to celebrate one year of the new galleries being open, the Museum will be throwing open its doors this Saturday from 11am to 3pm to host a huge free party – and everyone is invited.

 

There will be lots for children of all ages to enjoy, including traditional party games, balloon modelling, cake decorating, face painting and circus skills.

 

Activities will be taking place in the museum’s new galleries - Bolton’s Egypt, Bolton’s History, Bolton’s Nature, and Bolton’s Art.

 

The centrepiece of the £3.8 million revamp is Bolton’s Egypt, which features a full-sized recreation of the tomb of Thutmose III, which attracted almost 10,000 visitors on its first day alone.

 

The galleries have been complemented by a number of activities which have helped Bolton Museum buck a national trend in declining footfall.

Events have included late night openings, guided tours and more than 280 class visits for 8,500 schoolchildren.

Leader of Bolton Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority portfolio lead for culture, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “It is fantastic to see that the new galleries are attracting more people than ever before to our wonderful Museum.

 

“Everyone who comes to see Bolton’s Egypt is blown away by the tremendous artefacts on display, its interactivity and how it manages to bring that fascinating period of history to life.

 

“We are delighted that visitors are enjoying it so much and it seems fitting to have a big party to celebrate the news. And even better, the whole event is free for all the family.”

 

Breightmet Library is also celebrating its 10th birthday on Saturday. Come along from 2pm to 4pm for storytelling, a live Ukulele band, and games.

 

For more information about what’s on at Bolton Library and Museum visit www.boltonlams.co.uk, follow @BoltonLMS on Twitter or @boltonlibraryandmuseumservices on Facebook.

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