The Thackray Medical Museum, in Leeds, has received a first-round pass* for funding of £1.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its Healthy Future project, it was announced today. The project aims to attract visitors from all walks of life to the museum by providing brand new exhibitions, updated visitor facilities, and making essential repairs and environmental improvements to the building.
Development funding of £154,600 has been awarded to help the Thackray Medical Museum progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.
The project aims to give the museum a healthy future by developing galleries with wide appeal, showcasing the historic contributions of Leeds medics and the medical technology industry, which thrives in Yorkshire. Museum staff will work with community groups and industry partners to explore how modern medicine has developed and how it continues to progress.
The Thackray Medical Museum first opened in March 1997, supported by an HLF grant of £3 million. Eighteen years old this month, the museum is now home to over 70,000 medical artefacts and books and receives over 60,000 visitors a year.
This landmark birthday has been made all the more special by the award, which has come as a bumper birthday present for the Museum.
Commenting on the award, Museum Chief Executive Joanne Bartholomew said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has renewed its support for the Thackray Medical Museum, especially coming as it does on the museum’s birthday! The museum is a major asset to Leeds and the Yorkshire region, and we aim to ensure that, in years to come, thousands of visitors from all walks of life will continue to be inspired by the fantastic medical heritage that we care for.”
Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and The Humber, said: “The Museum has proved to be a hit with visitors since it was established in 1997 with support from HLF. We look forward to receiving its detailed plans for the next stage in its development.”
