Ipswich Museum

MICA have been appointed by Ipswich Borough Council to develop proposals on behalf of Colchester and Ipswich Museums, to restore, refurbish and redevelop this unique and special museum.

Proposals along with restoration of the external fabric, include the creation of informed connections between entrance, circulation, and galleries to increase levels of accessibility across the site. The project integrates this heritage sensitive approach with a fresh interpretative exhibition design fit-out which celebrates many of the Victorian features and architectural elements lost over the years.

In December 2018 the project was successful in securing Stage 1 Heritage Lottery Funding, which includes the original 1879 Museum Building by Horace Cheston, the 1900 George Street Extension, and the 1887 Former Free Library, which are all Grade 2 listed. The wider Museum complex is home to partner organisations: Ipswich Art College, Pacitti Company, and the New Wolsey Theatre, and Designs will improve connections through the museum by creating links between the North and South Wings, which will directly run through the Natural History Gallery and by the introduction of a generous stair to replace the steep and narrow circulation routes to the first floor galleries.