05 March 2010
Ideas have always been worth fighting for
Friday 5 March sees the official opening of the People’s History
Museum in Manchester with the Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP. The museum is
a unique centre which explores many of the world-changing ideas
fought for by the working people of Britain and charts the history
of democracy from the early 18th century to date.
The museum’s extensive £12.5 million re-development project has
been supported by a £7.18 million grant from the Heritage Lottery
Fund (HLF), with £2 million from the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA) and additional funding from the European Regional
Development Fund (ERDF).
Dr Nick Mansfield, Director of the People’s History Museum
said:
“The stories behind the rights we take for granted - time off, the
vote, social security, the NHS - deserve to be celebrated, and
we’re delighted to represent the history of the working people of
Britain in such an incredible new space, alongside our beautifully
restored former home in the city’s Edwardian Pump House. We’re
incredibly grateful to all of our supporters and look forward to
welcoming visitors to see our amazing collection and new
exhibitions programme.”
Dr Robert Bewley, Director of Operations at the Heritage Lottery
Fund, said:
"The People’s History Museum does exactly what it says on the tin!
For over thirty years it has championed stories charting two
centuries-worth of ongoing struggle for democracy and social
justice in Britain. The Heritage Lottery Fund is delighted to have
played a role in safeguarding the future of this wonderful museum,
enabling it to build a four-storey extension as well as create an
innovative and far-reaching education programme."
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said:
“We have many fantastic museums across the Northwest and the
revitalised People’s History Museum can rightfully take its place
amongst the best. It’s a unique, world-class attraction which will
draw more people to the region and help cement our reputation as a
leading cultural destination.”
The museum opened the doors to visitors on Saturday 13 February for
previews. Since then over five thousand visitors have been through
the doors emerging enthralled by the real life stories and precious
historical objects they have seen.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For further information about the museum please contact Karen Moore
or Daisy Nicholson on 0161 838 9190 or karen.moore@phm.org.uk/daisy.nicholson@phm.org.
The People’s History Museum is an independent charity. It is
accredited as a national museum by Museums, Libraries and Archives
and was awarded designated status by the Department of Culture,
Media and Sport, which recognises the museum as having pre-eminent
collections of national importance.
The £12.5 million re-development of the museum has been funded by a
variety of organisations - £7.18 million by the Heritage Lottery
Fund (HLF), £2 million from the Northwest Regional Development
Agency (NWDA), £2 million from Manchester City Council (MCC), and
with additional support from the European Regional Development Fund
(ERDF), Unite, Clothworkers’ Foundation, Professional Footballer’s
Association (PFA), Allied London, Department of Work and Pensions
and DCMS/Wolfson Foundation.
People's History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester M3
3ER
Tel/fax 0161 838 9190 Web www.phm.org.uk
Registered as National Museum of Labour History, Charity no.
295260