POOLE Museum has been awarded £450,000 from Arts Council England.

The money will be used for new exhibition galleries and improvements to digital infrastructure, accessibility and sustainability.

Owned and operated by BCP Council, the museum is currently closed for a £7.7 million redevelopment, which includes the conservation, restoration, and remodelling of all three of the museum's listed buildings supported with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This Arts Council England investment at the museum is supporting a new, larger temporary exhibition gallery that will be one of a string of significant galleries showing contemporary art along the south coast.

An ambitious programme of first-rate exhibitions from national museums, collections, and artists will build on the museum's reputation for high-quality exhibitions.

Cllr Andy Martin, portfolio holder for customer, communications, and culture, said: "With investment from Arts Council England, our remodelled and improved galleries and spaces represent a significant cultural opportunity for the local area.

"We are committed to first-rate, ambitious, and inclusive programming that will see Poole Museum thrive as an outstanding cultural venue and be more sustainable and resilient.

"There will be much more on offer for everyone, ensuring many, many more people can take part and be creative."

Poole Museum's collection of Poole Pottery is the largest and best public collection in the world.

A new ceramics and design gallery, including a creative studio and workspace, will showcase and open-up this collection, collaborating with local artists and makers through changing displays and a vibrant programme of activity for all.

Improvements will also include new accessible toilets, new LED lighting throughout the new spaces, and new digital displays throughout the museum, providing opportunities for greater flexibility and increased engagement.

Phil Gibby, south west area director, Arts Council England, said: "We are thrilled to be investing over £2.7 million in ten organisations throughout the South West. Through our Capital Investment Programme, we're helping the cultural sector upgrade its infrastructure and seize new opportunities.

"Post-pandemic, this public funding matters more than ever to staff, volunteers and visitors. We can't wait to see plans take shape."

The museum is expected to open in spring 2025.