The Holburne Museum of Art

Museums and Galleries

Heritage and Listed Buildings

Landscaping

NLHF and ACE funded projects

Arts and Heritage

Project Overview

The Holburne Museum

Client

Bath, Somerset

Location

Programme

Funder

Funder

Programme

Bath, Somerset

Location

Programme

Funder

Our Role

We were appointed as Project Manager and supported the client through the development and delivery of this major heritage-led scheme. Our role included securing NLHF Round Two funding, procuring and coordinating the design team, and guiding the project through a sensitive balance of conservation, contemporary design and public access requirements.

Project Details:

The project included the restoration and refurbishment of the Grade I Listed museum, the new build 3 storey contemporary extension that provided new gallery spaces, education and community facilities.

The Holburne Museum resides at the end of Great Pulteney Street looking out on the Sydney Heritage Gardens to the rear in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath. The works were carried out within these extensive landscaped gardens and included the complete revision to the layouts of the front and rear of the museum and to restore the grounds to their original layouts following extensive alterations, additions and omissions during the preceding years. 

The new and modern extension to the rear of the Grade I listed museum had the unenviable task of providing over 100% additional floor space without detracting from the beauty and setting of the original building. This was achieved by the extensive use of glass and bespoke ceramic panels to reflect the historic gardens allowing the extension to blend more naturally into its surroundings.

Funding:

  • Sponsorship

  • The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Key Outcomes

Transformation of a nationally significant Grade I listed museum

Improved accessibility and clarity of public function

High-quality permanent and temporary exhibition spaces

Enhanced learning, café and public facilities

Successful integration of contemporary architecture within a World Heritage setting

Related Project

Quarr Abbey

The project will deliver a new building housing exhibition space, learning facilities and visitor welcome, and will also convert an Old Deanery building into a cafe and community space.