The Carlisle hotspot, which closed in December 2023 as part of ‘Project Tullie‘, was originally scheduled to reopen earlier this summer.
Timings were then pushed back again to Autumn 2024, although certain aspects of the museum have been open in recent months, including the popular Backing the Blues exhibition.
However, in a social media post, it has been confirmed that the grand reopening will happen on Saturday, February 15, more than 12 months on from the initial announcement.
The post reads: “Firstly, thanks so much for your patience while we complete this stage of redevelopment. We are extremely grateful that you’ve supported us over the last few months by visiting Backing the Blues, the Roman Frontier Gallery and the temporary café.
“We will be delighted to welcome you for a full reopening from Saturday, February 15 2025 with a new welcome area, ground-floor Carlisle Gallery, transformed café and shop. We know we said autumn, but this additional time will ensure that Tullie will be ready to receive visitors and give the highest quality experience for you all.
“Ahead of the new year, we’re thrilled to tell you that from November 23, as well as opening Sheila Fell: Cumberland on Canvas, we will be reopening the Border Galleries, The Costume Collection and Old Tullie House.
“Over the past year, the Border Galleries has had some essential maintenance carried out and been used for storage making it inaccessible to the public.
“We’re putting objects back in place, giving it a tidy and opening it up so you have some more time to soak up the 90s nostalgia ahead of the exciting changes we have planned for the space later in 2025.”
To get all these spaces ready for November 23, Tullie will also close the whole site, including the pop-up café, for two weeks from November 11 until November 23.
Tullie added: “Current redevelopment work is made possible with funding by the UK Government, including support from the UK Government’s Town’s Fund and Future High Streets Fund. Further supported with public funding from HM Government administered by Arts Council England. Café refurbishment supported by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”
More details of reopening events are coming soon, as well as details of the museum’s 2025 exhibitions programme.