The redevelopment will also ensure all areas of the museum are fully accessible with lifts and full flat access throughout.
Darren Henley, Chief Executive at Arts Council England said: “It is particularly important that we’re making this happen in communities where cultural investment has historically been low.”
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Libraries, added: “Our funding is helping both to create new venues and to adapt existing ones to make them more accessible, helping to deliver the government’s plan to make sure that everyone, no matter where they live or what their background, has access to excellent, life-changing cultural opportunities.”
The refurbishment of the museum and art gallery has also received funding from Herefordshire Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Stronger Towns Fund.