Tullie to Unveil Stunning New Welcome Space, Shop and Carlisle Gallery on 26 April 2025
Tullie to Unveil Stunning New Welcome Space, Shop and Carlisle Gallery on 26 April 2025
Tullie, Cumbria’s largest museum set in the heart of Carlisle’s Historic Quarter, is set to unveil its new revitalised spaces on Saturday 26 April 2025.
This exciting transformation will enhance the visitor experience with a modernised welcome area and entrance, a brand-new shop, and the newly developed Carlisle Gallery, which will showcase the rich history of the iconic border city.
For this ambitious project, Tullie has partnered with De Matos Ryan Architects, the celebrated design team behind the recent redevelopment of the Young V&A. Their vision has infused the museum with new purpose and vibrancy, reinforcing its role as a cultural hub in the heart of the city.
The redesigned Carlisle Gallery will highlight the breadth and variety of objects in the museum’s care, exploring themes such as the wild, social, industrial, and revolutionary forces that have shaped the city. This space invites visitors to discover the personal stories, struggles, and triumphs of the communities that have called Carlisle home. A key feature of the gallery will be Faunus, a thought-provoking new artwork by local artist Nicole Bishop. Inspired by the earliest biodiversity records from the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre recorded in 1512, Faunus offers a contemporary interpretation of Carlisle’s natural heritage.
The museum’s art offerings extend into the new welcome space, where visitors will be greeted by Serena Korda’s Hold Fast, Stand Sure, I Scream a Revolution—a striking, large-scale ceramic mushroom installation suspended from the ceiling. Acquired with support from Arts Council England, the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Art Fund, the Henry Moore Foundation, and Arts & Heritage, this major work is a significant addition to the museum’s contemporary collection.
The transformation also includes the revitalisation of Café Tullie, which reopened in February 2025 and has already proved to be hugely popular with locals and visitors.
The café now offers a unique dining experience serving locally sourced, sustainable produce surrounded by calming greenery and works from the museum collection. The new full menu for the café will be launching along with the opening of these new spaces and will feature street food, along with familiar favourites.
The new museum shop, curated to reflect Tullie’s ethos of creativity, inclusivity, and sustainability, will feature a selection of locally made, bespoke products, which take inspiration from the museum collection. This increased retail offer will also be the first time that the museum has had a high-street presence.
As part of the works, the Grade I Listed Gatehouse, a central feature of Carlisle’s streetscape, has also undergone a major restoration with funding from Historic England. The building has now been removed from the Heritage at Risk register following a full refurbishment, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Work on these spaces is one part of a phased futureplan to transform Tullie for future generations. In late 2025, work will begin on the next phase of this project, this time focused on the museum’s first-floor gallery spaces and creation of new learning facilities. As this exciting work progresses, the museum will remain open and continue to host world-class exhibitions, the next being Winifred Nicholson: Cumbrian Rag Rugs, opening 5 April 2025.
The project has been made possible with funding by the UK Government, including support from the UK Government’s Town Fund and Future High Streets Fund. Further supported with £2 million public funding from HM Government administered by Arts Council England. The refurbishment of Café Tullie has been supported by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. A grant from Historic England supported a full refurbishment of Tullie’s Grade I Listed Gatehouse, allowing for its removal from the Heritage at Risk register. Tullie, which has been an independent charitable trust since 2011, is owned by Cumberland Council and managed by Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery Trust. Direct funding from the council alongside funding secured from UK Government has already contributed nearly £4 million towards Project Tullie.
Cllr Anne Quilter, Portfolio Holder for Vibrant and Healthy Places at Cumberland Council, said:
“Carlisle is undergoing a transformative series of projects that will enhance our city’s economy and cultural offer. Tullie, as one of our flagship attractions, is central to this change. These exciting developments will provide a lasting legacy for both locals and visitors, enriching the cultural landscape of Carlisle for years to come.”
Emmie Kell, Director of Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England, added:
“We are thrilled to see the unveiling of Tullie’s new entrance and exhibition spaces. This redevelopment will allow even more visitors to explore Carlisle’s rich cultural history through its outstanding collections. It’s a pleasure to continue supporting Tullie in its mission to offer a vibrant and inclusive cultural experience to all.”
For more information and updates on Tullie’s upcoming events and exhibitions, visit tullie.org.uk
To learn more about what’s happening, follow Cumbria Guide on our social media
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