Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a transformative £50 million investment for the Ulster Folk Museum to drive its ambitious "Reawakening" project.

The initiative aims to modernise the museum's facilities, improve public access to historical collections, and ensure the site remains a vital link to Ulster's heritage for future generations.

The project is backed by £40 million from the Department for Communities and a further £10 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund—marking the fund's largest contribution in Northern Ireland over the last decade. National Museums NI is also seeking additional support from philanthropic sources and funding trusts to further enhance the project's impact.

Minister Gordon Lyons stated: "For more than 60 years, the Ulster Folk Museum has preserved, shared and celebrated the traditions, skills and ways of life of the people of Ulster, past and present, and this investment is vital to ensure our heritage is retained for future generations. The Reawakening Project will see the Ulster Folk Museum transform to a multi-layered heritage and environment resource, which sustains more relevant and active connections with its audiences. This marks a profound shift in the museum's positioning. The Reawakening is not just about reinvestment – it's about reimagining the museum's purpose to ensure it thrives for the next 25 years and beyond as a vibrant, relevant and indispensable resource for society."

The project addresses a long-term lack of investment at the site, with many existing facilities currently deemed unfit for purpose. The new vision focuses on identity, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of traditional skills. Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, commented: "The Ulster Folk Museum has had limited investment for decades, and some of its facilities are no longer fit for purpose. Our Reawakening project will deliver lasting and measurable social and economic value. We have been advocating Ulster Folk Museum's potential as a heritage asset for a number of years. Today's confirmation of support from the Minister and his Department is a significant and exciting milestone. We are also grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their instrumental support on our journey."

She added: "The Ulster Folk Museum's collection is a people's collection. It has never been more relevant to our lives than today. These objects and stories reflect shared experiences and different traditions from across Ulster and help people better understand who we all are. This co-ordinated investment allows us to prioritise the themes of identity, the environment, and learning and skills, across the museum experience, ensuring Ulster Folk Museum will serve communities for generations to come."

The Reawakening project is also expected to generate economic benefits through job creation and the promotion of heritage craft skills for all age groups.

Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "It's wonderful to see National Museums NI bring together a funding package that will reawaken the much-loved Ulster Folk Museum. Thanks to National Lottery players we're able to commit £10million that so far has helped lay the groundwork and will now deliver this visionary project that will connect people to heritage that is accessible, relevant, sustainable and valued. At the same time as improving facilities, opening up collections and focussing on the natural environment, the project provides opportunities for creating and sustaining jobs and sharing heritage and craft skills alongside learning experiences for all ages."