Staff will welcome visitors back into the Watt Institution in Inverclyde tomorrow.
The Watt Institution has been closed for several months to allow for the installation of a new bespoke glass lift to improve accessibility to upper levels for wheelchairs, prams, and people with mobility issues, and for other upgrades.
While work is continuing on the lift installation, new exhibitions in the Watt Hall and the art gallery will be available to view, and the James Watt Library will reopen.
The museum floorspace will also be reconfigured in the coming weeks so the museum can begin welcoming visitors into parts of its exhibition space from Saturday 10 October, in time for the October week school holiday.
This phased approach will allow the public to enjoy elements of the museum once again, concurrent with the completion of remaining works.
While the building was closed, staff took the opportunity to work on cataloguing, digitising and building a greater understanding of the vast museum collections – important tasks that are not easy to undertake while the building is open.
Once all parts of the building are accessible once again, visitors will be able to enjoy new displays and benefit from an increased number of objects on display.
Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s convener of education and communities, said: “I am delighted the Watt Institution is reopening.
“Although the lift is not yet fully operational, it is right that we take the time to do this properly.
“We need to be sympathetic to the listed building and ensure there is no further disruption.
“While the building has been closed, staff have been working hard to bring more of the museum’s vast collection to life, interpreting it for the 21st Century.
“It is also positive news that it is reopening in time for the 150th anniversary of the McLean Museum, which first opened on 3 November 1876.
“I am looking forward to getting back inside and seeing what’s familiar - and what is new - and I’m sure many others are too.”
The reopening of the Watt Hall, Watt Library, McLean Art Gallery and Egyptian Gallery means popular activities and meetings of the Philosophical Society will be able to resume.
More details on special exhibitions and events to celebrate the McLean Museum’s 150th anniversary year will be announced soon.
The Watt Institution is open every Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.