Communities Minister ‘reawakens’ the Ulster Folk Museum with £50m in funding

23rd January 2026

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £50million investment in the Ulster Folk Museum.

Photo caption: Pictured at the Ulster Folk Museum are Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI and Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund with Éowyn and Chester from Ballyholme Primary School.

The funding will support the delivery of the Reawakening project – a pivotal opportunity to improve the Ulster Folk Museum’s facilities, enhance access to collections and strengthen the museum’s role in helping people connect with their heritage.

The Minister said:

“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 will be funded by £40million through the Department for Communities and £10million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – the biggest grant from this fund in Northern Ireland in a decade. National Museums NI is also working with a number of funding trusts and philanthropists to explore other sources of funding, recognising the very significant benefits this project delivers and in line with the Framework for the Department’s Heritage, Culture and Creativity Programme.

Artist impressions of Culture Hub and Industry Zones, Hoskins Architects and Ralph Applebaum Associates.

Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI, said:

“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.

“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.”

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 focusing 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."

Read more about the plans on the Ulster Folk Museum website.