Purcell wins Manchester Museum appointment

Purcell is delighted to have been appointed as architect for the Courtyard Project at Manchester Museum, part of The University of Manchester. The design team have been praised for not only for demonstrating their understanding of the historic fabric of the Grade II* listed buildings, but also for their response to transforming the experience of visiting.

The project will transform the museum with a major two-storey extension, a new main entrance, and much-improved visitor facilities inspired by a new ethos of a ‘museum for life’. A key feature of the project will be a permanent South Asia Gallery created in a landmark partnership with the British Museum.

This project is a highly significant commission, giving our architects the opportunity to combine decades of experience as the country’s leading experts in the repair and reuse of historic buildings, with a growing ambition to produce the very best contemporary architecture.

Ralph Appelbaum Associates will lead the interpretive exhibition design. The project team also includes project manager Buro Four, structural engineer Buro Happold and M&E engineer Max Fordham.

Project architect Rob Chambers commented: “The new galleries at the museum will provide much needed improvements to the building and will be an exemplar demonstration of high quality design in a historically sensitive cultural landmark. The practice is thrilled to be collaborating with The University of Manchester and we look forward to delivering an innovative response to this exciting site in the heart of the museum.”