Ulster Museum reopens after £17m facelift

22 October 2009 -

One of the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland, the Ulster Museum, will reopen in Belfast today following a £17 million refurbishment.

The facility closed in October 2006 and will open 80 years after it was built with a new exhibition from Irish-born artist Sean Scully.

During the renovation, the building was overhauled with a three-storey Window On Our World exhibition area being opened, in addition to new state-of-the-art learning facilities and a 20ft dinosaur skeleton.

However, one of the star attractions in Northern Ireland's largest museum is Peter - a polar bear who was previously a resident in Belfast Zoo until his death in 1972.

Dr Jim McGreevy, director of collections and interpretation at the museum, said: "The redevelopment has entirely transformed the museum and allowed us to create much more engaging galleries and exhibitions."

The museum is split into three main zones - art, nature and history - with each section allowing people to touch and feel some of the exhibits.

An official opening ceremony took place this morning at 11:30 BST, with the public being allowed in after this. Entry is free for all the family.