Join to explore two remarkable chapters of Belfast’s heritage and their redevelopment projects.

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Join us for another NI Museums Council members study trip. This time we will be exploring two remarkable chapters of Belfast’s heritage and their redevelopment projects to learn about the process, challenges and ambitions of each one.

Riddel’s Warehouse, built in 1867 for the John Riddel ironmongery company, is one of the city’s best-preserved Victorian industrial landmarks and UNTOLD Museum, housed in a restored historic linen warehouse, brings to life 350 years of stories about Irish men and women who served in the British Army. Today, both sites are at the heart of major heritage-led regeneration projects. Riddel’s Warehouse is undergoing extensive restoration to preserve its unique Victorian architecture and transform it into a vibrant cultural and creative space for Belfast. Meanwhile, UNTOLD is developing a state-of-the-art museum across Belfast and Enniskillen, with new Belfast galleries at 28 Bedford Street set to present immersive exhibitions exploring 350 years of Irish military heritage.

Agenda

10:00am - 11:45am: Riddel's Warehouse

Presentation on redevelopment project followed by a full tour of the building

11:45am - 12pm: Movement break. Delegates make their way to UNTOLD, 28 Bedford Street.

12pm - 2pm: UNTOLD

Tea/coffee and scones upon arrival

Tour of building and presentation of redevelopment project

Who is this event for?

This event is free to all individual members of NI Museums Council and those working for an institutional member. Charges are applied for non members. Spaces are limited to 20 people.

This event will be of interest to all but would be of particular interest to anyone undergoing or thinking of embarking on their own museum redevelopment as there will be opportunities for discussion and peer sharing.

Important Information for Riddel's Warehouse:

Riddel's Warehouse is a historic building at risk. This full tour will allow delegates to experience the authentic historic surroundings and to understand the scope of the project and its challenges in its early stages.

Delegates are encouraged to dress warm and are warned that there are narrow stairs and no toilet facilities on site at present.

While Hearth Historic Buildings Trust are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible space at Riddel's, the nature of the building means that in this stage of the project the building is inaccessible to wheelchair users at present. Those with mobility requirements are welcome to join us for the rest of the event, however, we will be travelling to the second venue by foot (approx. 15 mins).

More About the Projects:

Hearth was set up as a building preservation trust in 1972. Since then it has carried out some twenty projects across the province, and many more in association with its former housing association arm. Since acquiring Riddel’s Warehouse ten years ago it has carried out numerous repairs and hosted some 200 “meanwhile use” events.

UNTOLD Stories of the Irish in the British Army is bringing together seven regimental collections for the first time, creating a new inclusive museum that will examine the development of Irish service in the British Army during a fascinating period of societal growth. These stories will look beyond medals and uniforms to look at the individuals; soldiers, mothers, communities, medics, everyone who supports an army into being. UNTOLD's Belfast galleries will be created at No. 28 Bedford Street, linking the linen industry and the army, and highlighting the building's own important heritage.

Description supplied by the event organiser.