Further information
Future Plans
The major projects of 2011-12 include developments at York Castle Museum, York Art Gallery and the Museum Gardens. At York Castle Museum we are planning to landscape the green area behind the museum to improve the riverside area along the River Foss. The plan also includes restoring Raindale Mill to full working order and creating a relaxing outdoor experience for visitors. We are also looking into how we might interpret the castle area as more of the original castle becomes more visible to visitors. We are also planning an extension to Kirkgate, the Victorian street, introducing 'real' people whose lives we have been researching who will 'populate' the street. This project will also improve the public facilities.
A long term plan has always been to expand the Museum Gardens behind the York Art Gallery creating greater connectivity with new pathways to Exhibition Square and Marygate. We are also exploring with Ushida Findlay Architects how we might expand the internal space within the floorspace of York Art Gallery to create more galleries for the collections and improve the public spaces. Our ambition is to continue to develop the botanical status of the Museum Gardens, improve St Leonard's Hospital with lighting and information panels and create an exciting public programme of cultural events starting with the return of York Mystery Plays as our first event.