The National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire has been awarded £492,880 from Arts Council England’s Museum Estates and Development Fund to preserve and enhance one of its most significant buildings, the Great Exhibition Hall.

This major investment will support a programme of essential refurbishment works focused on three key areas: the roof, windows, and lighting. The roof works will prevent leaks and protect the building’s structure, while improvements to the original cast iron window frames will strengthen their structural integrity and reduce harmful UV light that can damage the paintwork of historic tramcars. In addition, a new extended lighting track will be installed to significantly enhance the display and visibility of the trams.

The Great Exhibition Hall is the largest single building on site and, now 35 years old, plays a critical role in the museum’s operations. It houses 25 tramcars and historic vehicles, forming a core part of the museum’s nationally significant collection, including some of its oldest exhibits dating back to 1873.

Roger Shelley, Funding Manager at the National Tramway Museum, said:

“The Great Exhibition Hall is central to our visitor experience, and this investment recognises the importance of safeguarding what we already have – a collection of historic trams designated for their national significance.

“As well as carrying out vital repairs to the roof and windows, these improvements will benefit all visitors by enhancing lighting and creating a more engaging and visually appealing exhibition space. We’re incredibly grateful to Arts Council England for their confidence in our work and for their support in helping secure the future of this key building.”

The National Tramway Museum, formerly known as Crich Tramway Village, has been welcoming visitors for over 60 years and is home to more than 80 historic trams, with around 20 operating regularly.

Works on the Great Exhibition Hall will be carefully planned to minimise disruption, with the majority taking place during the winter closure period. The project is currently scheduled for completion by the end of March 2027.

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said:

“Museums can inspire us, provide connection, and help us to make sense of the world around us.”

The Museum Estates and Development Fund aims to ensure that important cultural buildings like the Great Exhibition Hall are protected, allowing their collections to be enjoyed by future generations.

 

About the National Tramway Museum

The National Tramway Museum, based in Crich, Derbyshire, is an accredited museum dedicated to the preservation and celebration of tramway history. With a vast collection of heritage trams, a recreated period street, and a stunning rural setting, the museum offers an immersive experience that connects visitors with the story of public transport in Britain.