Museum reopens following major renovation

Hsin-Yi LoSouth East
News imageWorthing Theatres and Museum A collection of period costumes displayed inside a museum.Worthing Theatres and Museum
Worthing Museum and Art Gallery has been subject to a major renovation

A West Sussex museum has reopened following a major renovation.

Worthing Museum was closed in March 2025 so it could be connected to the Worthing Heating Network, a low-carbon scheme which aims to deliver local heating and hot water to properties across the town.

A museum spokesperson said the revamp included "revitalised galleries and displays", and improved environmental controls to provide more consistent temperature and humidity levels to safeguard its collections.

Gerry Connolly, head of museums and exhibitions said the return of its Open26 exhibition, which celebrates local artists, was a "reminder that the museum belongs to everyone".

"We've also taken the opportunity to rethink how the collections are presented, bringing new attention to the everyday stories that make our collections so distinctive," he added.

News imageWorthing Theatres and Museum Visitors admiring a series of paintings at a museum.Worthing Theatres and Museum
The museum was closed for one year while it was being connected to the Worthing Heating Network

The museum, which reopened on Saturday, says its interiors have also been restored using new heritage paint colours to complement the building's character.

The museum holds more than 30,000 pieces in its costume collection which includes Princess Amelia's slippers, decorative arts, social history, toys and archaeological objects including an extensive collection of Roman coins.

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