Manchester Museum reopens with new galleries exploring South Asian diaspora and Chinese culture

Manchester Museum reopens on 18 February after a major architectural transformation designed by Purcell. The publicly funded redevelopment includes a two-story extension housing new galleries. A new Exhibition Hall opens with a Dinosaur display and Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibition that challenges Victorian narratives. The South Asia Gallery, developed in partnership with the British Museum, becomes the UK's first permanent space exploring South Asian diasporas. Co-curated by the South Asia Gallery Collective of 30 community leaders, educators and artists, it examines connections between South Asia and Britain while exploring contemporary culture through historical artefacts. The Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery and Belonging Gallery also debut, with the latter negotiating ideas of belonging through migration stories. Themes of cultural exchange and lived experiences guide these new spaces. The museum is part of the University of Manchester.