National Railway Museum's £11 Million Station Hall Reopening Marks 50th Anniversary
On 26 September 2025, the National Railway Museum in York will mark its 50th anniversary by reopening Station Hall after an £11 million renovation. Station Hall, constructed in the 1870s, has served as the museum's core since 1990, offering multimedia narratives and restored architectural features. Director Craig Bentley emphasizes enhancements such as a roof designed for thermal efficiency. A new exhibition will provide a fresh perspective on rail vehicles and display significant items, including Queen Victoria's funeral wreath and the renovated Countess of York dining car. Since its opening on 27 September 1975, the museum has attracted nearly 40 million visitors and boasts the largest railway collection in the world. The anniversary weekend, 27-28 September, will align with Railway 200, featuring a variety of events.
Key facts
- Station Hall reopens 26 September 2025 after £11 million transformation
- National Railway Museum celebrates 50th anniversary on 27 September 2025
- Museum opened 27 September 1975 as first national museum outside London
- Station Hall originally built in 1870s as York's main goods station
- Museum houses world's largest railway collection including Mallard and Flying Scotsman
- New exhibition features Queen Victoria's funeral wreath and Windrush migrant photographs
- Anniversary weekend coincides with Railway 200 bicentenary celebrations
- Museum has welcomed nearly 40 million visitors since opening
Entities
Artists
- Craig Bentley
- Eleanor Sutherland
- Drew Forsyth
Institutions
- National Railway Museum
- Aesthetica Magazine
- WHSmith
- Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery
Locations
- York
- United Kingdom
- London
- Edinburgh
- Caribbean
- London Waterloo