First images of Science and Industry Museum attraction that has been missing since 2019

Since 2019, the Grade II-listed building has been temporarily closed to allow for crucial restoration works

New images show how an integral part of the Science and Industry Museum could look when it reopens this summer.

Since closing in 2019, The Power Hall has undergone crucial restoration works to future-proof it for years to come, including urgent roof and timber repairs, new windows and doors and wider building conservation.

Now, CGIs give visitors an idea of what they can expect to see in advance of the reopening of a reimagined attraction.

The Power Hall is one of the most beloved industrial heritage galleries in the country. It houses one of the UK's largest collections of steam engines, the majority of which were built in Greater Manchester.

As part of the reimagined gallery, the museum has collaborated with architect and lead designer Carmody Groake to improve the Power Hall experience and conserve the building’s history.

Kate Chatfield, Interpretation and Content Manager at the Science and Industry Museum, said: “Power Hall: The Law Family Gallery will be a must-see Manchester experience - a living gallery that showcases a unique collection of historic 19th and early 20th century working engines to tell the story of Manchester as an epicentre for the engine-driven ideas and industry that shaped the world as we know it today.

“Our most iconic objects will be available to explore like never before as we bring to life the people behind the power through stories of the engineers, makers and technicians who use their skills and senses to create and care for engines, both today and in the past.”

The space will allow visitors to rediscover their favourite objects from fresh perspectives, and uncover the stories behind those who powered and continue to power Manchester’s industry.

The Power Hall will explore the building blocks of the relationship between human and engine that was born in Manchester and endures to this day.

Alongside these new experiences, the much-loved exhibits and atmosphere that visitors will recall from before 2019 will be retained.

The space will provide a sensory experience through the sounds, smells and sights of Manchester’s past and present industry, and be a lively, working gallery full of engines and rail vehicles.

Three main themes will guide visitors through the hall including Making More, which will explore how engines helped people to make more, faster – featuring the steam engines factory and mill owners eagerly installed to boost their productivity and profits from the 1800’s onwards, at a cost to people and the environment.

Meanwhile, Powering Lives will examine how engines power the electricity network we plug into, and touch on how today’s scientists and engineers are developing more sustainable ways to power our lives.

And lastly, Connecting Places will take a closer look at how people used locomotives to connect communities around the world.

Starting at the site of the museum, which in 1830 was the Manchester terminus of the pioneering Liverpool and Manchester Railway, it will explore the factors that sparked a transport revolution.

The work to reimagine the hall is part of a multi-million pound regeneration project currently taking place across the Science and Industry Museum.

It aims to conserve the museum’s historic buildings and reveal new spaces for all visitors to enjoy, play and learn in.

The project has been made possible with the support of funders, including £6million from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and additional funding from the Science Museum Group.

The title funder is The Law Family Charitable Foundation, whose £3million donation is the museum's largest philanthropic gift to date.

The Power Hall is due to reopen in Summer 2025.