A York museum’s leaky roof will be fixed thanks with the help of a £2m grant from the government.
The money, for the Yorkshire Museum, is among investment for our region announced today from the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund.
These are the recipients:
- Scarborough Theatre Trust Ltd – £2.7m
- Yorkshire Museum – £2m
- Ryedale Folk Museum – £350,676.
They are among 130 venues nationally chosen for a share of £127.8 million for the first round of projects being supported by the fund.
The Yorkshire Museum’s £2 million comes after owner the York Museums Trust warned in 2024 that leaks from its roof had put its future in the Grade I-listed building at risk.
The venue, in Museum Gardens, first opened in 1830 and is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the country.
Plans lodged that year stated the museum could be forced to move out of the building if the roof was not fixed.
Water has got into cabinets housing Roman objects and a pool was seen gathering on top of one containing Ice Age artefacts.
Plans also stated leaks had gotten so severe that it was stopping the museum loaning out items from its collection and repairing leaks was taking up ever more resources.
Museum Senior Curator Dr Andrew Woods warned at the time unique objects in its collection could be damaged beyond repair if the leaks continue.
Dr Woods added the venue could lose an estimated £500,000-a-year in revenue due to its inability to invest as a result of the damage, putting its financial viability at risk.
A spokesperson for the York Museums Trust (YMT), which runs the venue, said the funding would allow it complete the first phase of repairs over the next two years.
The total cost of works is forecast to be around £5 million.
Scarborough and Ryedale joy
The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough described its grant as “the most wonderful news”.
A spokesperson said: “We’re beyond delighted to share we’ve been awarded £2.7m from the Arts Council’s Creative Foundations Fund to fully refurbish our McCarthy Auditorium.
“The refurbishment’s scheduled for summer 2027, and during this time, performances will continue as usual in the Round while the McCarthy’s closed.
“Plans include upgrading the existing original seats, fixing our leaking roof, installing new toilets and a bar, creating a breakout space for our dementia-friendly work, and making the whole space more accessible and wheelchair-friendly.”
The Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton le Hole said its grant “will help repair and replace tiled roofs around the Museum and allow us to rethatch the Manor House (Harome Hall), Crofter’s Cottage, Stang End and Pickard’s Cottage. Wow!
Access the arts
Labour Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith said the funding showed the Government recognised how important it was for people to access the arts.
The mayor said: “Millions of people flock to York and North Yorkshire every year to enjoy our ancient cities, stunning seaside towns, gorgeous countryside, and charming market towns.
“Visitors and residents alike have access to some of the best cultural venues in the country, like Scarborough Theatre, Yorkshire Museum, and the Ryedale Folk Museum.
“This funding is going to strengthen their offer and make sure more people can enjoy some of our best theatres and museums.”
