The Rotunda Museum was designed to convey William Smith’s theory; that rocks could be ordered according to the fossils they contain. We want to capture this unique aspect of the Rotunda in the redisplay – the idea that a museum could be used to illustrate new theories, the excitement generated by Smith’s presence in Scarborough and the relevance of his work today. In returning the Museum to its original role we will create a centre of geology serving the Yorkshire region.
Concept
The first floor gallery, with its original tiers of cases and Phillips’ Geological Section, will present Smith’s ideas, capturing the flavour of a 19th century museum. Fossil specimens from Scarborough’s Collections, which would have formed part of the original displays, will be returned to the Museum and for the first time specimens from Smith’s own collection, on loan from the Natural History Museum, London, will be displayed.
© Blue Design
Geology Now will bring the Museum up to the 21st century, using multimedia to present current geological and environmental research. The Dinosaur Coast Gallery will make the link between the museum and the world outside; encouraging people to visit geological sites on the coast and enabling them to identify and register their fossil finds.
Shell UK Ltd will take a specific interest in Geology Now! This area of the Rotunda Museum will showcase current and cutting edge research, bringing it to life for all visitors to this unique museum.
© Blue Design
The approach to the Museum will be landscaped to create an appropriate setting and sense of arrival as well as providing spaces for outdoor events and activities.
Design
The Rotunda Museum sits on a cliff-face (albeit a gently sloping one). Delivering access for all has been a challenge which has shaped the project. An elegant solution has been identified which enhances the Museum. A new entrance will be created, at what is now basement level, and a lift will replace the central stair. Everyone, from mums and dads with toddlers, the elderly, wheelchair users and their families will be able to share the special nature of William Smith’s Rotunda Museum.
© Blue Design
Renaissance of Scarborough Museums & Gallery
The Rotunda Museum Project is a key element of the regeneration of Scarborough . It is also the first phase of a wider programme to revitalise the town’s Museums & Gallery.
The second phase of the redevelopment will generate a new Museum and Gallery for Scarborough in The Cultural Quarter based on The Crescent and Valley Gardens . This will provide new, state of the art exhibition galleries, storage and research facilities and a lifelong learning centre. The Rotunda will be linked with the new ‘Scarborough Museum & Gallery’ by interpretive trails through the historic Valley Gardens .
