The museum is home to an extensive range of collections from natural science to Egyptology, social history to world cultures. Its founder John Henslow was Darwin’s tutor and the Museum contains collections unique to the area and broader pioneering science.

Museum designers, Mather & Co, and architects Pringle Richards Sharratt won a competitive tender to redevelop the museum. Mather & Co will be responsible for designing nine galleries, a new café, reception and retail areas - bringing a contemporary vision to the original 19th century museum building. They also completed an Interpretation and Design Report to support the museum’s application to win the Heritage Fund grant. 

The redevelopment of Ipswich Museum is planned to be completed by Easter 2025.

“This redevelopment will do something really special and imaginative with our wonderful collections, in a building that was specifically designed to showcase them to the public. We are looking forward to working with the people of Ipswich and the Heritage Fund to inspire a new generation through Ipswich Museum,” said councillor Carole Jones, portfolio holder for museums for Colchester Borough Council.