Armidale Folk Museum has re-opened after a months-long closure for accessibility upgrades, with $772,750 in NSW Government funding helping to bring one of the city’s most historic buildings into the modern era.
The Rusden Street museum, which has served the public continuously since the 1860s as a Literary Institute, Arts and Mechanics Institute, public library, and museum, has been fitted with a new accessible entrance, toilets including a wheelchair-accessible facility, and a kitchenette.
The funding came through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund, with Armidale Regional Council contributing additional support.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the upgrade would open the museum to more visitors.
“This upgrade means more people in Armidale and beyond can access and experience this important cultural space, regardless of ability,” Minister Moriarty said.
“By improving amenities and accessibility, we’re supporting a vibrant community asset that educates, brings people together and strengthens regional pride.”
Mayor Sam Coupland said the building had been continuously adapted across its 160-year history without losing its heritage character.
“This current work respects the building’s heritage while ensuring that new generations of visitors will be able to access the museum and opportunity to learn about our region’s history,” Mayor Coupland said.
“Armidale Folk Museum is important to people in our community, many connecting with the objects and the stories held there.
“Visitors to our region keen to learn a little of its history appreciate the museum, and it is a valuable resource for students, researchers, historians and history buffs.”
Mayor Coupland praised museum staff and volunteers who packed up the entire collection, stored it off-site during the works, and then reinstalled and curated it in time for re-opening.
“The museum team capably undertook the mammoth effort of relocating and caring for the museum collection off-site for the duration of works.
“Then over multiple weeks, they have carefully moved the collection back into the building and curated exhibitions in time for the opening.”
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