A MUSEUM has unveiled its stunning new £375,000 makeover ahead of re-opening this weekend.The Southwold Museum has had its first major renovation since opening more than 70 years ago.

Mark Lord

A MUSEUM has unveiled its stunning new £375,000 makeover ahead of re-opening this weekend.

The Southwold Museum has had its first major renovation since opening more than 70 years ago.

The attraction, based in two 17th Century weavers' cottages, has been extensively remodelled and extended with the finished result creating a spacious, bright and airy space where visitors will be able to enjoy 6,000 items and exhibits.

The redesign was funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant and money from the Southwold Trust and Adnams Charity.

The main focal point of the museum is a towering display of two Viking rudders which were found in Southwold and had resided in the National Maritime Museum for many years.

David de Kretser, president of the Southwold Museum and Historical Society, said: “This funding has meant we are finally able to realise an ambition to create a modern museum building while retaining the quirky character and charm of the original museum.

“This is one of those rare occasions where I look at something which has taken four years to achieve and far exceeds what I could ever have imagined.”

Other highlights of the refurbished museum include a variety of interactive displays which help bring to life the many exhibitions, and a child friendly display.

“We are very pleased with the children's area,” said Mr de Kretser.

A colourful cabinet holds a variety of items which the children can handle and when placed on a computer scanner the history of the exhibit is displayed.

Mr Kretser added: “I hope that visitors to the museum will leave knowing more about Southwold than when they came in - acquiring this information in an interesting and entertaining way.”

The museum, which reopens on Saturday May 3, is open between 2pm and 4pm, admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information contact the museum on 01502 726097 or visit www.southwoldmuseum.org