Cheltenham's Museum and Art Gallery opens after £6.3m revamp

Staff say they hope the new museum will become a "cultural hub" for the town

Cheltenham's Museum and Art Gallery has been officially opened following a £6.3m refurbishment.

As well as the 18-month renovation project, the building in Clarence Street has also been rebranded as The Wilson.

The new name is inspired by explorer Dr Edward Wilson, who was born in the town and died on Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition, in 1912.

The building now also houses the town's Tourist Information Service.

'Cultural hub'

The museum's Jane Lillystone said: "I still can't believe this day has finally arrived. It has taken years of planning but the results are outstanding.

"The new building has transformed the art gallery and museum, with improved access and enhanced opportunities for the display of its locally, regionally, nationally and internationally important art and heritage collections.

"Treasures from our collections will come into the public view for the first time, whilst the new galleries enable Cheltenham to become a major venue for national and international touring exhibitions."

Ms Lillystone said she hopes the building will become a "cultural hub for the town".