Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery has finally reopened after months of renovation and the council has revealed what to expect from the coming year.

Blackburn's cultural landmark closed temporarily on November 1, as £554,700 worth of repairs were carried out to 150-year-old roof.

The museum was expected to reopen to visitors on November 29, but due to ‘severe weather conditions throughout the month’ the reopening date was moved to January 3.

The venue is now back open to the public, just in time for its 150th anniversary celebrations this year.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and executive member for growth and development, said the museum will continue to tell stories that “reflect and engage the people of Blackburn”.

Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery wants the community to have their say in how the museum is used.

It plans to offer free art workshops to teenagers and is planning its Art Open 2024 exhibition programme.

Mr Mahmood said: “On the year of our 150th birthday, Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery is looking to keep its focus on community and the local area of Blackburn with Darwen.

"As the first purpose built museum outside of London, we want to ensure our mission remains telling the stories that reflect and engage the people of Blackburn in as many diverse and inclusive ways as possible.

"We have begun consulting with our visitors on what it is they are interested in seeing, what might be missing, and how they want their own history displayed and interpreted. 

“In the future Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery will be looking to the nearby community to have their say in how their museum is used.

"We'll be kicking off the year with a free Saturday Art Club for 13 to 16 year old's based on craft and making, where young people will have the chance to be tutored on a range of artistic techniques without the pressure of exams.

"Our exhibition programme will be started off with the Art Open 2024 which is an open call to all artists, amateur and professional for an exciting and diverse show.

“As well as our usual schedule packed with fun and free activities and events, we want to use this year and our reopening as a chance to engage with our community in new and exciting ways.”

When it first opened its doors in 1874, it was one of the first purpose-built free museums to open outside London.

Today the Grade-II listed building, in Museum Street, houses a collection covering fine art including paintings by JMW Turner, decorative art, Egyptology including a genuine mummy, coins, manuscripts, natural history, social history and South Asian artefacts.