Armidale Folk Museum and Hillgrove Museum access and amenities upgrade

• Project typeInfrastructure upgrade
• Project scheduleWork is expected to commence in September 2025. It is due for completion early 2026

Armidale Folk Museum

Armidale Regional Council was awarded NSW Government funding via the Stronger Country Communities Fund to improve access and amenities at Armidale Folk Museum.

This grant funding will restore the Rusden Street entrance to the museum, creating an accessible entrance that enables more people to visit and utilise the museum space. Other improvements include:

• installation of toilets (including an accessible toilet)
• a kitchenette
• ensuring access to all public display spaces for wheelchair users
• emergency exits will be upgraded so that they are accessible.

These access and amenities' upgrades align with heritage requirements of this historic building.

Background

What is today the Armidale Folk Museum is the longest serving public use building in Armidale. Operating as Literary institute, Arts and Mechanics Institute, public library and city museum, the legacy of the building stretches back to the 1860s. 

As the building's purpose has changed over the last 150 years there have been several renovations and expansions. This project will ensure that a new generation of visitors will be able to appreciate the important history and heritage of Armidale region. 

Potential Impacts

Armidale Folk Museum will be closed to the public while works are being carried out. Visitors can still tour the Folk Museum virtually HERE

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Hillgrove Rural Life and Industry Museum

As part of the s7.12 Developer Contributions, Armidale Regional Council will undertake works to improve the facilities at the Hillgrove Museum of Rural Life and Industry. This will include:

• an accessible front entrance with ramp
• an accessible toilet for use by visitors and volunteers
• a kitchenette for staff and volunteers

Background

The site of the current Hillgrove Museum sits within the structure of the historic Hillgrove Public School, established in 1896. It became a museum in 1974 (after 78 years as a schoolhouse).  

Potential Impacts

The Hillgrove Museum of Rural Life and Industry will be closed to the public while works are being carried out. Visitors can still tour the Hillgrove Museum virtually HERE

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