The David Livingstone Birthplace is to reopen on July 28 after completing a full refurbishment.
The museum located in Blantyre looks forward to welcoming back the public to the historic site following a £9.1 million regeneration plan.
It now includes a brand-new exhibition space in the historic Shuttle Row tenements where the explorer was born and raised; a newly refurbished shop and café, new children’s play park, and 11 hectares of free to access parkland.
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The regeneration work was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland.
It has allowed the transformation of a small independent museum and its grounds into a world-class visitor attraction.
The museum will present visitors with the 21st century legacy of Livingstone’s story, told from multiple perspectives, and discussions around the impact of European colonisation of Africa when it reopens next month.
Grant MacKenzie, Interim Director at the David Livingstone Birthplace said: "We are delighted to welcome visitors back to the David Livingstone Birthplace this summer to explore the life of David Livingstone.
"Through our reimagined galleries and programmes, visitors will be able to discover the many aspects of this world famous adventurer and companion, and the untold stories of the extraordinary men and women who are instrumental to his legacy."
When the museum reopens, more of its internationally significant collection will be on show as well as reinterpreted displays that reflect the multiple perspectives of Livingstone’s legacy.
For the first time, 50 objects of African origin highlighting both parts of Southern and Central African culture as well as colonial history will be on display.
Displays of Livingstone's wider crew will be on show and exhibitions of people who were instrumental to his work and life.
Also included is a video series featuring individuals connected to Livingstone will discuss his ongoing legacy as it relates to faith, to anti-racism, the story of Africa and his impact on colonialism.
Caroline Clark, Scotland's director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “The David Livingstone Trust must be congratulated on this impressive project, which opens up the incredible story of David Livingstone’s life.
“With the help of National Lottery players this important museum collection, housed in the wonderful Blantyre Works Mill buildings, will inspire and inform visitors across Scotland and around the world."
Amy Eastwood, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, added: “We are delighted to support the David Livingstone Centre Trust with funding through our Historic Environment Repair Grant for the David Livingstone Birthplace project."
The new exhibition, and refurbished shop and café will open to the public on Wednesday, July 28. And the new children’s playpark will open even earlier on July 1.
The David Livingstone Birthplace exhibition space will operate from April to December, with annual passes and day tickets both available.
You can find out more here.
