A pause today on our continuing story of how the David Livingstone Centre was formed in the 1920s. Today, we very much bring you right up to the present day with the exciting announcement this week that the centre, now rebranded as David Livingstone Birthplace is opening next month!
The David Livingstone Birthplace in South Lanarkshire is delighted to announce an opening date of Wednesday 28 July 2021. Home to one of Scotland’s most famous explorers, the Museum will reopen to the public following a £9.1m regeneration plan. Located on the site of the former Blantyre Works Mill, on the banks of the River Clyde, the Birthplace includes a brand-new exhibition space in the historic Shuttle Row tenements where David Livingstone was born and raised; a newly refurbished shop and café, new children’s play park, and 11 hectares of free to access parkland.
The regeneration, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland, has transformed this small independent museum and its grounds into a world-class visitor attraction. When the Museum reopens on 28 July, visitors will be presented with the 21st century legacy of Livingstone’s story, told from multiple perspectives, and discussions around the impact of European colonisation of Africa.
Caroline Clark, Director, Scotland, 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.
“The tenacity and resilience of the Trust in driving this world-class heritage project through the challenges of the pandemic should be applauded, and we are delighted the Birthplace will be opening to visitors later this summer.”
We have some fantastic pictures to bring you this week, a sneak peak with permission of the Trust’s PR dept.
To find out more about the David Livingstone Birthplace and book tickets, visit www.david-livingstone-birthplace.org.
Photo Credit: Iain Douglas