Speaking from Cultra Manor today, Minister Ní Chuilín said: "I welcome the opportunity to unveil this stunning building which has been completely revitalised following £3million of investment from my Department.
"Visitors will be thrilled at the extent of the transformation of this Grade B1 listed building. The interior and exterior of the building have been completely refurbished, transforming the building into a leading venue for corporate events, private hire and public programming.
"The 13-month refurbishment project will enable Cultra Manor to fulfil its commercial and partnership potential and will be a boost for the business tourism sector at this challenging time."
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The refurbishment of Cultra Manor is one of a series of investments at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum including improvements to exhibit buildings in both the town and rural areas.
The Minister concluded: "My Department also invested almost £1million to develop a major new TITANICa experience which is scheduled to open on 31 May. This will mark the centenary of Titanic's launch with TITANICa: The Exhibition at the Transport Museum and TITANICa: The People’s Story at the Folk Museum."
Tim Cooke, Director of National Museums Northern Ireland said: "Cultra Manor is a key part of the portfolio of fabulous public buildings at the Museum and, just over 100 years since it was built, it is now looking better than ever.
"Alongside the other improvements on this site it adds to the overall impression of an outdoor museum and visitor attraction which is probably unrivalled across the world.”
Constructed over the years 1902 – 1904, Cultra Manor was the family home of career diplomat Sir Robert Kennedy, his wife the Hon Lady Bertha Ward and their four daughters.
When Cultra Manor reopens to the public in June 2011 there will be a series of paintings and photographs of the Kennedy family displayed in the building.
There will also be associated programming, including tours of the house and the Kennedy estate.
The refurbishment of Cultra Manor is part of National Museums Northern Ireland's continued programme of development across its sites which include the Ulster Museum, Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Ulster American Folk Park, Armagh County Museum and W5.
(GK/BMcC)
