Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has visited the Ulster Folk Museum as construction begins on a pavilion marking the first stage of its £50 million Reawakening project.

The programme aims to improve the museum's facilities and strengthen its role as a heritage and environmental resource over the next five years. The pavilion is due to be completed in spring 2027 and will provide a dedicated space for public engagement, offering visitors an insight into the wider transformation.

Speaking as construction got under way, Lyons said: "The Ulster Folk Museum has an exciting future as it evolves and continues to preserve, share and celebrate the traditions, skills and ways of life of the people of Ulster. Its role has never been more relevant, ensuring our unique shared heritage is protected for future generations.

"This exciting project will create more meaningful opportunities for people to connect with who they are. Reawakening this important asset is not simply about reinvestment – it's about reimagining the museum's purpose.

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"The Ulster Folk Museum is an indispensable resource for Northern Ireland as we all continue to learn from the past and explore what it means to be of this place today."

Kathryn Thomson, chief executive of National Museums NI, said: "Reawakening the Ulster Folk Museum is very much in the making and today is an exciting milestone in our journey to transform the Ulster Folk Museum into a place that is more unique, more relevant, and more valued - futureproofing its role as a heritage and environment resource.

"This is an ambitious programme of transformation – a project for everyone. It means people can get closer to the museum's heritage assets than ever before and get more involved in collective experiences, where heritage is not just seen, but shared. The Ulster Folk Museum's collection is a people's collection – and has never been more relevant to our lives than today. By sharing more of the stories and objects within it, we allow people to explore their identity, languages, the environment, and learn new skills, ensuring we serve communities for generations to come."

The project is supported by £40 million from the Department for Communities and £10 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Maurice Flynn & Sons Ltd has been appointed as the pavilion contractor, while AtkinsRéalis is the Reawakening design team.

Aidan Flynn, managing director at Flynn, said: "We recognise the importance of the Ulster Folk Museum to local communities and its role within the cultural landscape of Northern Ireland. It is a privilege to play our part in Reawakening – a significant project that will help people to connect more deeply with the rich heritage of this place. We look forward to working closely with National Museums NI to deliver the pavilion as a welcoming and accessible space for public engagement, transforming opportunities for people to connect and explore."