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Renovations to Ulster Museum waste of money

Friday, 6 November 2009

I visited the ‘new’ Belfast Museum on Saturday and as one who used to practically live in the ‘old’ museum in my lunch hours, I have to say the disappointment was too much to bear.

To my mind, £17million spent on renovations was a total waste of money.

I am in the dark as to what the improvements are.

The signage and provided maps are less than adequate, and so much of the old exhibition space is taken up by a very badly planned enormous cafeteria and useless foyer.

I thought the original idea was to enhance the display space, but the opposite is the case.

The space to move about has been restricted and there are also a lot less exhibits, especially in relation to the art section.

Two floors dedicated to the work of one artist is utterly ridiculous.

What a simply dreadful pink elephant!

Kathleen McAnespie

Dunmurry

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Then you should scroll forward to page 5 of Letters and read one published on Wednesday 14th October and the comments. HTH

Posted by Anne | 10.11.09, 08:30 GMT

I just want to congratulate all the museum staff of the Ulster Museum who worked hard to finally open the doors in October 2009. The exhibits are incredible from lighting and placement of artifacts to the graphics and interactive media, that have brought new light to these important collections. I have always loved the Ulster Museum and spent many childhood and university days it was so amazing to revisit these displays, umm still a feast for the eyes and mind. I also loved the jewel box display that dissected the center of the museum, what interesting choices. The entrance provides a wonderful public space, peering up to the galleries it unites every section of the museum and the glass panels invites closer appreciation of the Botanic gardens. Well done!!!!

Posted by Pennie McBride | 09.11.09, 21:30 GMT

how interesting

Posted by conor | 09.11.09, 16:18 GMT

In answer to Pauline, what I expected was value for money and if they had to canabalise the old museum, the least one should expect would be a complete face-lift, not just a superficial make-up job.
And Anne, I don't know what you mean!

Posted by Kathleen | 09.11.09, 12:27 GMT

"someone under the influence which is what I think the architect/s were when they designed the "new" museum"

Why the quotes around "new"? Are you implying the extension isn't new?

Sorry for the pedantry! :)

Posted by McD | 09.11.09, 09:31 GMT

But the new and improved facilities for breast feeding mothers should surely please you and your husband Kathleen. Somewhere to plug the babies in and get on with it!

Posted by Anne | 09.11.09, 08:05 GMT

Don't waste, renovate! I'm with Kathleen on this one - and less of the splitting hairs on the white/pink elephant issue. I think we're all intelligent enough (or should be) to know what she means. There's too much tearing down and rebuilding in this country rather than improving and conserving (yet at the same time we're being lectured by the powers-that-be to be green and not waste resources - so come on boys, make up your minds!)

Posted by donegore | 08.11.09, 11:43 GMT

No McD I dont mean "white elephant". Who sees pink elephants - yes you got it - someone under the influence which is what I think the architect/s were when they designed the "new" museum. Also, in answer to the other point, change is good when it is not change for changes sake, especially at such a high cost.

Posted by Kathleen | 06.11.09, 17:08 GMT

I loved the old museum and I love the new one. I think they have done an excellent job in bringing the place up to date. It looks fab!
I dont know what you expected Kathleen?
Just the other day there was a letter on here from someone who wanted a gay exhibition?!
The people in this country are so hard to please!

Posted by Pauline | 06.11.09, 17:06 GMT

What? Is there a pink elephant there? Even if it is simply dreadful I must go and see it.

Posted by Paul | 06.11.09, 15:56 GMT

Pink elephant can also mean 'an elephant in the room'. Maybe this is what Kathleen was getting at.

Posted by WH | 06.11.09, 15:12 GMT

Unless she was steaming drunk when she was writing that letter McD and a pink elephant meandered by her window as she was streaming her thoughts onto her page.

Aside from that, the general gist of the letter is synonymous with most things 'Norn Iron' = Change is bad!

Posted by In The Name Of The Fada | 06.11.09, 14:43 GMT