The project focuses on the development of a partnership between the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society (BNHPS) and Ulster Architectural Heritage, (UAH) and investigation of options for the re-use the Old Museum as an engaging, and dynamic place to promote Northern Ireland’s built heritage and history to a wider audience. Built by BNHPS in 1831, originally titled the ‘Belfast Museum’, it was predecessor to the Ulster Museum. A Grade A listed building. The reuse and restoration of this building at risk will be the central part of a partnership and plan that will optimise the unique potential of BNHPS and UAH to promote Northern Ireland’s unique heritage, history and culture to wider audiences, while conserving and securing the future of one of Northern Ireland’s most important buildings for future generations to enjoy.

Belfast Natural History & Philosophical Society and Ulster Architectural Heritage have been kindly supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Northern Ireland to develop phase one, outline plans for the building’s future in the 2019 period.