8

Aug
by

Norwich Castle Completes

After many years of meticulous restoration, Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn is now officially open to the public. The extensive restoration of this landmark project has put Norwich on the map as a must visit city. With community at the heart of this project, it was vitally important to do justice to the treasured memories of so many who visited the Castle in the past years. This 900 year old building, while returning to its roots has received a new lease on life to bring it into the modern era.

So what can visitors expect from this once-in-a-lifetime restoration?

  • The fully reinstated medieval royal palace layout
  • A new entrance and lift tower making the entire keep accessible
  • Interactive exhibitions and immersive storytelling throughout
  • Spaces previously unseen by the public

As architects we were keen to champion not only conservation, but accessibility too. The Castle is now the most accessible museum in the UK, a ground breaking and hopefully influential title for this reinvigorated gem of Norfolk.

In addition to the new entrance and lift tower, the Castle sees exhibits brought to life through immersive storytelling. Moving medieval animations are projected on to the walls of the stone Keep, transporting visitors back in time to the hustle and bustle of our fine city.

A new permanent installation, the Gallery of Medieval Life, in partnership with British Museums, boasts an impressive collection of artefacts and allows visitors to have hands on interactions with the exhibits.

The basement has been unveiled to create a space focused on the archaeology of the 900-year-old Keep, with light features arched above, visitors are treated to a visual experience like no other. Perhaps most anticipated of all, the battlements have been opened to the public. You can experience the sheer height at which the Castle sits on its hill with fantastic views of the city below.

It is an amazing honour and achievement to have been instrumental in delivering a project that will put Norwich and Norfolk on the map. We look forward to the coming months and years for people to be able to fully appreciate and marvel at the exceptional restoration of the Keep.

Image Credit:

Exterior Castle by Matthew Smith Architectural Photography

Timelapse by EyeFilm

Great Hall by Norfolk Museum Service

Battlements by Norfolk Museum Service