World-renowned design firm, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios) has been appointed as the new team that will lead the architectural design of a £58m major redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum, the two museums located at Royal Albert Dock.
FCBStudios will develop the proposals for the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building and the Hartley Pavilion, building on the momentum already generated on this important strand of the Waterfront Transformation Project.
The redevelopment will see the Dr Martin Luther King Jr Building become a prominent new entrance to the International Slavery Museum, creating not only improved visitor orientation and an inspiring welcome, but also a stronger sense of purpose and identity for the museum. The building will be multi-functional, serving as a space for community collaboration, events, and learning and participation activities. The Hartley Pavilion will benefit from improved circulation for visitors with enhanced commercial facilities, including a shop, café, events spaces and a dynamic temporary exhibition space.
The transformed International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum will centre people – past, present and future, local, national and international – to create dynamic, welcoming spaces that meaningfully address contemporary issues. The national collections of both museums will be elevated through this new redevelopment.
Ralph Appelbaum Associates, who were appointed in 2022, continue to lead on the exhibition design for both museums.
FCBStudios has worked with National Museums Liverpool previously, completing the original masterplan for its waterfront sites in 2019 and supporting the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum Project’s bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund Heritage Horizon Awards programme in 2020.
This project is made possible with the generous support of £9.9 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund with thanks to National Lottery players.