National Museums NI launches new corporate strategy

National Museums NI has launched a five-year corporate strategy that highlights how its five sites and 1.4 million objects can tackle contemporary challenges such as cultural identity and the climate crisis.

The national museum service for Northern Ireland – which includes Ulster Museum in Belfast, Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra, and Ulster American Folk Park just outside Omagh – has outlined four key areas of work that are aligned to the government’s mission.

1. Identity – “We will champion diverse and ever-evolving identities, creating spaces where different cultures are visible and respected.”
2. Peacebuilding – “We will encourage courageous conversations that support the ongoing journey from conflict to lasting peace.”
3. Environment – “We will mobilise our museums and collections to promote environmental action and protect our shared planet.”
4. Innovation – “We will be a learning platform to equip a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with skills, confidence and creativity.”

The strategy makes the case for each area, provides examples of how it is already making an impact and details how it will amplify its impact in the next five years.

For the first time, National Museums NI undertook a public consultation to shape the direction of its corporate strategy. “It was incredibly heartening to see strong and positive endorsement for the vision we have outlined,” said the body’s chair, Gordon Milligan. “This reflects not only a shared belief in the power of museums but also the trust placed in us to deliver meaningful change.”

National Museums NI said it was also “advancing” its redevelopment plans for all four museums. These include a £50m revamp of the Ulster Folk Museum. The Ulster American Folk Park: The Journey Ahead project received funding of £750,000 from the communities minister Gordon Lyons last month, which will be used to strengthen heritage links with the US.

Kathryn Thomson, the chief executive of National Museums NI, said: “We are excited for this new chapter for National Museums NI, with ambitious plans that can strengthen our impact and secure a bright future for our organisation.

“In a world that is constantly changing, our museums are forums for new conversations, new ideas and new ways to understand each other and the world we live in.”

Table of Contents

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National Museums NI’s corporate strategy 2025-2030 at a glance

Principles

• Museums are for everyone: to promote equality of access, create spaces that reflect the diversity of Northern Ireland’s population and represent diverse voices and multiple perspectives.
• Participation and co-creation: to work with communities, researchers and creative partners to inform research, co-develop exhibits and contribute to narratives.
• Responsible stewardship: to ensure museums are financially sustainable, relevant and resilient.

Enablers

• People
• Infrastructure
• Financial resilience
• Governance

Values

• Striving for excellence
• Being authentic
• Working together
• Showing respect
• Being courageous