Press Statement
Alex Easton MP Welcomes £50 Million Investment in Ulster Folk Museum
Alex Easton MP has warmly welcomed the £50 million investment in the Ulster Folk Museum at Cultra, describing it as a major boost for one of Northern Ireland’s most important visitor attractions and a significant step forward for children’s education, heritage, and tourism.
The funding — comprising £40 million from the Department for Communities and £10 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund — represents the single largest investment ever made in the museum and will support the ambitious “Reawakening Project”, revitalising the 62-year-old site for future generations.
Commenting, Alex Easton MP said:
“This £50 million investment is a significant and exciting milestone for the Ulster Folk Museum and for County Down. It safeguards one of Northern Ireland’s flagship visitor attractions while opening up new educational opportunities for children and families.
The Ulster Folk Museum plays a vital role in helping young people understand our shared history, cultural traditions and rural heritage in a hands-on, engaging way. This project will ensure those learning experiences continue and expand for decades to come.
I particularly welcome the commitment to bringing collections out of storage and into public view, alongside new interactive facilities that will encourage visitors to roll up their sleeves and truly connect with our past.”
Mr Easton also highlighted the wider economic benefits of the project, which is expected to create more than 20 new jobs and provide a welcome boost to local tourism and the regional economy.
He added:
“Heritage investment is not just about preserving buildings — it is about investing in people, education and economic growth. The Ulster Folk Museum is a treasured asset, and this funding will help ensure it remains vibrant, relevant and accessible for future generations.
I commend National Museums NI, the Department for Communities and the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their vision in supporting this transformational project.”
Building work is expected to begin in 2027, with completion anticipated by 2029.
Alex Easton MP
Member of Parliament for North Down
