Construction has begun at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery after a £5 million contract was signed.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which has appointed Seddon to deliver the design and build programme, has announced that essential preparatory works have been completed at the museum in Hanley and the main construction phase is set to begin this month.

The museum will then reopen in stages from 28 March 2026 when visitors will be able to access the Spitfire, the Forum Theatre and Violet's café while work continues elsewhere in the building.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "This £5 million investment protects one of Stoke-on-Trent's most important cultural assets.

"The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is home to the world's largest collection of Staffordshire ceramics and the iconic Spitfire that draws visitors from across the country.

"These improvements will create a stronger entrance, better public spaces and a more welcoming environment, while keeping our nationally significant collections accessible as work progresses."

The redevelopment comes after Stoke-on-Trent City Council successfully bid for £5 million funding from Arts Council England and the Department for Culture Media and Sport Cultural Development Fund.

The programme will create a new entrance, a new foyer café, and increased open storage allowing the public to see artefacts when not on display.

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An artist in residence room will also be created to allow artists to work alongside, and create artworks inspired by, the museum's collections.

More information on the new exhibition and an expanded programme of film and documentary screenings in the museum theatre will be announced in the coming weeks.