Visitors will be able to visit more galleries, including two new displays, as part of the latest phase of The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery reopening.

The museum's Local History, Archaeology and Staffordshire Hoard: Treasure of Mercia galleries will be open again from Saturday 24 October.

The original Staffordshire Hoard objects will remain off display until redevelopment works are completed next year, Stoke-on-Trent City Council has said.

The reopened display will include replica treasures, an unfolded recreation of the folded cross, examples of Anglo-Saxon weaponry, material from the Staffordshire Hoard helmet project and other archaeological finds from the period.

Visitors to the museum will also be able to view two new displays.

Staffordshire Folklore: Stories, Beliefs and Legends from the Landscape explores the myths, traditions and legends that have shaped communities across the county, while What's In Store? brings together a selection of objects not normally on public display.

A new learning space will also open, which will provide a dedicated home for curriculum-linked workshops, hands-on activities, family events and holiday programmes.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "It's fantastic to see another phase of The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery's re-opening completed ahead of half term.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

"Visitors will be able to explore more of the museum's collections, alongside new displays and objects that are not normally on public view."

"With more galleries open, a new learning space and a packed programme of activities taking place throughout the break, there's plenty for families – and everyone - to enjoy."

This marks the latest phase of the museum's £5 million transformation, following the reopening of the Spitfire Gallery, Forum Theatre and Violet's Café earlier this year.

The work is being delivered by Seddon following funding secured through the Cultural Development Fund from Arts Council England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

A programme of events and activities will also take place throughout October half term:

• Legends of North Staffordshire – Saturday 24 October: Folklorist Eli Lewis-Lycett explores local legends, including Molly Leigh and the Chained Oak of Alton. Free, 2pm–3pm.
• Create Your Own Clay Dragon – Wednesday 28 to Friday 30 October: Children can sculpt their own dragon heads in a drop-in workshop. Recommended for ages seven and above. £3.60 per person, 10.30am–3pm.
• Dragon's Realm Live! – Friday 30 October: An interactive experience featuring a life-sized walking dragon, a baby dragon, storytelling and live animals. Free, 11am–3pm.
• Diwali – Saturday 31 October: A celebration of the Festival of Lights with traditional music, dance and craft activities. Free, 11am–5.30pm.

Access to the museum will be via the café entrance by the Spitfire Gallery.