Black Country Living Museum

Dudley, West Midlands

Civic Trust Awards Citation

The Black Country Living Museum has undergone a transformative enhancement with the introduction of a new visitor centre, a pivotal element in the reconfigured entrance sequence aiming to elevate the welcome experience for up to 5,000 daily visitors. 

This open-air museum, narrating the tale of one of Britain's first industrialized landscapes, sees the new centre as a focal point that not only facilitates ticket sales but also provides a brief introduction to the rich history of the Black Country and the museum itself. Architecturally, the new visitor centre stands out with its expansive glazing to the rear elevation, offering captivating views of the museum and inviting visitors into the historical narrative. The building exhibits a meticulous attention to detail, constructed with simple yet robust finishes of high quality. Designed with a passive approach, it is oriented on a north-south axis, incorporating deep roof overhangs on the south elevation and thermal mass in concrete floors and brick masonry walls. The use of air source heat pumps and self-finished materials reflects the commitment to sustainability, reducing waste on-site and promoting energy efficiency. 

The centre's strategic placement over a level change at the site entrance enhances overall accessibility, ensuring that the site is welcoming to all visitors. Furthermore, the creation of a Changing Place facility not only adds to the site's inclusivity but also opens doors for users who may have faced barriers to entry in the past. The initiative's broader civic impact is noteworthy, connecting with new tram lines into Dudley, fostering employment opportunities, and contributing to the area's redevelopment. The introduction of the new visitor’s centre has allowed the old entrance building to be freed up completely for educational purposes. The classrooms that were accommodated within this building have been extended and improved and there is now a separate entrance and educational facility for the many schools visiting the site. The outreach provided by the museum to schools, particularly those from deprived areas, is outstanding and to be commended. 

Judges’ Comments: “The Black Country Living Museum, through this thoughtful project, has enhanced the visitor experience and is a notable addition to the cultural and historical landscape of the area.”