Funding for Discover Bucks Museum comes at a 'crucial time'
The funding from Arts Council England will be used towards improvements and new projects
A museum in Aylesbury is preparing to use funding of over £300 thousand to secure it's future and fund new projects.
Discover Bucks Museum has been awarded £314000 as part of the government's Museum Renewal Fund.
Sam Mason, CEO of Discover Bucks, says the money will go towards improving its spaces and funding new exhibitions and technology.
It comes at a time when cuts meant that certain projects or maintenance plans were put on hold.
He said, "The funding means a lot to us, it's a significant amount and it comes at a crucial time.
"Our funding has been going down year on year.
"It seems museums are now considered a luxury visit and we're competing against other places like soft plays for visitors.
"We can only win again these other places by creating the full experience, but of course that comes at a cost."
New plans for the museum include a SEND garden space, improvements to the café, and a new collection system which will allow all the objects in the museum to be viewed online.
Sam said he hopes these projects will bring more visitors in: "People will be able to know exactly what we've got in our collections so hopefully they'll be encouraged to come and see us.
"We also want to create a SEND friendly area, like a sensory garden, which can be used free of charge by anyone who would like to come into a peaceful space."
Upgrades to the café will help towards its use as a warm space Sam says, "We open our café free of charge to the public, we're registered as a warm place.
"The grant will assist in upgrading the space where we're able to offer low cost food and drinks.
"This means anyone in need of a warm space can come in at any time."
Discover Bucks Museum is one of 75 museums in England that have been awarded a share of £20 million in funding.
Museums Minister, Baroness Twycross said: "Museums offer a place where people from all backgrounds can learn, be inspired and delve into our rich history, helping to understand the stories that led us to where we are today.
"The Museum Renewal Fund is contributing to the delivery of our Plan for Change. It ensures much-loved civic museums can remain open and continue to provide opportunities for future generations to learn about our shared heritage and how their local community has played its part in our national story."