Funding Boost for Gunnersbury Park & Museum
Secures Arts Council grant ahead of centenary year
Funding will support educational initiatives at the museum. Picture: Matthew Kaltenborn
October 8, 2025
Gunnersbury Park & Museum has been awarded £147,000 from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund 2025–26, supporting a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening education, fundraising, and public engagement across the historic estate.
The funding will enable the Gunnersbury Estate (2026) CIC to expand its Schools Programme, develop a cohesive visual brand identity, and appoint a dedicated fundraising lead to support its upcoming centenary campaign. The award comes as the Trust prepares to mark 100 years since the estate first entered public ownership in 1926.
One of the key projects supported by the grant is a new Key Stage 3 learning workshop, developed in collaboration with local teachers. The programme builds on the recent installation of the National Humanitarian Memorial, designed by artist Michael Landy CBE, and will encourage secondary school pupils to explore themes of humanitarianism and public art. It follows earlier education initiatives such as People’s Unite, which engaged young people in discussions around activism and identity.
The funding will also support the appointment of an experienced fundraiser to lead the centenary campaign, with the aim of broadening public support and reducing reliance on commercial income. The Trust hopes to use the anniversary as a platform to highlight its work in heritage conservation, education, and community outreach.
A third strand of the funding will focus on visual identity and signage, helping to unify the look and feel of the park and museum while improving accessibility. Updated wayfinding across the site is expected to enhance visitor experience and reflect the diversity of Gunnersbury’s audiences.
The Museum Renewal Fund is a targeted investment programme launched by Arts Council England to help museums adapt to changing audience needs, improve resilience, and deliver high-quality cultural experiences. The 2025–26 round prioritises projects that strengthen organisational capacity, support inclusive programming, and enhance public value.
Gunnersbury’s successful bid reflects its strategic focus on education, community relevance, and long-term sustainability. The estate includes Grade II* listed buildings, formal gardens, and a museum collection that spans local history, fashion, and social change.
Corinne Wan, Head of Museum Services, welcomed the award saying, “We are absolutely delighted to receive this vital funding from Arts Council England. It will strengthen Gunnersbury Park and Museum’s ability to deliver inspiring education programmes, enhance our fundraising capacity, and improve visual signage across the site.”
Further details about the Museum Renewal Fund can be found on the Arts Council England website.
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