Manchester Museum plans major redevelopment to support globally-significant amphibian conservation work
Manchester Museum, part of The University of Manchester, is planning a major redevelopment of its much-loved Vivarium, thanks to a grant of 拢200,000 from the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund.
The Vivarium is a centre for globally-significant conservation projects, caring for around 30 different amphibian and reptile species, many of which are critically endangered. It has sat at the heart of Manchester Museum for more than 60 years, growing out of work by researchers at the University of Manchester to inspire generations of visitors.
Manchester is the only place outside the Americas where you will find the Variable harlequin toad (Atelopus varius). The Museum Museum houses the world鈥檚 only captive 鈥榖ack-up鈥� population, thanks to a pioneering partnership with Panama Wildlife Conservation Charity, just one of many projects designed to safeguard the future of endangered species and develop learning programmes that raise awareness of threats to biodiversity.
Scheduled for completion in Spring 2027, the 鈥楬abitats of Hope鈥� development promises to connect museum audiences with this world-class care, research and international collaboration.
Funding will help to revitalise public displays and create new, state-of-the art facilities and bespoke naturalistic environments for the amphibian and reptile species cared for by the Vivarium. It will also allow the development of dedicated facilities for schools teaching and visiting tour groups, further enhancing the gallery鈥檚 potential for learning.
The Museum will also create new permanent displays that explore the connections between its wider collections and the animals it cares for, celebrating the deep ties between reptiles, amphibians and people, and revealing how these animals have shaped human cultures and understanding.
Georgina Young, Head of Collections and Exhibitions at Manchester Museum, said: 鈥淗abitats of Hope speaks to how wonderful and how vulnerable the world鈥檚 rarest amphibians are. Major investment from the DCMS/Wolfson Museum and Galleries Improvement Fund means Manchester Museum can match the highest standards of animal care with a more accessible visitor experience, while weaving stories of research, conservation, partnership and action that stretch from thriving ponds in Manchester to hyper-biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica and Panama.鈥�
The Habitats of Hope project is expected to commence in December 2026 and complete in April 2027. The Vivarium will close during this period.