The project, designed by Hamilton Architects, which has expanded as more money has become available, is to open to the public at the end of October. Tim Cooke, Chief Executive of National Museums Northern Ireland, said the emphasis now is on the internal fit-out of the exhibition galleries.

Tim Cooke chief executive National Museums Northern Ireland at the museum He added: “In the last six months we have secured an additional £2 million of funding, taking our total to £17.2 million. We have been able to enhance the original project and are now entering the final phase. “The building is shaping up into a superb museum with dramatic public spaces and galleries of exceptional quality. I think visitors will be surprised and thrilled by the extent of the transformation.” The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure is the main funder of the project which is also being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, a number of foundations and by private donations. Visitors will be welcomed to a new 23-metre high entrance atrium with glass and steel walkways leading into the history, art and science galleries at different levels. A new restaurant has been created with a terrace leading out into Botanic Gardens. There will be four new learning zones and a new high-level gallery for the display of glass, ceramics, silver and jewellery. A new Art Discovery Zone supported by the Friends of the Ulster Museum is being created as part of the suite of art galleries. Dan Harvey, Chair of the National Museums Northern Ireland’s Board of Trustees, said the re-opened Ulster Museum will play an enhanced role in education, tourism and community life. Mr Harvey added: “The new interior of the museum is visually stunning and we are delighted with the outcome. We are also developing a range of exhibitions and events which will prove attractive to both established and new users and look forward to welcoming more visitors than ever in the autumn.”