Countdown to reopening of the public galleries
The countdown is on to reopening the public galleries and a bold new chapter for Gurkha heritage.
Public Galleries Redevelopment: Follow the Journey
The transformation of The Gurkha Museum is well underway. As planned, redevelopment of the ground and first-floor public galleries began on 8 September 2025. Since then, the Gurkhas’ collections have been carefully removed and placed into secure storage, while the ageing display cases that have served visitors for more than 30 years have been removed to make way for a completely reimagined museum experience.
Major milestones have already been achieved. At the heart of the space, structural works have been completed to accommodate a spectacular central cultural sculpture featuring Gurkha oral histories, and a new platform lift has been installed to improve accessibility between galleries. Over the coming months, the focus will shift to installing bespoke display cases, exhibition mounts and interpretive features before the Gurkhas’ unique collection returns to its new home.
Importantly, throughout redevelopment works, The Gurkha Museum remains open. Visitors can continue to explore exhibitions, attend lectures, participate in family activity days, and access research facilities on the Museum’s second floor. Visit our What’s On page to discover upcoming events and activities.
We are aiming for a soft opening of the ground and first floor public galleries in late October 2026, with a formal re-opening to follow. We are sharing monthly progress updates and behind-the-scenes photographs through our e-newsletters. Follow the redevelopment and subscribe at: www.TheGurkhaMuseum.co.uk/newsletter
Delivering the vision – हाम्रो भविष्यको सुन्दर सपना
Project Kaida is about much more than renovating the public galleries. Project Kaida is delivering an ambitious vision to transform The Gurkha Museum into a world-class visitor attraction and the global reference centre for Gurkha heritage. Through five interconnected objectives, the project is preserving the past, inspiring the present and securing the future.
Objective 1: Designing a new museum experience – संग्रहालयको नयाँ गतिशील अनुभव
The redevelopment of the Museum’s public galleries is creating a more accessible, engaging and immersive visitor experience. New displays, interactive interpretation, enhanced accessibility and powerful personal stories will help visitors better understand the history, culture, service and sacrifice of Gurkhas over more than 210 years.
Objective 2: Delivered a new research and education centre – संग्रहालयको नयाँ शिक्षा अनुसंधान केन्द्र
Already completed, the new research and education space is creating exciting opportunities for discovery, learning and research. Housing more than 3,500 books on Gurkha heritage and Nepali culture, alongside regimental journals, archives and historic records, the space provides dedicated spaces for academic research, family history enquiries, lectures, workshops, school visits and community events. By improving access to the Museum’s rich collections and stories, the centre is helping preserve Gurkha heritage while inspiring current and future generations.
Objective 3: Protecting the collection through digitalisation – विधुतीय माध्यमद्वारा संकलनको सुरक्षा
Thousands of unique photographs, documents, objects and personal stories are being digitally preserved as part of an ambitious programme to safeguard the Museum’s collections. Digitalisation will protect irreplaceable heritage while making it more accessible than ever before to researchers, veterans, families and audiences around the world. By unlocking the stories within the collection, this work ensures Gurkha heritage can be explored and celebrated regardless of location.
Objective 4: Inspiring current and future generations – वर्तमान र भविष्यको सन्तानहरुलाई प्रोत्साहन
Supported through a three-year NLHF funded learning and outreach programme, the Museum is already bringing Gurkha history and culture to new audiences. Through exhibitions, talks, family activity days, travelling displays, school workshops and community engagement projects, more people are discovering the remarkable contribution of Gurkhas to Britain and the wider world. New online resources are also being developed to ensure learners of all ages can engage with Gurkha stories wherever they are.
Objective 5: Securing a lasting legacy – इतिहासको संरक्षण गर्नु
Project Kaida is not simply a redevelopment programme, it is securing the future of Gurkha heritage. Every improvement being delivered is designed to create long-term benefits for generations to come. From preserving collections and expanding educational opportunities to improving visitor facilities and digital access, Project Kaida is laying strong foundations for the future. The impact of the project will continue long after construction is complete, ensuring Gurkha heritage remains protected, relevant and accessible for decades ahead.
Plan your visit
The countdown to reopening the public galleries has begun. While exciting changes continue behind the scenes, there is still plenty to see and do at The Gurkha Museum. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, lectures, family activities, research facilities and special events throughout the redevelopment period. Come and discover the extraordinary story of the Gurkhas, follow the progress of Project Kaida, and be part of this exciting new chapter in the Museum’s history.
