Countdown to reopening of the public galleries
The countdown is on. Our redeveloped public galleries are nearing completion, and we plan to reopen the ground and first floors to the public on 10 February 2027. But this is not the end of our major programme of transformation, rather यो अन्त्य शुरुआत हो which translates to ‘this end is the beginning’.
The reopening of the redeveloped galleries marks an important milestone in an even bigger ambition: to transform The Gurkha Museum Trust from a modest military museum into a must-visit attraction and to be known as the global reference centre for Gurkha heritage. The new galleries are the beginning of what comes next – a bold new chapter for The Gurkha Museum Trust and for the remarkable stories of Gurkha service, sacrifice and heritage that we preserve, protect and promote.
Public Galleries Redevelopment: Follow the Journey
We are preparing to welcome visitors back to our newly redeveloped ground and first floor galleries through a phased reopening programme. We are aiming to begin a testing phase of galleries later this year, followed by our public reopening on 10 February 2027. To register your interest in arranging a pre-booked visit, please email: Admin@TheGurkhaMuseum.co.uk.
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. DELIVERING 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. INSPIRING CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS – वर्तमान र भविष्यको सन्तानहरुलाई प्रोत्साहन
Supported through a three-year NLHF funded learning and community 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 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. 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 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 public 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
There is no need to wait until February 2027. While exciting changes continue behind the scenes, there is still plenty to see and do at The Gurkha Museum. The second floor remains open and operational. You can enjoy temporary exhibitions, lectures, family activities, our research facilities and special events throughout the redevelopment period.
This end is the beginning
Come and discover the extraordinary story of the Gurkhas, follow the progress of Project Kaida and see how The Gurkha Museum is developing for the future. The reopening of the public galleries is an important milestone. It is also the beginning of the next phase of our ambition to preserve, share and promote Gurkha heritage for generations to come.