The future of Gurkha heritage: delivering Project Kaida

The Gurkha Museum is undergoing a major redevelopment to transform from a small military museum into a world-class heritage destination that celebrates and educates about the 210-year history and contributions of the Gurkhas. The transformation is scheduled to begin in 2025, with the museum closing that same year and reopening in mid-2026.

The Gurkha Museum is embarking on an exciting evolution, shifting from a small military museum into a vibrant must-visit heritage destination that will be the reference point for Gurkha heritage worldwide. This exciting redevelopment initiative includes renovated public galleries, a cutting-edge reference, research, and education centre, and a comprehensive digitalisation of its extensive archives. In addition, an innovative activity and education outreach program will make the rich history of the Gurkhas accessible to all ages.

Project Kaida

This redevelopment not only honours their remarkable legacy but also invites everyone to experience the unique stories and customs that make the Gurkhas a cherished part of history.

Project Kaida is more than just refitting a military museum. It’s a chance to honour and celebrate a remarkable 210-year strategic relationship between Britain and Nepal. This project highlights a unique cultural and historical legacy, showcasing a military ethos that is respected around the globe.

The project will also create an exceptional visitor experience that appeals to the widest audience, both virtual and physical while commemorating the incredible contributions of the Gurkhas to the United Kingdom and their enduring role in promoting global peace and security.

Our current situation 

Since its establishment in 1990, the Museum has experienced significant changes alongside the Brigade of Gurkhas, Nepal, and the conflicts they have served in. As technology advances and society shifts, there is a pressing need to make our heritage more accessible.

However, the current layout and limited resources pose challenges in adapting to these changes. It’s time to rethink how we present the rich history and honour the legacy of the Gurkhas for today’s audiences.

Our future 

Project Kaida will transform the Museum’s offering to celebrate the contributions of the Gurkhas to Britain yesterday, today and into the future. 

  • The Museum galleries will be completely renovated to ensure the Museum becomes a global must-visit destination. 
  • The library will be remodelled into an international research and education centre. 
  • The archives will be digitised to transform the access and research potential of their contents. 
  • A three-year funded innovative outreach and education programme will be delivered. 

COMPLETED

The redevelopment project started in 2021 with a comprehensive consultation programme, leading to an outline vision for the future.

The Brigade of Gurkhas dedicated a significant uplift in its contribution from the Service Day’s Pay Giving Scheme for four years from 2022.

The bid for development funding (round 1) from the Heritage Fund was made and awarded in 2023.

Capital works transformed the library into a state-of-the-art reference, research and education centre.

The Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2) for the public galleries has been achieved.  Review the plans here.

New funded staff appointments to support the digitalisation and outreach objectives joined the team.

A short film (6 minutes) explaining the redevelopment of the Museum released.  Watch here.

The Developed Design (RIBA Stage 3/Spatial Coordination) has been achieved.  Review the plans here.  Compare the current museum layout (here) with the new plans (flythrough here).

Grants awarded from The Foyle Foundation (£150k)

The bid for delivery funding (round 2) from the Heritage Fund was made and awarded in 2024.

PLANNED

Fundraising campaign to match National Lottery grant.

The digitalisation of the archives commences in 2025.

The outreach activity programme will be designed in 2025.

Capital works on the two public galleries will start in 2025 and be completed by mid-2026.

Our fundraising capital appeal  

The financial cost of transforming The Gurkha Museum is £5.2m. 

We have less than £700k to meet our funding goalThe total project costs covers the stripping out and refitting the public galleries; transforming the library into a research and education centre; digitalisation of the archives; and an innovative outreach and engagement programme. 

The Brigade of Gurkhas has chosen The Gurkha Museum’s project as its charity of choice for six years.  The Museum has been awarded £2.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (Heritage Fund) as an initial development grant (round 1) of £xxxxx and delivery grant (round 2) of ???.

The Gurkha Museum Trust has also received funding support from Foyle foundation, Garfield Weston and Swire.

Your help and support

Our fundraising campaign has been going well, thanks to the generosity and dedication of both the active and retired Gurkha community, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and various individual contributions. We are diligently striving to complement the substantial grant provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and are profoundly appreciative of the backing from the officers and soldiers of the Brigade of Gurkhas. However, we still require your assistance!

Your support is crucial.  

We have less than £650,000 remaining to raise.

Resources

The Gurkha Museum Trust fundraising brochure

You are invited to be part of this historic project and be part of the Gurkhas’ heritage. Read more about Project Kaida and the capital appeal here

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The Gurkha Museum Trust donation form

This is an ambitious charitable project which will transform The Gurkha Museum; this redevelopment project will honour and celebrate what it means to be a Gurkha and focus upon their individual and collective historic and continuing global impact.  Your support is vital.

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Project Kaida press release

The Gurkha Museum Trust is excited to announce it has been awarded a grant of £2,681,278 from The National Lottery Heritage FundThis grant will transform The Gurkha Museum from a small military museum into the global reference centre for Gurkha heritage.

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Concept Design (RIBA Stage 3)

The Concept Design (RIBA Stage 3) for the public galleries has been achieved. Review the plans here to find out more about the concept plan

Read more
© The Gurkha Museum Trust Winchester - Registered Charity Number 1169920 (formerly 272426)