Keswick Museum launched its new exhibition spaces this week as part of its £125,000 Exhibitions 2020 project.

The project has seen the two main galleries within the museum transformed. The exhibition spaces celebrate exciting stories and history from Keswick and its surrounding area.

It has been supported by the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Friends of Keswick Museum.

Museum manager Becks Skinner said: “It’s fantastic to see the new exhibition spaces come alive, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteers and staff.

“The museum is not only a must-see attraction for visitors but provides an important community hub that preserves and celebrates our heritage.”

The first gallery tells the story of the landscape of the area, from how the landscape was created through to those that have lived and visited the area. Moving into the second gallery, the visitor can explore stories of those that have been inspired by the landscape through arts, crafts and literature.

Highlights include the Keswick School of Industrial Arts and Southey’s Three Bears. Gallery 2 also includes a special exhibitions area showcasing until August 31 the work of Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, founder of the National Trust. The exhibitions are a great place for families, with Mr Fox guiding the children through different activities around the museum.

Alongside the exhibitions the museum will run a learning programme for schools plus a programme of talks and events for adults, including ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours to explore the collection stores. Details of events and activities are available from www.keswickmuseum.org.uk or through social media @keswickmuseum.

The project is supporting the development of the Community Gallery, a free-to-enter space for groups and individuals to create their own exhibitions. During February this area celebrates the parkrun that meets in Fitz Park each week.

There are also two events for families coming up at half-term at the museum.

On Tuesday February 18 – from 1pm to 3pm – the West Cumbria Rivers Trust is running a river dipping event – drop-in between those times, it is free to attend.

On Thursday February 20 – from 10.30am-11.30am – The Wordsworth Trust is running the Rucksack of Rhymes. This is free storytelling, songs and craft for the under-5s.

And there are a number of workshops on offer at the museum from February onwards, such as the ‘Landscape Zone’. This involves geology, natural history, taxidermy, rocks and fossils.Participants can learn about Lake District geology, and make a trilobite to take away.

The ‘Living Here Zone’ is often combined with a visit to the nearby Castlerigg Stone Circle.

To find out how to get involved in any of the activities and programmes, contact Dave Cryer, Learning & Engagement Co-ordinator at the museum, on 017687 73263.