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Collections Hub

An exterior of a warehouse with a yellow front, outdoor seating, trees, and people engaging in various activities under a sunny sky.
A group of people wearing safety vests stands inside a modern museum exhibit area labelled "Collections Hub." Visitors, including a person in a wheelchair, observe and interact in the space.

The purpose-built Collections Hub will allow us to move our stored collection on site, enabling public access for the first time and widening our current opportunities to care for our collection.

The RAF Museum cares for a reserve collection of around 55,000 objects representing every aspect of RAF life from across its 100-year plus history. These objects are housed in our sores with no public access and in buildings which are no longer fit for purpose.

Sharing and caring for the collection

The new 4000m² Collections Hub will transform the way we are able to use our stored collection, not only through stable conditions and the provision of specialist environments for some part of the collection, such as a uniform store and strong room, but through the provision of way ways to interact with and inspire our audiences. We will use the Collections Hub and our stored collections to engage people in intergenerational opportunities to develop new skills and ideas. Having easy access to our stored collections will enable our staff, volunteers and partners to use objects to inspire participants in learning sessions and community activities on site and across the Midlands.

We will also open the Hub for a regular programme of volunteer-led tours for visitors and use digital technology to share our collection across the site and online – enabling access for everyone.

The image shows a warehouse with several containers on shelves. The building appears to be made of steel and is used for storage

The Hub will be built adjacent to and joining with the existing Michael Beetham Conservation Centre. Here a team of Museum technicians, apprentices and over 50 dedicated volunteers use engineering and technical skills that were once widespread, but which are now disappearing, to look after our objects.

The Museum runs an award winning Apprentice scheme where apprentices learning skill specific to aircraft conservation – airframe engineering, carpentry and the conservation of historic fabric.

This unique environment ensures essential skills are passed on to the next generation, preparing them for roles within the aerospace and wider engineering industry. Previous apprentices have used their skills to secure positions with BAE Systems, Collins Aerospace and Babcock International.

The RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme is being made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to progress our plans for this project.

Made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund