RAF Museum secures National Lottery Investment

Air October 20, 2016

The Royal Air Force RAF Museum has been awarded £4,595,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the next phase of its RAF Centenary Programme

The Royal Air Force Museum has been awarded £4,595,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the next phase of its RAF Centenary Programme.

With 2018 marking the Centenary of the Royal Air Force (RAF), it will become the world’s oldest and longest serving independent air force in the world, and numerous celebrations will mark the occasion.

The RAF has affected the lives of millions, driven technological innovations, pushed the boundaries of human achievement and become part of the UK’s cultural identity. In order to commemorate the history of the Force and bring awareness to a global audience, a series of ambitious changes are being brought to the RAF Museum, London.

A first phase of development was completed in 2014, the First World War in the Air exhibition won Best Heritage Project in the National Lottery Awards 2015. This development will now be supported by a second phase, designed to lead visitors through the first 100 years of the RAF and imagine what its future may be – what technology will be developed next?

The RAF Museum has been awarded £4,595,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the next phase of its RAF Centenary Programme

The two innovative exhibitions will be delivered for 2018, including ‘RAF Stories’, a digital project of personal stories designed to enhance our understanding and sharing of RAF heritage.

A new learning programme will aim to inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Additionally, new apprenticeships and volunteering activities will help the Museum conserve and display more of the incredible 1.3 million objects within its collection representing the national memory of the RAF at work and play, war and peace.

Included in the Museum’s development will be a new visitor centre with clear orientation, plus café, shop, Members’ room and flexible-use spaces. A new restaurant will revitalise a disused historic building, connecting visitors with the site’s RAF heritage.

Further planned phases of the RAF Centenary Programme will bring to life the stories of the London Aerodrome and RAF Hendon – from which the first airmail, parachute jump, night flight and aerial defence of a city took place.

Maggie Appleton, CEO of the Royal Air Force Museum, said: “I would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund on behalf of all our staff, volunteers and Trustees for the generous support they have given us – we could not be happier! The story of the RAF is one of bravery, ingenuity and dedication which echoes within all our lives and will endure and enrich future generations. We are very excited to be given the opportunity to tell this story through the Museum’s collections and the voices of the individual men and women who served in the RAF and whose lives have been influenced by it.”

Stuart Hobley, Head of HLF London, said: “The RAF was one of the most significant legacies of the First World War and today, as we approach its Centenary of the organisation’s creation, millions of us have a direct family connection to the oldest and longest serving air force in the world. Thanks to National Lottery players, this investment will provide some fantastic learning opportunities and insight into the RAF’s heritage for people of all ages as well as give the stories and achievements of the men and women of the RAF a permanent legacy as part of the Royal Air Force Museum.”