National Mining Museum Scotland goes green
A whole new world for visitors to explore renewable energy and engineering was officially opened on Friday 14th April at National Mining Museum Scotland. The Green Zone, which is aimed primarily at families, connects three adjacent sections within the grounds of the museum into a hub of interactive fun learning and play. The Green Zone consists of an Interactive Zone and Energy Lab, Play Park and new Activity and Events Space. The themes running throughout cover the origins of fossil fuels, renewable energy, climate change, ecology and biodiversity.
Visitors to the museum will have access to the interactive zones as part of their admission ticket. Children can let off steam in the newly refurbished Play Park with new weather and biodiversity activities for all ages to enjoy. Like a scientist, they can investigate new energies and technologies in the Energy Lab and explore engineering and climate change in the Interactive Hub.
Additionally, the new Activity and Events space will be a facility for the museum’s family learning activities and available for hire for community events and children’s birthday parties.
Funding for the new Green Zone has come from Museums Galleries Scotland, the People’s Postcode Trust and the National Mining Museum Scotland.
Lucy Casot, CEO of Museums Galleries Scotland, who officially opened the space, said: “MGS is committed to understanding how to enable our museums and galleries to achieve positive climate action. We know awareness of climate change and the passion to take action is already high amongst our sector. We are delighted therefore to be in a position to provide the financial support needed to ensure steps towards sustainability and climate action is made possible at NMMS.
“For children in particular who are less familiar with the history of coal mining than older generations, the Green Zone will help develop an understanding of the evolution of the energy industry and the increasing importance of renewable energy in Scotland.”
Mhairi Cross, CEO of National Mining Museum Scotland said: “Through our recent involvement in the Climate Beacon project we know that many mining communities feel excluded from climate conversations. Our new Green Zone creates a tangible link from the story of coal to the story of Scotland’s energy transition towards renewable energy that is fun, interactive and memorable. We are extremely grateful to Museums Galleries Scotland for funding this extremely important project.”
The Green Zone is open 7 days a week and is fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Notes to Editors
The wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery is a Five Star visitor attraction and a recognised collection of national significance. First opened in the 1890s, the ‘Lady’ became known as one of the first Scottish super pits and today is home to the extensive collections of National Mining Museum Scotland.
For further information please contact Gillian Rankin, Marketing and Events Manager at National Mining Museum Scotland on 0131 663 7519 or email marketing@nationalminingmuseum.com
