Derby's iconic Museum of Making announces 2024 reopening date after suffering flood damage

A museum that was closed after Storm Babet caused flooding and ‘significant damage’ has announced a reopening date for next year.

Museum of Making in Derby has been closed since October 23, 2023 following substantial flood damage.

It was caused by severe weather conditions which included 58mph wind gusts, as reported by the Met Office. 

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Paying homage to the Christmas classic Love Actually, the Museum of Making team posted a video.

Tony Butler, executive director of Derby Museums Trust can be seen holding large pieces of paper with a very important message to his audience - much like Andrew Lincoln’s character Mark, when he confessed his unrequited love to Keira Knightley’s Juliet in the Richard Curtis Christmas classic Love Actually.

When will Derby Museum of Making reopen?

The date when the museum will open its doors again is Friday January 26, 2024. 

The team summed up 2023 as ‘challenging’ yet ‘memorable’ that saw the museum host exciting exhibitions plus Hogarth’s Britons which brought 84 loans from 18 lenders to Derby.

People reacted to the video by sharing their joy at the good news about the imminent opening. 

One delighted Derby local said: ‘Good to see the date of reopening,’ whilst another said: ‘Oh Tony (& team), you’ve brought a little festive tear to my eye with that film. All the best for a successful 2024.’