Bolton Museum’s Egyptology Gallery reopens after £3.8m overhaul

You would never guess that Bolton is the final resting place of an Egyptian mummy. It can be found, naturally enough, in the Egyptology Gallery in the town’s official museum, which has just undergone a £3.8 million refurbishment. The grand re-opening took place recently, presided over non-other than Margaret Mountford, alumnus of The Apprentice and a highly qualified historian. The aforementioned mummy is thought to be related to Rameses II, and you can read all about how he ended up so far from home. This unlikely story goes back over 130 years, and involves three families of prominent local Victorian philanthropists. Another centrepiece is a full-scale recreation an ancient king’s tomb – the first of its kind outside Egypt. Other artefacts on display include funeral masks, statues, clothing, tools, and weapons. Overall, the gallery contains over 2,000 different objects, installations, and interactive displays. You’ll also find fun activities for kids.

Now open, Bolton Museum, Le Mans Crescent, Bolton, BL1 1SE, Tel: 01204 332211, times vary, FREE, www.boltonlams.co.uk/museum