NEW designs reveal how visitors to Bolton Museum will be able to step back in time into the land of the Pharoahs as a new multi-million pound Egyptology gallery takes shape.

The museum has revealed its new artist impressions for the £3.8 million project as work progresses on the gallery designed to showcase the world-renowned collection at its very best.

Bolton’s Egypt is due to open next year and will be divided into sections —the Portico, Rotunda, Land and People and Beliefs — depicting the history and importance of the borough’s Egyptology collection.

Among the eye-catching features will be a striking installation made up of artefacts suspended from the ceiling in the Portico, which will tell the story of the collection and the donors behind it.

The designs have been released following feedback from the public and those connected with the museum with the artist impressions illustrating how the gallery will look.

Visitors to the museum will get the chance to view the designs more closely though a display situated in the foyer and on social media.

Bolton Library and Museum Services are working with museum exhibition designers, Leach Studio to create the gallery.

Once complete, visitors will be able experience life in ancient Egypt and find out more about their beliefs with a darkened exhibition space depicting how Egyptians prepared for death and the afterlife.

The centrepiece to the new gallery will be a full-sized recreation of the tomb of Thutmose III.

Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for regeneration and resources, Cllr Ebrahim Adia, said: "This project is the most significant development the museum has seen in many years and it is a privilege to be a part of it.

"It’s very exciting to see the designs develop and change in order to reflect the museum’s collection, and I can’t wait to see the finished gallery.

"Bolton’s Egyptology collection is one of the most significant in the UK, so we’ll be pulling out all the stops to create a visitor attraction of international quality and appeal."

Contractors Willmott Dixon have been on site since the beginning of this year and completed essential roof repairs and internal mechanical and electrical works.

Guy Lacey, operations manager, said: "It is a real privilege for Willmott Dixon to be delivering such a prestigious and historically significant project that will further enhance Bolton as a centre of excellence in Egyptology."

Next on the programme of works is the fit-out of exhibition space, decoration and a new shop area on the first floor.

Nichola Ward, head of creative, Leach Studio, said: “As museum exhibition designers, it’s been fantastic to work with the team at Bolton Museum and Willmott Dixon on such a significant project.

“Working closely with the museum team has allowed us to really explore the collection and create some exciting and often brave designs. It’s inspiring to work with a client team that is open to ideas and is really helping to create a fun-filled experience for visitors that shows the breadth and beauty of Bolton’s astonishing Egyptology collection.

“The designs have received great feedback from the team and we’re delighted to unveil our latest impressions. We hope everyone is as excited as we are. We can’t wait to continue our journey with Bolton’s Egypt and look forward to its opening next year.”