Major redevelopment of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens underway as community yarn bomb event showcases early activity programme

Sunderland's flagship cultural venue, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, has launched an ambitious four-year redevelopment and activity programme (2026-2030), led by Sunderland City Council and supported by major investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Wolfson Foundation and other partners.

As part of this transformation, a wide-ranging programme of events and community activity has been taking place across the city since Easter, with the recent yarn bombing celebration in Mowbray Park Community Garden offering a vibrant example of how residents are already helping shape the future of the museum.  On Wednesday 27 May, Sunderland's creative community came together to transform the garden into a colourful, blossom themed installation. Led by Susan Gibson and Michelle Hill from local crafting groups The Knitting Hinnies, Howay Crochet and Canny Crafters, alongside Museum staff and visiting families, more than 300 handcrafted knitted and crocheted flowers were installed throughout the space.

The event followed an open call issued earlier this spring as part of the Museum's redevelopment engagement programme, inviting local people to get involved from the outset. Around 40 contributors responded, creating a striking collective display that celebrates creativity, nature and community spirit. Approximately 150 flowers were prepared in advance, sewn onto cotton tape and wrapped around the garden's pergola, with a further 150 blooms added on the day by families and volunteers. The installation forms part of Sunderland's wider Blossom Programme and mirrors the type of creative, hands-on activity that will sit at the heart of the Museum's future offer.

The display will remain in Mowbray Park Community Garden until Monday 20 July, before moving to Usworth Park in Washington as part of the Little Onions summer activity programme. This will help expand the reach of the redevelopment programme across Sunderland's communities.

The yarn bombing is just one of a series of community-led initiatives launched since Easter, designed to engage residents in the lead-up to major capital works on the museum building. The redevelopment will see significant changes, including new galleries, improved social spaces, a new front entrance, and an expanded programme of outreach and activity reaching all wards of the city.

Councillor Ciera Hudspith, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage at Sunderland City Council, said: "This fantastic yarn bombing event is exactly what the redevelopment of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is all about and that is bringing people together, celebrating creativity and making our culture accessible to all residents. Our four-year programme isn't just about transforming the building; it's about working with communities right across Sunderland to co-create something truly special. It's wonderful to see so many people already getting involved and helping shape what the future of the museum will look like."

The project also forms part of the ongoing Wildlife in Wool series, which will continue to offer opportunities for people to take part. The next theme invites contributions inspired by the coast and sea, including knitted, crocheted or felted creations such as gulls, crabs, oysters, fish and mermaids. Contributions can be dropped off at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens until Friday 7 August, with the next yarn bombing event scheduled for Thursday 20 August in Mowbray Park Community Garden.

This extensive programme of activity reflects the Museum's commitment to remaining open, active, and deeply connected to communities throughout the redevelopment period, ensuring residents play a central role in shaping the future space.

Residents and organisations are encouraged to get involved in upcoming events and share their views on nature and sustainability through the Connecting Through Nature survey:
https://sunderlandcitycouncil.info/nature

For more information about the redevelopment of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and how to get involved, visit:
https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/