The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is set for a £3m facelift, including a complete refurbishment of Cultra Manor.
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The development is one of a series of investments on the museum site including improvements to exhibit buildings in both the town and rural areas and a remodeling of entrance and exhibit areas at the Transport Museum.
The projects are funded by the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure.
Speaking during a visit to Cultra Manor Culture on Tuesday, DUP Minister Nelson McCausland said the investment would revitalise both the interior and exterior.
He said: "This project will enable Cultra Manor to fulfil its commercial and partnership potential as a premier facility for public programmes, learning activities, corporate events and private hire."
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, Cultra Manor was the family home of career diplomat Sir Robert Kennedy, his wife the Hon Lady Bertha Ward and their four daughters.
Tim Cooke, Director of National Museums Northern Ireland which runs the museum, said the latest project was part of a longer-term strategy bringing more than £9m of investment into the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.
He said: "Our programme has already seen the refreshment of many exhibit buildings in the Folk Museum area and the opening of the Gilford cinema complex and Ballycultra tea rooms. We are currently planning fresh investment in the Transport Museum to improve existing galleries and add new exhibitions."
When Cultra Manor reopens to the public in June 2011 there will be a series of paintings and photographs of the Kennedy family displayed in the building.
There will also be associated programming, including tours of the house and the Kennedy estate.
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