The National Railway Museum in York reopens its hall after renovation: what visitors will see.

The National Railway Museum in York reopens its doors

According to The Sun: Fans of railways can once again access a large location after two years of renovation, which cost £10.5 million, and features several new attractions.

The National Railway Museum in York, recognized as the best in the world by On Magazine, today opens its Station Hall gallery after major renovations.

During this time, numerous improvements have been made to the hall, including roof upgrades.

What can be seen in the updated hall

The gallery, which is a Grade II listed building, contains a variety of vehicles from the history of railways in the UK.

Upon entry, visitors will be able to see interesting signs and advertisements. There is also a section dedicated to the influence of the royal family on railway travel, detailing the first toilets in trains and the introduction of air conditioning.

“You will even be able to peek inside Queen Victoria's carriage, explore its decor, and see King Edward VII's bathtub in his saloon carriage.”

Station Hall was originally built in the 1870s and served as the main goods station in York until the 1960s. It was opened as a gallery in 1990 and closed for renovation in 2023.

Over the last two years, Station Hall has received a new roof and numerous other improvements. The gallery features new exhibits, including restored items and new attractions like the WH Smith bookstall, which first opened at London Waterloo station in 1922.

Festive events and new opportunities

On the weekend, the museum, which recently earned the title of Best Family Attraction in York, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the arrival at many areas that are usually closed to the public, as well as listen to a series of expert talks.

Guests will also be able to enter historical trains such as the world's fastest steam locomotive – Mallard, the Boxhill train, Intercity 125, or Eurostar.

At Station Hall, there will be a talk where visitors learn how the museum's restoration team preserves artifacts and how railway vehicles were protected during construction.

Additionally, curators will give presentations, discuss the history of the railway's emergence, and provide an opportunity to closely examine favorite exhibits.

Free activities for the whole family

A whole range of activities is planned for families, including storytelling, face painting, and stilt walking. Access to the event and all activities is free, however, prior registration is required for the toy train.

Tickets need to be registered for visiting the museum, which operates seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Besides Station Hall, the museum has begun construction on another building, Central Hall, which will be located in the center. The new space is expected to open to the public in 2027.

Additionally, a historic station in the UK, from which trains once departed to the beach, plans to reopen after 60 years, offering vintage dining carriages.

This opening attracts attention not only from railway enthusiasts but also tourists, as one of the oldest electric railways in the world leads to one of the most popular beaches in the UK.