Museums, libraries and archives

Through objects, collections, film, documents and oral histories they help to give us a sense of place and identity.
Thanks to National Lottery players, since 1994 we have awarded over £2.3billion to 5,800 museum, library, archive and collection-based projects across the UK.
What do we support?
Our funding supports institutions large and small, including:
- national and local authority museums, libraries and archives
- historic libraries
- community archives
- institutions with heritage collections
Project ideas
Our funding could help people:
- create exciting new exhibition and learning spaces
- attract more diverse audiences
- interpret and open up acquisitions
- develop collections
For more inspiration, see the stories below or browse projects we've funded.
How to get funding
Our National Lottery Grants for Heritage programme is open for applications.

Projects
The UK’s first centre dedicated to anti-apartheid heritage
This project will restore the former headquarters of the African National Congress at 28 Penton Street, London, creating a new centre to share the stories of South Africa's liberation.

News
Art Fund calls for museum partners in new UK-wide programme

Projects
Unveiling Literary Treasures: D H Lawrence Portrait Finds Home in Nottingham City Museums
The acquisition of a portrait of writer D H Lawrence celebrates Nottingham’s UNESCO City of Literature and opens up new avenues for engaging with diverse communities.

Projects
People, Pride and Progress: recording the histories of LGBTQ+ railway workers
Through the collection of real-life stories, this project aims to spotlight the LGBTQ+ community’s contribution to the railways for the first time.

Stories
Battlefield bonds: sharing the heritage of Nepal and the UK’s military partnership
Projects
Horniman gets the green light for transformational nature project
Described as a once-in-a-generation project, the Natural History Gallery and gardens will be redeveloped into a new and engaging space for all.
Projects
Hereford Museum and Art Gallery revamp receives £5m National Lottery funding boost
Herefordshire Council has been awarded a £5million grant to redevelop the Grade II listed Hereford Museum and Art Gallery.

Stories
Three projects that celebrate 75 years of the NHS
Projects
Medical Museum protects collections and engages local community
The Medical Museum project has revitalised access and engagement with a collection of medical artefacts through exhibitions, workshops, an online archive and personal stories.
Stories
Case study: The Food Museum – Hedgerow

News
Six projects celebrating the legacy of the Windrush generation

News