RCC-1668 Palaeontology Gallery (Science Lab) Rutland County Museum

Rutland County Council (“the Council”) is inviting proposals from suitably qualified and experienced suppliers to design, build, and install a new permanent gallery at Rutland County Museum.

The proposed gallery will form a key part of the Museum’s future offer, presenting Rutland’s early natural history through a dedicated Palaeontology Gallery. Central to the wider visitor experience will be a 10m x 10m immersive box installation, which will be procured through a separate tender process. This commission relates specifically to the design and delivery of a “Science Lab” Gallery which needs to complement and contextualise the immersive experience.

The gallery will explore life on Earth from approximately 400 million years ago through to the period preceding the Stone Age. It will provide visitors with a clear and engaging narrative of evolution, while also highlighting the role and work of palaeontologists in advancing our understanding of the natural world.

The Council’s vision is to create a high-quality, "Science Lab” type gallery environment that complements the digital experience of the immersive box. The space should deliver an informative and engaging visitor experience, supporting learning, discovery, and curiosity for a broad and diverse audience.

The Council is seeking a supplier capable of delivering a fully integrated, end-to-end service, including concept design, detailed design development, technical design, fabrication, installation, and testing and handover. The completed gallery must be accessible, durable, and designed to a high standard, ensuring a long-lasting and impactful addition to Rutland Museum’s offer.