The Tullie transformation: Breathing new life into Carlisle’s cultural heart: For over 130 years, Tullie has stood as a beacon of creativity, learning, and heritage in Carlisle. Now, this beloved visitor attraction is embarking on a bold new chapter - one that reimagines its legacy and opens its doors to even more people.
Introducing Project Tullie
At the heart of this transformation is Project Tullie, an ambitious redevelopment programme designed to revitalise the museum’s historic buildings and collections. The vision? To create inclusive, engaging spaces that reflect Tullie’s original purpose as Carlisle’s centre for arts, learning, and knowledge.
The project’s second phase was unveiled earlier this year, revealing a modernised entrance and atrium, a new shop, a refreshed café, and a ground-floor gallery celebrating the city’s rich history. And there’s more to come.
“This is an exciting time as we modernise and reimagine Tullie,” says Carl Gibson, Head of Finance and People at Tullie. “Project Tullie is a truly remarkable programme which will breathe new life into the city of Carlisle and help us create an innovative, inclusive, and sustainable cultural hub that connects Cumbria to the world.”
A legacy of learning and inspiration
Founded in 1893, Tullie has long been a place where stories of Cumbria’s culture and heritage come to life. From world-renowned exhibitions featuring Rembrandt and Turner to recent showcases like the Shelia Fell retrospective, Tullie continues to inspire generations through its collections, workshops, and events.
The next phase of Project Tullie will see the transformation of the Borders Gallery into the new Active Gallery - home to 100,000 nationally significant items. It’s a bold step forward that promises to deepen public engagement and celebrate the region’s rich history.
Supporting the journey: H&H Insurance Brokers
Behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth running of such a complex and evolving organisation requires more than just vision, it requires the right support. That’s where H&H Insurance Brokers comes in.
“A multi-faceted business such as ours provides a unique set of complex challenges,” Carl explains. “Having the team at H&H Insurance Brokers on our side ensures that having the right policies in place is something we don’t have to worry about.”
Led by Kara Jenkinson, HHIB’s business team provides Tullie with a bespoke insurance package tailored to its unique needs, from exhibitions and events to historic artefacts and public spaces.
“Tullie is almost synonymous with Carlisle,” Kara says. “We’re proud to support such an important institution, especially as it undergoes this exciting transformation. It’s a privilege to play a part in securing its future.”
Looking ahead
As renovation work continues, Tullie remains open to the public, with exhibitions like the Dinosaur rEvolution taking place during summer 2025. With Project Tullie well underway, the future looks bright for this cornerstone of Carlisle’s cultural landscape.
To learn more about Tullie and its transformation, visit their website