The National Railway Museum says that its Wonderlab project is on track for a 2023 opening and has announced the final artist for The Bramall Gallery.

The experience is on track to open from May 2023, with the building work now beginning and a second artist appointed.

The main contractors, Elmwood Projects, are in charge of building the base for Wonderlab. Elmwood Projects were chosen due to their experience in museum, heritage and commercial sectors, having completed previous projects at the British Museum.

The gallery will have 18 exhibits, having an engineering theme and two special art pieces, one of which was announced to be designed by Pippa Hale in November 2021.

The artist of the second piece of art has been revealed as Steve Messam. He is well known for some of his previous work, which has appeared at cultural and historic sites. ‘Portico’, the name of one of his pieces, was shortlisted for a 2022 Aesthetica Art Prize and is on display at the York Art Gallery.

The new installation will be found at the centre of the Wonderlab Gallery, with visitors able to get a close look at the artwork.

More information about Wonderlab and other Vision 2025 projects can be found at: www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/2025.

Steve Messam said: “I’m thrilled that the National Railway Museum has commissioned me to create a new installation in their Wonderlab gallery. My piece will aid the museum’s vision of inspiring the next generation of engineers by allowing visitors to walk through and see first-hand how the work is able to stand tall at the heart of Wonderlab.”

Rose Mockford, Lead Interactive Gallery Curator at the National Railway Museum, said: “We’re delighted that building work has begun, marking an exciting milestone in the development of Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery. This has been a long time in the planning and now our ground-breaking new Wonderlab is starting to feel like a reality. By this time next year, we’ll be seeing visitors in the new space and hope that they’ll be inspired by what they experience.
“It’s also great to be able to unveil Steve as our second specially commissioned artist for the gallery. Steve’s work is held in high regard and to have our own individual Messam installation in our Wonderlab is a real privilege.”