Museums have a powerful impact on their communities. Working with our museum colleagues in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, we've compiled three series of case studies about how museums have created positive and lasting change.

In these case studies, the museums demonstrate their meaningful value to the people who work in them, volunteer at them and visit them. Through these stories, we see a vision of the future of the UK's museum sector – one that is dynamic, inclusive and sustainable.

Scotland

A group of people stand in a circle on a checkered floor, holding and displaying a Progress Pride flag as they look up towards the camera.
Co-creating a queer art trail at Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums

In this series of Museums Change Lives case studies from across Scotland, published in 2026, we share how museums of all kinds are making an impact and creating positive, lasting change.

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Wales

Bailey Hill Men's Shed group stands together
Members of the Bailey Hill Scheduled Ancient Monument Men’s Shed

In this new series of Museums Change Lives case studies from across Wales, published in 2026, we share how Welsh museums of all kinds have become places of joy and reflection, of challenge and understanding.

Northern Ireland

The Late Shift, an after-hours audience development project led by NI Museums Council Emmett Moore

This document demonstrates that every museum has the power to make a meaningful and lasting difference. Museums in Northern Ireland are stepping up to the plate and the examples here are both a powerful tool and a clear statement of intent.