Museum receives vital funding from the DCMS

The Silverstone Experience is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country set to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

445 organisations, including The Silverstone Experience, will share £103 million to help restart vital reconstruction work and maintenance on cherished heritage sites, keeping venues open and supporting those working in the sector.

The Silverstone Experience museum, which is housed in a restored WW2 Wellington Bomber Hangar and has been open for less than a year, will receive £572,000. The grant will enable the museum to protect jobs, maintain its historic collection, bring in new visitors and prepare for a future when Covid safety measures will ease. The funding will also allow it to continue its mission of inspiring the next generation of engineers with family visits and a schools and learning programme.

This vital funding is from the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage and the Heritage Stimulus Fund - funded by Government and administered at arm’s length by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Both funds are part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund which is designed to secure the future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues with emergency grants and loans.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

“As a nation it is essential that we preserve our heritage and celebrate and learn from our past. This massive support package will protect our shared heritage for future generations, save jobs and help us prepare for a cultural bounce back post Covid.”

Sally Reynolds, CEO of The Silverstone Experience, said:

“In what is proving to be one of the most difficult years in memory for the museum and heritage sector, I offer sincere thanks to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport for this grant. Without this money from the Culture Recovery Fund, The Silverstone Experience would be in real trouble. Following months of enforced closure during the national lockdown, and a current restriction on daily visitor numbers, this essential income will enable us to protect jobs, maintain our collection and prepare for a future when Covid safety measures will ease. We remain fully committed to achieving our mission of protecting and promoting the heritage of British motor racing and inspiring the next generation of engineers; this financial support provides invaluable help as we work towards achieving this. I am thrilled that we can continue to welcome visitors for a safe and fun day out.”

The Silverstone Experience began to welcome visitors in late October 2019 ahead of a full Royal opening with Prince Harry and F1 champion Lewis Hamilton in March of this year. It was closed for almost four months due to the national lockdown and has implemented a range of measures to ensure it can remain safely open to the public.