Norwich Castle Keep reopens after $34M restoration as “People’s Palace”

Norwich, United Kingdom – August 22, 2025 - After five years of restoration, Norwich Castle Keep has reopened to the public, reimagined as “The People’s Palace” and celebrated as the most accessible Norman castle in the UK. The project was delivered through a USD 34.2 million (£27.5 million) redevelopment program.

Reviving a Medieval Landmark

The extensive works have opened previously restricted areas, including the basement, royal chambers, Great Hall, and rooftop. Visitors now have access to all five levels of the castle, with immersive storytelling and interactive installations integrated throughout.

Kay Mason-Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, highlighted the transformation:

“It now looks and feels like the medieval castle it once was following a painstaking and authentic redevelopment. Multisensory elements and interactive exhibits also bring medieval Norwich to life, fostering a deeper connection to the past for visitors of all ages.”

Accessibility First

Norwich Castle is now recognised as the most accessible Norman keep in the country, with a new lift giving wheelchair and pushchair access from basement to battlements. The refurbishment also introduced tactile maps, sensory exhibits, and a dedicated early years learning space, ensuring inclusivity for visitors of all ages.

Restoration by Feilden + Mawson

The project was led by architects Feilden + Mawson, working alongside Historic England and Norfolk County Council. Conservation specialists reinstated medieval floors and rooms, restored Caen limestone interiors, and created a new bridge for improved visitor flow, all while respecting the heritage fabric of the site.

New Experiences: From Great Hall to Medieval Gallery

Immersive features include audio-visual projections in the Great Hall, character storytelling, and a reconstructed “People’s Chamber” where visitors can interact with Norman royalty simulations.

A major highlight is the Gallery of Medieval Life, developed in partnership with the British Museum. The gallery is the institution’s first medieval partnership outside London, showcasing over 900 artifacts, including more than 50 items on long-term loan.

Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the British Museum, said:

“Norwich Castle Keep was one of the most spectacular medieval palaces in Europe, so I can think of no more fitting place for the British Museum’s first medieval Partnership Gallery to be hosted. We are really proud to be part of this transformative project, which restores the Keep to its former glory.”

Funding the Project

The redevelopment was financed through multiple streams, including USD 16.1 million (£13 million) from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and USD 14.8 million (£12 million) from Norfolk County Council, alongside additional contributions from local and national partners.

Dr Simon Thurley CBE, Chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“Norwich Castle Keep is one of the most important Norman buildings in England which has, with the help of National Lottery players, come alive in an exciting and inspiring way. ... The Norfolk Museums Service have shown how to make a great historic monument and world class collections come alive for a new generation of visitors.”

The reopening of Norwich Castle Keep is not only a triumph of heritage conservation but also a landmark in public access and cultural storytelling. As “The People’s Palace,” the castle is set to inspire future generations with its blend of medieval history, inclusive design, and world-class exhibitions.