2026 | Professional

MUSE Design Awards Gold Winner

The Harris

Entrant

Ralph Appelbaum Associates

Category

Interior Design - Museum / Gallery

Client's Name

Preston City Council

Country / Region

United Kingdom

About The Entry

The £16 million transformation of the Harris in Preston reimagines the landmark as a dynamic hub for culture, learning and community. RAA led the design strategy, from interpretive planning to final fit-out, shaping a seamless visitor journey through unified spatial and visual language. Interactive exhibits, digital storytelling and bold graphics integrate museum, library and gallery collections with welcoming public spaces including a café, atrium and shop. Hands-on experiences, adaptable event spaces and displays reflecting Preston’s diverse past and present define the offer. The renewed Harris now welcomes 100,000 additional visitors annually as a cultural anchor for the region.

Featured Media

Credits

Content Developer
Helen Schulte
Content Developer
Sarah Okpokam
Physical Designer (Ideation)
Mirko Cerami
Physical Designer
Caroline Sjöholm
Physical Designer
Alice Barsottini
Physical Designer (Production & Contract Administration)
Sarah Pollard
Visual Designer (Ideation)
Mina Demiren
Visual Designer (Ideation)
Eva Köhle
Visual Designer (Production)
Laurène Ciocco
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