ZMMA and Nissen Richards Studio have been appointed to redesign the permanent exhibitions at The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, coinciding with the institution’s 30th anniversary in the city. The initiative, titled “Armed with Hope and Understanding,” represents a multi-million-pound refurbishment aimed at creating immersive, interactive displays across 4,700 square meters of gallery and public space.
The project seeks to fundamentally rethink the museum’s curation and interpretation methods, focusing on how visitors engage with history, technology, and societal impact. “This process is more than an exhibition redesign,” said Adam Zombory-Moldovan, Founding Principal and Creative Director of ZMMA. “It’s a chance to reimagine how to tell the story of using, designing and making arms and armour, and to help visitors reflect on the impacts they’ve had on people, world events and society.”
The re-conceived galleries will integrate performance, storytelling, digital experiences, and hands-on interaction to challenge assumptions and spark curiosity. “We are really pleased too,” Pippa Nissen concluded, “that the two design companies have come together to form a collaboration that puts positive debate and discussion at the heart of the project and are looking forward to a very creative and thought-provoking design journey.”
The Royal Armouries in Leeds houses the UK’s National Collection of Arms and Armour, spanning over 700 years. A competitive tender process selected the team for their ability to blend innovation with inclusivity, aiming to create a destination for both local communities and international visitors. The redesign marks a significant milestone in the museum’s evolution since its establishment in the city.
Alongside ZMMA and Nissen Richards Studio, the project includes Femme Fatale Studio for audio-visual design, DHD Services for infrastructure, and Greenway Associates for project management. Additional partners encompass Eckersley O’Callaghan for structural design, Max Fordham for mechanical and electrical engineering, David Bonnett Associates for accessibility, TENOS for fire safety, and QUOIN Consultancy for principal design oversight.