A MUSEUM in Middlesbrough will reopen to the public today after undergoing a £3m facelift.

Mayor Ray Mallon unveiled the new facilities when he officially reopened the Dorman Museum, in Linthorpe Road, yesterday.

New galleries have been created to display the museum's collections to encourage people to interact with their surroundings.

H2O is a hands-on discovery centre that encourages families and younger visitors to try their hand at experiments using water.

Visitors can discover how the universe was formed and how life on Earth evolved in the new Earth in Space Gallery.

Councillor Bob Kerr Middlesbrough, council executive member for culture, said: "The new Dorman will present the modern face of museums to a new generations of visitors.

"There is certainly plenty to interest and inspire, from the latest interactive exhibits to the updated Town in Time and Linthorpe Pottery feature, not forgetting old favourites such as the Nelson Bird Gallery."

Visitors can explore the local history of Middlesbrough and see examples of the renowned clay work by Victorian designer Christopher Dresser. Also on show will be the newly refurbished Acklam Lordship map of Middlesbrough, which dates from 1716 and gives an idea of what the area looked like then.

The 20th Century Woman Gallery presents items from the museum's social history collection from a female perspective.

One of the most popular exhibits over the years has been Leo, the Linthorpe Lion, which has been restored and takes pride of place overlooking the museum gift shop.

Leo also appears on a logo throughout the museum and on its literature.

The facilities available at the Dorman have also been improved and the museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Baby-changing areas, gift shop and information areas are designed to create a relaxing environment with a caf due to open next month.

A new education suite is available for group visits and museum staff have visited schools to highlight the range of workshops and events planned.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 5.30pm, except Thursday, when it opens between 11am and 6.30pm. Admission is free. For further information call (01642) 813781.