Key Points
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Our partnership with the National Railway Museum is driven by a collective desire to make sure that this industry’s most exciting days are ahead of us, not behind.
Many thousands of young people visit every year and are filled with awe and wonder at the remarkable stories and engineering feats of the last two centuries. As the £2.5m headline sponsors of Railway Futures: The Porterbrook Gallery, due to open in 2027, we hope the collection lights the spark that inspires a new generation to take the baton and create the next chapters in the story.
Innovation and the Future of Rail
Exploring how railways are shaping society, technology and the environment, Railway Futures reflects the museum’s growing commitment to telling the story of rail’s past, present and future. With a particular focus on 15- to 25-year-olds, the gallery will encourage creativity and critical thinking, inviting young people to consider their hopes for the future and how the railways might help to realise them.
The items, which represent cutting-edge innovation within the sector, have been sourced from a variety of donors, including start-ups, multinational rail companies, public and private sector organisations, academic institutions – and even space agencies. Through these objects, interactive exhibits, case studies, and first-hand stories from rail professionals and communities, visitors will be encouraged to reflect on what matters most to them – and how innovation could support a better railway.
We’re incredibly grateful to Porterbrook for their generous support, which has made this ambitious, future-focused gallery possible. Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and inspiring the next generation to consider a career in the industry. It’s a powerful example of what can be achieved when the museum and heritage sectors and industry sectors come together with a common purpose.
