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Manchester Cotton and Transatlantic Slavery Exhibition - Fit Out and Graphics

Science Museum Group

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

18 Aug 2026 at 15:03

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Science Museum Group is procuring a main contractor for the fit-out and graphics of the temporary Manchester Cotton and Transatlantic Slavery Exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. The work covers high-quality fabrication, graphics production, installation and deinstallation of the exhibition. It is a works contract involving museum construction and exhibition services, including professional organisation services. The appointed contractor will therefore need to deliver physical exhibition elements as well as associated graphics and installation activity at the Manchester museum. The requirement is suited to a specialist exhibition fit-out contractor able to manage the complete delivery and later removal of a temporary museum exhibition.

The procurement has reached tender: the Science Museum Group invited offers through an open, below-threshold competition. There is one lot. The overall estimated value is £300,000 excluding VAT, or £360,000 including VAT; the lot record separately gives a value of AED 300,000. The contract period set out for the lot runs from 28 September 2026 to 31 March 2027. Potential suppliers could submit enquiries until 8 September 2026 at 5:00pm, and offers were due by 11 September 2026 at 5:00pm. Responses had to be submitted electronically through the Science Museum Group Procurement Portal, using the required Tender Response Document and signed by an authorised representative. Evaluation combines weighted quality and price scores, with detailed criteria in the invitation to tender.

This opportunity suits an experienced main contractor specialising in museum, gallery or exhibition fit-outs, particularly businesses combining fabrication, graphics production, installation and deinstallation under one delivery team. Suppliers should be able to produce high-quality bespoke exhibition components, coordinate graphic outputs and install them safely and accurately within a working museum environment. The temporary nature of the exhibition also requires the capability to plan and carry out an orderly later deinstallation, including removal of the installed displays. Contractors with relevant experience delivering cultural, heritage or public-facing exhibition projects will be well placed to demonstrate the required quality and professional competence. The buyer will assess both quality and price, so bidders need a credible delivery approach as well as competitive commercial pricing.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Manchester Cotton and Transatlantic Slavery Exhibition - Fit Out and Graphics

Notice Description

SMG seeks to appoint a skilled and experienced Main Contractor to provide services including high-quality fabrication, graphics production, installation and deinstallation of the temporary exhibition titled Manchester Cotton and Transatlantic Slavery Exhibition at the Science and Industry Museum, Manchester.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e6af
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/078604-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services

98 - Other community, social and personal services

CPV Codes

45212313 - Museum construction work

92500000 - Library, archives, museums and other cultural services

92521000 - Museum services

92521100 - Museum-exhibition services

98112000 - Services furnished by professional organisations

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Aug 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
11 Sep 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
28 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Science Museum Group
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW7 2DD
Postcode Area
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI33 Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Kensington and Chelsea
Electoral Ward
Brompton & Hans Town
Westminster Constituency
Kensington and Bayswater

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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