The new Jewish Museum London in Camden Town is set to undergo an expansion project.

The attraction closed in September for onsite preparations, following approval of a £4.2m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The proposals will triple the museum’s existing space to provide room for more extensive educational facilities and improved galleries for both permanent displays and a special exhibitions programme.

A History Gallery will feature interactive displays aimed at evoking the roots and experience of Jewish people in Britain – one of the UK’s oldest minority communities – while the Religion Gallery, currently housing a collection of ceremonial art, will be redeveloped to include interactive displays.

A new community space will offer an auditorium, café and shop as well as a Welcome Gallery complete with multimedia installations, which will be free to the public.

Staff at the museum aim to help combat racism and prejudice in all its forms, challenge stereotypes and make a positive contribution to cultural diversity and community engagement in London.

This will be done via a series of changing exhibitions and public and outreach projects held at the premises, supported by patron The Prince of Wales.

The improved cultural facility will re-open in spring 2009.