The National Trust has announced plans to transform the Museum of Childhood at Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire.

A £2.2m refurbishment will double the size of the museum and construct seven new display areas to exhibit a further 5,000 objects chronicling childhood.

The museum will also offer interactive activities and temporary exhibitions such as the Toy Gallery, where visitors can play with toys, explore how they were made and understand the reasons behind the museum’s collection.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has granted £1.6m towards the project and The Betty Cadbury Trust and the National Trust South Derbyshire Centre provided additional funding.

Lesley Law, property manager at Sudbury, said: “This award will transform the site by opening up incredible collections to inspire visitors with stories of childhood.”

HLF’s regional manager, Emma Sale, added: “This project will really bring the museum to life by creating an exciting new exhibition area and enabling the display of much of the collection for the first time. We have worked hard to revitalise and rejuvenate the museum sector – investing over £1bn. The Museum of Childhood is a great example of that commitment and one which we are delighted to support.”

Haley Sharpe Design developed the revamp in consultation with an advisory group of experts and specialists, young families, school groups and volunteers.

The museum will close on 29 October for a year and work on site will begin immediately, with the revamped museum re-opening in 2008.

The Museum of Childhood – acquired by the National Trust in 1991 – houses collections of regional and national importance which tell the story of the importance of play, creativity and challenges through childhood and the impact they have on children. Details: www.nationaltrust.co.uk

Photograph: The Toy Gallery, courtesy of Haley Sharpe Design