The Richmond Football Club museum, housed in the base of the Jack Dyer Stand for the last six years, is relocating to the other end of the Swinburne Centre, above the Club’s retail hub, the Tigerland Superstore.

As a result, it will temporarily close on Wednesday, December 13. The relocation comes as a result of the Club’s significant growth and the need for space to accommodate staff.

The museum is widely regarded as one of the best displays of historical memorabilia across the AFL, is a result of the tireless work and dedication by the Club’s Museum Curator, Roland Weeks. Weeks, supported by a passionate team of volunteers, and an equally passionate History & Tradition Committee (a sub-committee of the Richmond board, headed up by Club Director, Emmett Dunne), has cared for, and grown, the Club’s museum collection to an inventory of over 10,000 pieces, with items varying from iconic footy cards from yesteryear, the Club’s first Brownlow Medal, won by Stan Judkins in 1930, right through to a Football used in the 2017 AFL Grand Final.

“As the Club continues to grow, with the introduction of our VFLW team in 2018, and upcoming inclusion in the AFLW from Season 2020, so does the requirement for staff and resources. Off the back of the 2017 Premiership, we have set ourselves some ambitious targets for season 2018 and beyond and we need to ensure that our staff, players and coaches have the best possible facilities and work environment to help move us forward” said Club chief executive, Brendon Gale.

“Our plan is to relocate the Museum on Level 2 of the David Mandie Building, above the Tigerland Superstore. This move will result in increased museum patronage on game day, with fans having easier access to the museum as they pass the building from Richmond Train station. It also results in a closer tie in between the museum and the merchandise store.”

Long-term, the museum will be a key consideration as the Club considers the next phase of its master plan development.

During the relocation, the Club will look to display some of the key pieces of memorabilia throughout the facility, including within the Maurice Rioli Room, and the continued display of the Premiership Cups, which will shortly include the 2017 AFL Premiership Cup, once it completes its National Community Tour.

Fans will be advised when the new location is available for visitation.