Imagine outfits worn by King George IV alongside fashion from the mod era set amid music from across the world.

Then you will have an idea of the scene at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, which is due to reopen in May.

The attraction, which is being transformed in a £10 million redevelopment, will have 11 new galleries and a range of improved facilities.

Its entrance will have changed too, with a move from Church Road to the Royal Pavilion gardens.

John Roles, collections and exhibitions officer, said: "We are keeping the best of the old but improving for the future.

"When it reopens, we want those people who liked it before to feel like they have come home but we also want new visitors to come here and experience the fun.

"Brighton is, and will be, a museum that attracts people from all over the world but we hope it will also make people in Brighton and Hove think it's their museum."

Some of the most impressive features will include one of the original turnstiles from the Goldstone Ground, former home of Brighton and Hove Albion, a motorcycle from the mod era, lavish costume designs from all over the world and an array of fine art and pottery.

The new galleries include fashion and style, body, world art, performance, 20th Century art and design, fine art and a study centre.

The museum was originally built in the 1870s and closed for refurbishment two years ago.

It had been awarded grants totalling more than £10 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Single Regeneration Budget and private trusts.

The revamp has included restoring the original characteristics of the building and installing new and modern lighting and decor.

Mr Roles hopes the changes will draw a wider range of customers.

He said: "Museums have the image of being worthy but a bit dull.

"Well, we are trying to keep the worthy and get rid of the dull.

"We have tried to make things more interesting by the way we will display things. The displays will have more music and visual accompaniments."