The Victoria Art Gallery is getting a £50,000 shot in the arm to create a new shop and ticket desk.
The work, being carried out as charges are mooted for some touring exhibitions at the venue, comes as the gallery is keen to encourage more volunteers.
The B&NES Council-run gallery has been awarded a grant of £50,000 from Arts Council England.
The money will allow it to replace an antiquated system of spotlights in the large top-lit picture gallery with modern energy-saving LED lights, and at the same time create a new shop and ticket counter in a dedicated retail space on the ground floor.
The money will also help develop work with volunteers, who will play a bigger part in allowing the gallery to thrive in the future.
The physical work will be completed by mid-April and will see the removal of the shop and reception counter from the large ground floor exhibition gallery and the construction of a new counter, ticket desk and shop in the small ground floor gallery.
Visitors will be routed through this gallery in future.
The gallery wants to expand its existing volunteer guide scheme.
Council cabinet member
Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib Dem, Combe Down), said: "We look forward to welcoming even more visitors and volunteers to share in our vision for the gallery as a green and low-carbon attraction where local communities are empowered to flourish."
The gallery already boasts the best temporary exhibition spaces in the South West.
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England's director for the South West, said the money was from its Renaissance Strategic Support Fund, which aims to help museums "to make a step change in their operations, with a focus on future sustainability".
"Our funding towards this very practical project will support the gallery's aim to reduce costs and environmental impact while making a step change in its ability to generate income. We are delighted to be able to invest in supporting them to become a more entrepreneurial and resilient organisation."
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should call 01225 396166 or email vag_ volunteers@bathnes.gov.uk.
