A sweeping grass bank has replaced the steps which used to run along the front of the building towards the seafront, and new pathways benches, lamps have been added.

The landscaping continues on the other side of the road and work has also been under way to change the look of the roundabout at the bottom of Vernon Road.

Shirley Collier, chief executive of Scarborough Museums Trust, said: “We’re just putting the finishing touches to both the inside and outside of the museum.

“Everything is on course for the official opening ceremony on May 9, and the first public day of opening on May 10.

“The planting outside is complete and we are now laying the final gravel path. The museum has been totally transformed inside and looks stunning.

“We’re all very proud of the new-look Rotunda and are confident our visitors will be impressed.”

A set of unique glass display cabinets has also just been put back into Scarborough’s Rotunda Museum after undergoing restoration.

The cabinets date back to 1830 and were designed to showcase the work of William Smith, who is recognised as the “father of geology”.

They were removed from the upper gallery a year ago and have now been cleaned, restored and repaired where necessary. A team of specialists based near Knaresborough carried out the work.

The curved grade II listed building was constructed in 1829 as one of the country’s first ever purpose-built museums.

The museum, which has undergone a two-year refurbishment costing £4.6 million, will be renamed The Rotunda – The William Smith Museum of Geology.