The iconic grade II* listed building is now ready to open its doors to the public and is looking amazing – both inside and out.

The design of the museum celebrates the work of William Smith – the father of English geology.

Smith was a humble surveyor and son of a country blacksmith. In the late 18th century, he solved one of the great puzzles of the age – how to recognise the sequence of rocks and correlate them across the country, on the basis of the fossils they contain.

In fact, his geological discovery more than 200 years ago became the basis of all mineral and oil exploration today.

This unique museum houses a series of innovative displays and activities which will appeal to all ages, especially children who are into fossils and dinosaurs.

Fossil specimens from William Smith's own collection, on loan from the Natural History Museum, will now be displayed for the first time in Scarborough.

Entry to the museum is through the new basement level and a new lift, where a central spiral staircase used to be, makes the building accessible to all. The first-floor orientation space leads to two new galleries and features a replica of William Smith's 1815 Geological Map of England, Wales and part of Scotland.

The map was the first ever to show layers of rocks across the country and is known as "the map that changed the world".

The Dinosaur Coast gallery features a stunning display case which has been carved to mirror the shape of the coastline from Flamborough to Redcar.

The display highlights places of interest in the area and is designed to encourage people to get out and explore the coast.

People of all ages will be able to enjoy the gallery as it features workstations at different heights complete with microscopes. Budding geologists will be able to get a close-up look at items found on the beach and beyond.

The Rotunda's largest corporate supporter, Shell UK Ltd, is behind the new Shell Geology Now gallery, which uses multimedia to present current geological and environmental research.

Children and adults alike will love the touch-screen games and quizzes – one of which allows visitors to create their own dinosaur-filled landscape.

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