The American Air Museum at Duxford has closed for more than a year so that a major redevelopment project can take flight.

The Imperial War Museum section devoted to telling the story of American men and women who served their country from the UK in the Second World War closed to the public on Monday, and won’t be open again until next spring.

During this period the museum will be developing its displays and bringing to light new material which places a greater emphasis on individual stories of wartime service.

There be a programme of research and interviews with veterans, while the exhibition will also be brought up to date with material covering the last more recent conflicts and their political context.

The museum was built at IWM Duxford in 1996 to present the best collection of American military aircraft on public display outside North America.

It also stands as a memorial to approximately 30,000 US airmen and women who were killed while serving from Great Britain during the Second World War.

Imperial War Museums director-general Diane Lees said: “As the events of the first half of the 20th century start to fall out of living memory, it is vital that we offer visitors an interpretive experience to help them understand, and emotionally connect with, the objects displayed in the American Air Museum and the historical events they represent.”

The redevelopment has been boosted by a grant of £160,000 from the Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund for 2011-16.

Secretary of state for culture, media and sport Sajid Javid said: “The government is committed to supporting the arts and making sure our marvellous museums and inspiring galleries continue to be accessible to all.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Wolfson Foundation our cultural destinations in communities across the country are going from strength to strength and remain much loved places to visit and explore.”

From May visitors will have the chance to get up close to some of the iconic US aircraft in locations across IWM Duxford.

To find out more visit www.americanairmuseum.com.