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Inspiration • August 5th, 2026
|Excitement is building in Hull as the opening of the Hull Maritime Museum approaches, set to take place on Saturday, 8 August 2026. More than 8,000 free tickets have already been booked for the museum's first month of operation, with all advance timed-entry slots for the opening weekend completely sold out. However, a limited number of walk-up visitors will still be welcomed each day, depending on the museum's capacity.
Exciting Transformation
The museum has undergone a remarkable six-year transformation, costing £20.4 million, which has restored Hull's Grade II* listed former Dock Offices. This renovation has not only preserved the historic building but also enhanced the visitor experience with new, immersive galleries and exhibitions. New photographs released recently showcase the stunning changes made to one of Britain's oldest maritime museums.
What to Expect
The revamped Hull Maritime Museum now boasts double the public space and displays around 1,300 artefacts that highlight Hull's rich maritime history. Visitors can expect to journey through more than 800 years of stories, including:
Trade and migration
Fishing and whaling
Arctic exploration
The communities shaped by the sea
Among the highlights are a 40ft skeleton of a North Atlantic right whale, significant scrimshaw collections, and artefacts from Ernest Shackleton's famous Endurance expedition. Visitors can also marvel at Erik the polar bear and the figurehead from the Sirius, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.
Interactive Experiences
To make the visit even more engaging, the museum features hands-on experiences for all ages. Visitors can:
Crawl beneath the whale skeleton
Lift a traditional harpoon
Navigate using a compass
Operate a steam engine model
These activities are designed to bring the collections to life and ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy the museum's offerings.
New Planetarium
A brand-new addition to the museum is the planetarium. Here, visitors can learn about how sailors navigated by the stars long before the invention of modern satellite technology. The planetarium offers a captivating 10-minute experience that recreates the night sky over Hull and the northern hemisphere, showcasing the constellations that guided seafarers across the oceans.
Community and Heritage
The reopening of Hull Maritime Museum is part of a larger £70 million initiative to celebrate and restore Hull's maritime heritage. This ambitious programme includes the restoration of the Spurn Lightship, the transformation of Queen's Gardens, and the creation of a new facility for maritime collections. The project aims to reconnect the community with the maritime history that has shaped Hull for over eight centuries.
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©Hufton+CrowVoices from the Project
Leaders from Hull City Council have expressed their enthusiasm for the museum's reopening.
Councillor Mike Ross, the Leader of Hull City Council, stated:
"It's fantastic to see so many people wanting to visit Hull Maritime Museum, with tickets for the opening weekend snapped up ahead of the opening. This museum has been cherished by generations of residents and visitors, and the transformation has created something truly special that honours its remarkable heritage while bringing it firmly into the future."
Gillian Osgerby, Hull City Council’s Project Director of Hull Maritime:
"The response ahead of opening has been incredible and reflects the affection people have for Hull Maritime Museum. For many families, this building holds cherished memories, so it's wonderful to see so much excitement about its return."
Support for the Museum
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has played a significant role in supporting the museum's transformation.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive at the Fund, remarked:
"It's incredibly exciting to see that Hull Maritime Museum will reopen this summer and is ready to welcome visitors from near and far to share and celebrate the city's rich and fascinating maritime heritage."
Visitor Information
The museum will be open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm and on Sundays from 11am to 4pm. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to pre-book their tickets to avoid long waits. More details can be found on the Hull Museums website.
The reopening of Hull Maritime Museum marks a significant milestone for the city, highlighting its commitment to preserving and celebrating its maritime heritage. As the community eagerly awaits the museum's doors to open, it promises to be a fantastic addition to Hull's cultural landscape and a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.
