What Is The 2026 Exhibition Programme For Hull Museums

Looking for something to do in Hull next year? Well, it looks like 2026 is going to be a massive year for art and history lovers. The team at Hull Museums and Ferens Art Gallery have just announced a packed schedule, and it seems there's a bit of everything on the cards. From world-famous paintings and beloved children’s characters to local history and chances for budding artists to show off their own work. So, if you're planning days out, get ready to mark up your calendar because there's a lot to see.

A peek behind the curtain at the Ferens Art Gallery

The year kicks off with a bang on Friday 13 February at the Ferens Art Gallery. Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a gallery? The Ferens Unpacked Season gives everyone a chance to find out. The first exhibition, Into The Stores, is pretty special. It's like getting an all-access pass to the gallery's secret stash. Huge crates and storage racks will be moved right into the public galleries, revealing incredible artworks that have been tucked away for years, some even for decades. It's a rare opportunity to see hidden gems from the city's collection. Running alongside it is another fascinating show called Fixing for the Future. This one shines a light on the amazing work of art conservators – the people who are like doctors for paintings and sculptures. They use science and incredible skill to repair and protect precious artworks. This exhibition will showcase some recently restored pieces, giving a glimpse into the 'alchemy' of their craft. And as the gallery gets closer to its 100th birthday in 2027, visitors will be invited to share their own ideas for its future.

Summer with the Moomins and Monet

When summer rolls around, things get even more exciting, especially for families. Prepare to step into the whimsical world of the Moomins! The Wonders of Moominvalley is a family-focused exhibition celebrating the magical creations of author and artist Tove Jansson. Families can explore beautifully made island installations based on the stories, helping little ones explore some big feelings in a gentle, fun way. There will also be projections of Tove Jansson's stunning paintings, bringing the charm of Moominvalley to life right here in Hull. It’s all about magic, curiosity, and wonder. But that’s not all. In June, a true masterpiece is coming to town. Thanks to the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour, Claude Monet’s incredible painting, The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil (1872), will be on display. This isn't just a case of hanging a famous painting on a wall, though. The exhibition is being co-created with Flourish, a creative group for young people at the Ferens Art Gallery, and is being specially organised with and for disabled and neurodivergent visitors. Together, they are designing a multi-sensory experience where visitors can engage with the artwork through smell, sound, and touch. It's a whole new way to experience a classic painting.

Your chance to shine in the Open Exhibition

In Autumn 2026, the gallery doors will be thrown open for artists of all ages. The annual Open Exhibition is a brilliant tradition that started way back in 1967. It gives both amateur and professional artists a platform to display and even sell their artworks. It's always an exciting show because you get to see a huge variety of styles and ideas from local talent. More details on how to submit work will pop up in January on the Ferens Open website. And it’s not just for the grown-ups. The Young Artist Open Exhibition also runs in the autumn, giving anyone aged 15 and under their moment in the spotlight. Every year sees a fantastic mix of entries, from paintings and drawings to collages and prints. It's a great showcase of the creativity buzzing around Hull and the East Riding.

A trip through time at the Museums Quarter

Over at the Museums Quarter, 2026 starts with an inspiring exhibition celebrating 20 Historical Women who changed the world. This collection of artworks by Doncaster-based artist Chinwe Russell will be displayed across the Streetlife Museum and Wilberforce House Museum. It features powerful portraits of incredible figures from the 1500s to today, including Marie Curie and Florence Nightingale. The programme continues with more community-focused displays:

• April: An art exhibition by CASE Training Services.
• Summer: A display at Streetlife Museum showing off creative projects from the V&A’s DesignLab Nation project, which works with local secondary schools.
• Autumn: The Hull and East Yorkshire Deaf Centre Centenary Exhibition, celebrating 100 years of the building that has been so important to Hull's Deaf community.

Important stories at Wilberforce House

Wilberforce House will host some very thought-provoking exhibitions throughout the year. In the spring, Uncovering Modern Slavery will focus on the issue of modern slavery in Hull today and celebrate the people working to stop it. This is a powerful and important topic, continuing the legacy of William Wilberforce. Later, in the summer, there will be an exhibition showcasing projects from the Hull Curriculum Schools project, followed by a display curated by the Wilberforce Advisory Board in the autumn.

A word from the team

It's clear a lot of thought has gone into this programme. Cllr Rob Pritchard, the portfolio holder for culture and leisure, is certainly impressed. He said:

“The teams at Hull Museums have really excelled themselves for 2026 with an incredibly diverse programme coming up - something for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing visitors pouring through the doors to enjoy everything on offer.”

Hull Museums and Gallery Manager, Jane Avison, shared the excitement:

“It’s an exciting year ahead, with a vibrant programme of exhibitions and events designed to inspire and engage. We can’t wait to welcome local residents and visitors to the city in 2026.”

Beyond the main exhibitions, there will be a whole host of supporting events, including talks, guided tours, workshops, and lots of brilliant family activities during the school holidays. It's shaping up to be a year where the museums in Hull are truly buzzing with life. And the best part? Entry to Hull Museums and the Ferens Art Gallery is completely free.