If you’ve walked past Hull Maritime Museum you’ll have seen a building full of history. But here’s the good bit: it’s not just getting a bit of a tidy up – it’s being transformed! With the restorations almost complete this iconic building is getting ready for its next chapter.
Whether you’re a history nerd, a tech geek or just someone who loves a good comeback story there’s something for you.
A new look for an old favourite
For the last three years the museum has been restored by Simpsons of York in partnership with Hull City Council and architects Purcell. Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund every nook and cranny – inside and out – has been lovingly preserved. Now this historic treasure is ready for something really special: state of the art exhibits that combine Hull’s maritime heritage with modern technology.
We’re talking immersive projections, interactive films and even a planetarium. Yes Hull is about to take storytelling to a whole new level!
What’s next?
The next phase, led by exhibition specialists Marcon is where the magic happens. This is when the new displays and technology go in and the museum’s treasures will be showcased like never before. Over the next year hundreds of maritime artefacts – currently in storage – will be brought back out to play.
Look out for:
- The 40ft North Atlantic Right Whale skeleton, fully conserved and re-mounted by spring 2025.
- Erik the polar bear, back by popular demand.
- Rare maritime artefacts in bespoke display cases.
The aim? To give visitors an experience they’ll never forget and showcase Hull’s maritime heritage in a new and exciting way.
More for Hull Maritime
This isn’t just about the museum. Hull Maritime is a major project that’s transforming six historic sites and two ships in the city centre. Here’s what’s happening:
- Queens Gardens will be a beautiful link between the museum and a new visitor attraction at the North End Shipyard.
- The Arctic Corsair and Spurn Lightship, two of the city’s most famous vessels, are being restored.
- The lesser known South Blockhouse will get its story told.
- The Guildhall Time Ball is back on top of the city.
And that’s just the beginning. This regeneration project is all about celebrating Hull’s character and giving locals and visitors new ways to engage with its history.
What it means for Hull
When the transformation is complete the museum will reopen in spring 2026. But the impact will go far beyond the museum. Hull Maritime is expected to bring in £5.5 million per year into the local economy, more visitors, learning, volunteering and training opportunities.
Why this matters
Hull Maritime Museum is more than just a building. It’s a piece of Hull’s identity—a reminder of its past as a bustling port city. This transformation ensures that its stories won’t just sit in dusty archives but will come alive for new generations to enjoy.
So, whether you’re counting down the days until Erik’s big return or curious to see what a planetarium in Hull looks like, one thing’s for sure: this is a project worth celebrating.
Want to stay updated? Check out maritimehull.co.uk or follow @HeritageFundUK on social media to see how this extraordinary journey unfolds.
