2nd July 2026
Hull Maritime Museum’s largest and most fragile artefact, a 40ft juvenile North Atlantic right whale skeleton, has returned home after undergoing extensive cleaning and conservation.
This rare specimen, over 119 years old, will take pride of place in the refurbished Age of Sail gallery.
Previously displayed laid on the gallery floor, the skeleton has been dramatically installed and remounted on a new plinth by leading conservator Nigel Larkin. Its tail curves upwards to evoke the grace of a whale swimming, complemented by footage and soundscapes that tell the story of this endangered species. It took five days to install.
Visitors will experience the whale like never before. A unique crawl tunnel will allow them to enter the dome of the rib cage, inspiring awe while highlighting the fragility and importance of marine life.
North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals remaining worldwide. The species faces severe threats from ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. The rarity of this specimen underscores its global significance.
The skeleton’s journey began in 2020 when Nigel Larkin dismantled its 168 bones in just five days, transporting them to his Shropshire workshop for meticulous cleaning and conservation. The whale was originally caught in 1907 near New York by a retired whaling captain, alongside its mother – a poignant reminder of humanity’s impact on marine ecosystems.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “This is one of the most important and fragile objects in the museum’s collection, and it’s fantastic to see it return to its rightful place.
“The whale’s story will be told in new and exciting ways, helping visitors appreciate the significance of this species. It’s part of our vision to create a world-class museum for Hull and share our maritime heritage with the world.”
Nigel Larkin, leading conservator, added: “Working on this skeleton has been a privilege. Each bone tells a story, and now, displayed in a dynamic and engaging way, it will inspire generations to come.”
The transformed Hull Maritime Museum will reopen on Saturday 8 August, featuring 25 new galleries and 50% more artefacts on display. This refurbishment forms part of Hull Maritime, a major regeneration project revitalising the city’s maritime treasures, including two historic ships, the Spurn Lightship and Arctic Corsair, North End Shipyard and Queen’s Gardens.
