10th November 2026
Hull Maritime Museum has been nominated by the International Arts Magazine, Apollo Magazine for the ‘Museum Opening of the Year’ category, as one of the most significant museum openings in the world of 2026.
The museum is the only UK museum nominated and competing against other leading museums and art galleries across the world including:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Bentonville, America
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art – Los Angeles, America
- Musée des Augustins – Toulouse, France
- Princeton University Art Museum – North America
- Studio Museum in Harlem – New York, America
The winner will be announced at a ceremony held at Old Sessions House in London on Thursday 19 November.
The art magazine, one of the oldest and most respected in the world, has held this award ceremony every year since 1992, recognising major milestones in the world of art and museums. This nomination recognises the museum’s impact in the city’s largest heritage-led regeneration programmes in decades.
Since reopening on 8 August, Hull Maritime Museum has attracted significant visitor interest, welcoming 50,000 visitors within its first month and helping establish Hull as one of the country's leading maritime experiences.
Following a £20.4 million transformation, the museum now features 25 galleries and exhibition spaces, immersive displays and previously untold stories, while also showcasing the grandeur of the building's Victorian architecture.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “To be recognised by Apollo Magazine as one of the most significant museum openings of the year is a tremendous achievement for Hull and everyone involved in the delivery of Hull Maritime Museum. This nomination reflects the ambition, investment and dedication that has gone into transforming one of the city's most important historic buildings into a world-class visitor attraction.
"The museum celebrates Hull's unique maritime heritage through immersive galleries, remarkable collections and engaging interpretation, while the restoration has safeguarded the architectural significance of this Grade II listed building for future generations. Since reopening, the response from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, and this international recognition demonstrates the growing profile of Hull as a cultural and heritage destination."
Originally built as the city's Dock Offices, the Grade II* listed building has undergone a major restoration and refurbishment programme as part of the wider Hull Maritime project, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The works have carefully balanced the protection of the building's heritage with the creation of a modern, accessible and immersive museum experience.
Designed by Purcell Architects and delivered with conservation specialists Simpson of York, the restoration has preserved many of the building's original architectural features while introducing new exhibitions, interpretation and visitor facilities that bring Hull's rich maritime story to life for contemporary audiences.
The Maritime Museum is open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 4.30pm, and Sunday, 11am - 4pm. Admission is free. Visitors are advised to book in advance HERE, particularly during busy periods, although walk-up entry is available daily. Those without advance tickets may experience longer waiting times during peak periods.
