11th September 2026
Hull Maritime Museum has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors achieving a quarter of its annual visitor target within its first month of reopening following a landmark £20.4 million transformation.
The museum reopened on Saturday 8 August after one of the most significant heritage investments in the city's history, revealing 28 new galleries, restored historic spaces and immersive exhibitions celebrating Hull's rich maritime story.
The remarkable milestone highlights the strong public appetite for the city's flagship museum, with visitors travelling from across the region and beyond to experience the transformed attraction.
Visitors journey through more than 800 years of maritime history, exploring the stories of trade, migration, fishing, whaling, Arctic exploration and the communities whose lives have been shaped by the sea. Alongside restored historic interiors, contemporary galleries reveal how Hull became one of Britain's great maritime cities and why the Humber remains the UK's busiest port complex today.
Visitors can also enjoy a packed programme of activities and experiences throughout the museum, including the Sailor's Night Sky planetarium experience, Object Encounters, Store Tours and Gallery Spotlight Talks, alongside the museum's extensive collection, new and untold stories and interactive displays.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: "To welcome more than 50,000 visitors in the museum's first month is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates just how important Hull Maritime Museum is to our city and its communities.
"This incredible transformation has created a world-class visitor attraction that celebrates Hull's unique maritime heritage while inspiring future generations. We are delighted to see so many residents and visitors discovering the museum and enjoying everything it has to offer."
Eilish McGuinnes, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "It's fantastic news to see that the newly reopened Hull Maritime Museum has already welcomed so many visitors from near and far to celebrate the city's rich and fascinating maritime heritage. They will surely have been captivated by the significant collections of the museum, and the striking beauty of the Grade II* listed building and its stunning architecture.
"We're incredibly proud that thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund has been able to support the museum boosting pride in place and connecting communities and visitors with this vital heritage. The museum is a major contributor to the city’s ongoing, heritage-led, cultural renaissance and is already proving to be a successful gateway to all of the wonderful things that Hull has to offer."
Visitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
One visitor said: "It was lovely to visit Hull's Maritime Museum again after its long closure for renovation, and the transformation is fantastic. The museum feels so much brighter, lighter and more welcoming, while still keeping hold of the familiar favourites many of us remember from childhood, including Erik the stuffed polar bear."
Another visitor, said: “Visited the museum on its opening day. Fabulous. Staff were very helpful and knowledgeable, and the exhibit floors were excellent. Lived here for 32 years and didn't know the wealth of history surrounding Hull and its key role in maritime development. Well worth a visit.”
The museum is free to visit and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm, and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Visitors are encouraged to book a timeslot online HERE, although walk-up entry is available subject to capacity.
The reopening of Hull Maritime Museum marks a major milestone in Hull's wider maritime project.
In March, the Spurn Lightship reopened on Hull Marina following its sympathetic restoration and has already welcomed more than 16,300 visitors on board, achieving almost 90% of its annual visitor target in the first six months. Meanwhile, the city's last surviving sidewinder trawler, Arctic Corsair, successfully completed its final voyage to North End Shipyard last month. Work is now underway to prepare the vessel for reopening as a major visitor attraction in spring 2027, completing Hull's unique maritime visitor experience.
