26th June 2025
Hull’s Maritime Museum has taken an exciting step forward in its transformation journey, as the first of over 1,300 maritime objects begin returning to the museum after being in off-site storage.
Thanks to a significant investment into transforming the building, the museum will display 50 per cent more objects than ever before. Among the treasures returning are some of the most beloved exhibits, including the 40ft North Atlantic Right Whale Skeleton, Erik the Polar Bear, the blubber pot and many other fascinating maritime artefacts that tell the story of Hull’s rich maritime heritage.
The process of returning the
objects is an intricate one. Expert movers are delivering the items to the
museum, where each piece will be carefully unpacked, individually documented,
and sorted for installation in the museum’s updated galleries. Due to the
delicate nature of many of these treasures, specialist mount makers will ensure
that each object is properly supported for long-term display. The objects will
be carefully measured and fitted with custom mounts before being placed in
display cases, on walls, or on plinths. Some of the larger and heavier items
will require expert technical installation.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome these important maritime treasures back to Hull.
“The museum’s transformation will not only offer visitors a chance to reconnect with some of Hull’s most iconic maritime artefacts, but it will also showcase the vast and varied collections we have, with 50 per cent more items on display than before. This marks an exciting new chapter for Hull’s cultural landscape, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.”
In addition to the expanded display space, visitors will also experience areas of the museum that have never been accessible to the public before, offering a fresh and engaging perspective on Hull’s maritime history.
The museum is scheduled to open its doors to the public in 2026, and visitors will be treated to a truly reimagined experience, with an impressive array of exhibits spanning centuries of maritime history.
The transformation of the museum is part of Hull Maritime, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players. It encompasses the redevelopment of six historic sites and two ships in Hull city centre.
