The museum is set to reopen in the summer of 2026
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Key facts about the major restoration of Hull’s Maritime Museum
- The major refurbishment of Hull’s Maritime Museum in Queen Victoria Square is currently set to be completed in summer 2026. The museum, which was originally meant to reopen in 2023 following a ‘three-year closure’, recently saw a further push back in its expected opening time when Hull City Council revised their ‘Spring 2026’ aim.
- When the museum does finally reopen, it will display 50 per cent more objects than before. Earlier this year, items began to return to the museum after having being stored in the South of England. Items returning to the museum include its most iconic exhibits such as the 40ft North Atlantic Whale Skeleton and Erik the Polar Bear.
- Changes have also been made to building itself to make the museum more accessible. Those in wheelchairs will now be able to use the main entrance from Queen Victoria Square, rather than having to use a separate door round the back of the building.
- The council last month announced that specialist fit-out contractors Marcon had moved on site to start the the physical fit-out of the museum’s galleries. Each gallery will tell a different part of Hull’s 800-year maritime legacy.
- The museum’s transformation is one part of the wider Hull Maritime Project, funded by Hull City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project includes the redevelopment of six historic sites and two vessels in Hull city centre.
- READ MORE: For more updates on museums in Hull and East Yorkshire, click here
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