The milestone year will be marked with shipyard stories, never-before-seen art and a visual feast of Goole heritage
Five exhibitions have been announced at Goole Museum as part of the town’s bicentenary programme(Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council)
Goole is celebrating its bicentenary in 2026, and Goole Museum has unveiled an exciting exhibition programme to mark this milestone year. The first event opens to the public today (Saturday, January 10) and takes visitors on a journey through the town’s shipyard history.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding Council, said: “ Goole ’s bicentenary is a momentous occasion. This exhibition programme is a wonderful way to celebrate our town’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
‘’These exhibitions will not only honour Goole’s past but also showcase the creativity and pride of our community today. I encourage everyone to visit Goole Museum in 2026 and be part of this historic year.”
The following exhibitions will be taking place throughout 2026.
Goole-Built: The Story of Goole Shipyard
Goole-Built tells the story of Goole’s shipyard and its workers during the 20th century. The exhibition traces the history of the yard from its Edwardian origins, through the struggles of the 1960s and 1970s, to its final closure in 1987.
It also tells the story of the everyday working lives and experiences of the last generation of Goole shipyard workers through their own words, personal photos and objects.
Saturday, January 10 to Saturday, March 14
Bicentenary Open Art
Goole Museum’s Open Art exhibition features a wealth of talent from local and regional artists. This year’s Open Art has a special bicentenary theme, with a dedicated section for artwork which celebrates Goole’s rich heritage and culture.
There will be traditional landscapes, alongside abstract art, portraits, textiles and sculptures. For some visitors it could be a fantastic opportunity to purchase an original piece of art for themselves or someone special.
Visitors can also vote for their favourite piece of artwork in the People’s Choice Award, with the winning artist receiving a prize.
March to May
Goole 200: A History of Goole in 200 Objects
To mark Goole’s bicentenary year, this special exhibition will explore the rich and fascinating history of Goole and its people through 200 objects. Chosen from Goole Museum’s extensive collections, and from items loaned and donated by the community, these objects will illuminate both dramatic and everyday stories from 200 years of Goole’s history.
Themes will include Local Heroes, War and Peace, Made in Goole, Work Hard/Play Hard, On the Move, and Spaces and Places.
May to July
Reuben Chappell: Master of the Masts
This landmark exhibition will celebrate the life and work of Reuben Chappell (1870-1940), a Goole-born artist internationally recognised as one of the finest ship portraitists of the pierhead painting tradition. Featuring over 40 of his works, many of which have never been on public display, the exhibition explores the fascinating features of Chappel’s compositions and how he captured some of the greatest shifts in maritime technology.
The dramatic and often tragic stories behind the vessels and their crews will also be shared.
July to October
Goole In Focus
Featuring 200 images by local photographer Syd Young, Goole in Focus will be a visual story of Goole’s heritage, culture and people during its bicentenary year. Syd has a particular interest in industrial heritage and has been photographing and painting several aspects of UK industry since the late 1970s.
November to December
For more information about Goole Museum, opening times, and to get in touch please visit Goole Museum. All specific dates for future exhibitions will be announced at a later date.