Historically important whale skeletons have returned to Hull Maritime Museum, as well as several marine specimens.
Following extensive cleaning and conservation, these are among the first major items to be reinstated as part of the multi-million-pound transformation at the museum. Some of the specimens will be dramatically suspended in the museum’s revitalised galleries for all to admire.
The specimens include a minke whale, a killer whale, lesser rorqual, false killer whale, a bottle-nosed whale and the huge four-metre-long jawbones of a sperm whale. The 15-metre-long juvenile North Atlantic right whale is due to return early next year.
Renowned natural history conservator Nigel Larkin led the efforts to meticulously conserve the skeletons. This included the careful dismantling, cleaning, conservation and remounting of the specimens.
He said: “It is very satisfying to see these beautiful skeletons return to their home and be on display again for the public to enjoy.
“It has been a huge project for me to dismantle each skeleton, carefully clean and assess every bone and then remount them with modern techniques and materials so that they can be enjoyed by visitors for many more decades to come.
“It has been a privilege to spend so much time with these beautiful animals.”
(Image: Hull City Council)
The museum is expected to reopen in 2026 once the hundreds of artefacts have returned. In the coming months, Macron will create, test and install the audio visual and IT hardware.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is great to see the museum entering this stage of the transformation. The suspension of these fragile skeletons is a huge undertaking and will offer visitors a unique view of these conserved artefacts. This is an exciting chapter in the project as the museum comes back to life.”