Hull Maritime Museum reopened its doors on Saturday 8 August, welcoming more than 3,000 visitors across its first weekend following a major restoration and redevelopment. The response from residents, visitors and partners made the reopening a real celebration for the city.
Tickets for the weekend were fully booked, with plenty of walk up visitors joining in too - a strong sign of how much people have been looking forward to the museum’s return to the city centre.
Inside the historic Dock Office building, visitors can now explore refreshed galleries, new interpretation and updated displays that shine a light on Hull’s deep connection to the sea. Stories of fishing, whaling and maritime communities are presented through carefully restored spaces and newly designed exhibits.
The ribbon was cut by the Lord Mayor of Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Councillor Maria Coward, alongside Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, and Ralph Marks, a former Dock Office worker and Hull Maritime volunteer. Their involvement marked the museum’s long standing place in the city’s heritage. The transformation has been funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, supporting both the preservation of nationally important collections and improved accessibility for visitors.
Early reactions have been hugely positive, with many praising the quality of the restoration and the museum’s fresh approach to telling Hull’s maritime story.