Hull Maritime Museum Reopening Delayed Until Summer 2026 Amid £27.5m Revamp

The reopening of Hull Maritime Museum, originally closed for refurbishment in 2019 and scheduled to reopen in 2025, has been delayed a second time, now expected in summer 2026. The extensive £27.5 million Hull Maritime project includes the restoration of the Grade II-listed museum building, improvements to physical access, conservation of original architecture, and the opening up of the second floor including a dome offering panoramic city views. The museum will display 50% more objects than before, including iconic exhibits like the 40-foot North Atlantic right whale skeleton and Erik the Polar Bear, with over 45,000 maritime objects already returned to Hull from storage. The project also encompasses redevelopment of the North End Shipyard and Queen's Gardens, enhancing Hull's maritime heritage and visitor attractions. Hull City Council emphasizes the importance of completing the project by next year to celebrate the city's 800-year maritime history. The refurbishment aims to provide improved environmental conditions, visitor amenities such as more toilets and a cafe, and refreshed education programs to enrich public engagement with Hull's maritime legacy.