Visit Hull Maritime Museum — uncover Hull’s rich maritime history, from whaling and shipbuilding to seafaring art and Arctic exploration.

Visit Hull Maritime Museum

Set in the heart of Hull’s Queen Victoria Square, the Hull Maritime Museum celebrates the city’s proud connection with the sea. Housed in a magnificent Victorian dock office, it tells the story of Hull’s maritime heritage — from daring explorers to the shipbuilders, sailors, and traders who shaped the city’s fortunes.

Currently undergoing a major restoration and redisplay project, the museum will reopen as part of Hull Maritime, one of the UK’s most ambitious heritage initiatives.

A Landmark of Maritime Heritage

The museum opened in 1912, occupying the former headquarters of the Hull Dock Company, a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. Its domed towers and grand façade reflect Hull’s industrial wealth and global reach during the height of its maritime power.

Inside, the galleries reveal the fascinating story of Hull’s relationship with the sea — from fishing fleets and Arctic expeditions to maritime trade and migration.

Exploring the Collections

The Hull Maritime Museum collection spans centuries of exploration, craftsmanship, and seafaring life. Highlights include:

Arctic Whaling Gallery – Discover the perilous voyages of Hull’s whalers, their ships, and the icy worlds they explored.

Ship Models and Maritime Art – Exquisite ship models, navigational tools, and seascapes reveal the beauty and engineering of maritime travel.

Hull’s Fishing Industry – Learn how generations of trawlermen shaped the city’s identity through courage and community.

Naval and Trade Exhibits – Artifacts tracing Hull’s role in international commerce and naval innovation.

Every display tells a story of endurance, enterprise, and exploration — all deeply woven into Hull’s character as a seafaring city.

The Maritime Project

As part of the Hull Maritime Project, the museum and several key heritage sites — including the Arctic Corsair trawler, the Spurn Lightship, and the North End Shipyard — are being restored and reimagined.

When complete, this major transformation will:

Reopen the museum with new interactive galleries.

Provide digital storytelling and family-friendly experiences.

Celebrate Hull’s global maritime connections from the 18th century to today.

This ambitious redevelopment is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Hull City Council, ensuring the stories of Hull’s maritime community continue to inspire future generations.

Architecture and Atmosphere

The museum building itself is a work of art. Its Baroque Revival architecture, intricate stone carvings, and domed clock towers dominate the city skyline. Inside, the grand staircases, high ceilings, and elegant display halls create a sense of awe that complements the grandeur of its subject — the sea.

Family-Friendly Experience

When reopened, the museum will continue its tradition of offering engaging, accessible exhibitions for all ages. Visitors can expect:

Hands-on learning stations for children.

Storytelling sessions inspired by maritime folklore.

Educational workshops on navigation, shipbuilding, and the environment.

Family-friendly trails linking the museum with Hull’s waterfront attractions.

Things to Do Nearby

Located at the centre of Hull’s Cultural Quarter, the museum is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic sites:

Ferens Art Gallery – Paintings, sculptures, and contemporary art next door.

Hull City Hall – Historic concert venue hosting music and events.

Queen Victoria Square – A lively civic space framed by beautiful architecture.

Hull Old Town – Cobbled streets, pubs, and historic trading buildings.

The Deep – One of the UK’s most spectacular aquariums, overlooking the Humber.

Things to Do Nearby

Ferens Art Gallery sits at the heart of Hull’s Cultural Quarter, surrounded by major attractions:

Hull Maritime Museum – Explore the city’s seafaring legacy.

Hull City Hall – Concerts, performances, and civic events.

Humber Street Gallery – Contemporary art in Hull’s regenerated Fruit Market area.

The Deep – A spectacular aquarium on the River Humber.

Museum Quarter – Including Wilberforce House and Streetlife Museum.

Plan Your Visit

Managed by: Hull City Council (Hull Maritime Project)

Entry: Free (reopening in 2025 after refurbishment).

Location: Queen Victoria Square, Hull HU1 3DX.

Transport: 5-minute walk from Hull Paragon Interchange; parking nearby.

Opening Hours: To be confirmed upon reopening.

Facilities: Café, shop, restrooms, and full accessibility on reopening.

For more information, please visit: Official Hull Maritime Museum website

Why Visit Hull Maritime Museum?

The Hull Maritime Museum experience reveals the courage, innovation, and global connections that built one of Britain’s great port cities. It’s a story of adventure, endurance, and craftsmanship — told through ships, art, and the people who sailed from Hull to every corner of the world.

As it prepares to reopen, the museum stands ready to bring Hull’s maritime legacy to life once again — reminding visitors that the city’s story will always be tied to the sea.

Step aboard history — and rediscover Hull’s maritime heart at the Hull Maritime Museum.