What to see at Hull Maritime Museum

Ground Floor

Welcome Atrium

Begin your journey in the spectacular three-storey atrium at the heart of the building. Look up to see some of our most impressive objects on display, including the skeleton of a bottlenose whale, a giant blubber pot and the presentation flag of the legendary whaling ship Truelove, gifted by the citizens of Philadelphia in 1873.

Age of Sail

Explore Hull’s development from a medieval trading town to a thriving international port. Discover how maritime technology evolved from sail to steam through fascinating objects and hands-on interactives. At the centre of the gallery is one of the museum’s most spectacular exhibits – a 40-foot skeleton of a North Atlantic right whale.

Under the Sea

Step beneath the waves and discover the variety of fish once landed by Hull’s trawlermen. Watch marine life swim beneath your feet and learn more about the waters that supported Hull’s fishing industry.

The Price of Fish

Find out what life was really like aboard Hull’s trawlers during the industry’s twentieth-century heyday. Historic objects are brought to life through recorded memories and first-hand accounts from former trawlermen.

Merchant Shipping

Discover the vital role merchant shipping has played in connecting Britain with the rest of the world. Learn about the Merchant Navy’s contribution during the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Falklands conflict.

ABP Global Trade Gallery

Follow the journeys of Hull’s ships and sailors across the globe. A giant interactive globe reveals some of the routes that connected Hull to ports around the world over the centuries.

First Floor

This Place Called Hull

Explore the stories, people and events that have shaped Hull’s unique identity. Discover displays covering migration, education, charities and the impact of the Second World War on the city and its communities.

Heartbeat of a City

Hull’s docks have long been at the centre of the city’s economy and character. Learn about the dockers, dock workers and inland waterway workers whose labour kept the port moving.

Home Comes First

See moving photographs and hear personal stories that celebrate the strength, resilience and close-knit nature of Hull’s maritime communities.

United We Stand

Discover the story of the Hessle Road Women’s Committee and the campaign led by Lillian Bilocca to improve safety within the fishing industry. The gallery also explores trade union activity and campaigns for better working conditions across the docks.

Area of Remembrance

Take a moment to pause and reflect in this peaceful space dedicated to those who lost their lives at sea.

Shipbuilding

Explore Hull’s proud shipbuilding heritage and discover the people, skills and craftsmanship behind the vessels built on the city’s waterfront.

Painting Corridor

Enjoy a selection of highlights from the Maritime Museum’s art collection, featuring striking maritime paintings and historic works.

Tudor & Stuart Hull

Step back into the Tudor and Stuart periods and discover fascinating objects from this important chapter of Hull’s history. See how Beverley Gate, once a prominent landmark in the city, would have appeared centuries ago.

Second Floor

Hidden Treasures

Venture into what may be the most fascinating attic in the city. Explore remarkable collections featuring Arctic wildlife, polar exploration and one of the world’s finest collections of scrimshaw – the unique folk art created by whalers. And keep an eye out for the mermaid!

Finding Your Way

Discover how sailors navigated the seas across the centuries. Explore historic navigational instruments and test your own skills by steering a ship safely home through challenging conditions.

The Dome

Climb into one of the museum’s iconic domes and enjoy panoramic 360-degree views across Hull and beyond.