Yorkshire’s finest: Maritime Museum wins renovation award
RECOGNITION: The Maritime Museum. Pictures: Tom Arran Photography
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
The Maritime Museum has been named Refurbishment / Renovation of the Year at the Insider Yorkshire Property Awards 2026.
The award was presented in a ceremony held at New Dock Hall in Leeds on Thursday, September 24, and recognises the exceptional £20.4m transformation of one of Hull’s most historic buildings.
Originally built as the city’s dock offices, the Grade II*-listed building has undergone a major restoration and refurbishment programme as part of the wider Hull Maritime project, funded by Hull City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The works have carefully balanced the protection of the building’s heritage with the creation of a modern, accessible and immersive museum experience.
The museum reopened on August 8 after one of the most significant heritage investments in the city’s history, revealing 28 new galleries, restored historic spaces and immersive exhibitions celebrating Hull's rich maritime story.
It welcomed more than 50,000 visitors within its first month of reopening – a quarter of its annual visitor target.
Extensive conservation work, by Simpson of York and designed by Purcell Architects, has preserved many of the building's original architectural features while introducing new interpretation, exhibitions and visitor facilities that bring Hull’s rich maritime story to life for contemporary audiences.
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE: The Age of Sail Gallery
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: “This award is a fitting recognition of the remarkable transformation of Hull Maritime Museum.
“The project has breathed new life into one of Hull’s most important historic buildings, ensuring its future while creating an outstanding visitor experience that celebrates our city’s world-famous maritime heritage.
“The success of the museum reflects the dedication, skill and passion of everyone involved in the project and demonstrates the value of investing in our heritage assets.
“We are incredibly proud that Hull Maritime Museum is being recognised as the very best refurbishment and restoration project in Yorkshire.
“The thousands of visitors since it reopened have recognised the quality of the museum, so it is pleasing to see it now get the recognition of this award.”
The refurbished museum has helped establish Hull as one of the country’s leading destinations for maritime heritage.
The museum is open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays. Entry is free but booking is advised to avoid queues. Walk‑up entry is available but visitors without advance tickets may wait longer in peak periods.