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Plans revealed for Royal Marines Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Image: Concept image showing pop-up exhibition and amphibious environment (NRMN)

Stage 1 development funding has been secured by the National Museum of the Royal Navy as it plans to tell the story of the Royal Marines history

The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) has secured its first round of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a major project at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

The ‘Reimagining Boathouse 6’ project is now a step closer, and with it a new museum to tell the story of the Royal Marines at the Dockyard.

Funding and support in principle of £4.9 million has been secured, bringing its total secured funds and pledges totaling over £6 million. An additional £3.5m is required to fully fund the project if successful in the next Heritage Fund phase.

Concept image showing pop-up exhibition and amphibious environment (NRMN)

The new museum will showcase four centuries of Royal Marines history, from its forerunner’s creation in 1664 to the present day. NMRN has worked in partnership with representatives from the Royal Marines on the development of the project to ensure it reflects the reality of the modern service alongside its heritage.

Matthew Sheldon, Chief Executive Officer for the Museum said plans to “use the latest interpretative and digital techniques to really bring the endeavor, courage, and conflict inherent in that service experience to life.”

Concept image showing pop-up exhibition and amphibious environment (NRMN)

The project plans include an active immersive route and a multi-media exploration of the Corps’ history on the ground floor of Boathouse 6. Additionally, a new 400m² Special Exhibition Gallery will be created, potentially becoming one of the largest temporary exhibition spaces in the South of England.

Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commented on the project’s significance: “The Re-imagining Boathouse 6 project will ultimately deliver a world-class, immersive and experiential museum, preserving the important heritage of the Royal Marines for many generations to come.”