Dockyard Diaries
Museum now open!
We were honoured to welcome back Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Bristol Dockyards on Monday 20th July. As Royal Patron of the charity, The Princess Royal had a tour of the new SS Great Britain Experience Museum before unveiling an engraved plaque to mark the official opening.
The Princess Royal was accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, along with members of the Board and civic guests including the Lord-Lieutenant, the Lord Mayor of Bristol, and the High Sheriff.
The Princess Royal's visit marked the culmination of months and years of hard work by staff and volunteers across the organisation. The Princess Royal and Sir Tim took the time to meet many of the individuals who have made this project possible: staff, volunteers, community researchers, and supporters - including Philip Nicholas Charitable Trust and The National Lottery Heritage Fund - without whom the museum would not be possible.
You can still view previous updates & some of the work that went into the new museum below.
A monthly behind the scenes snapshot of the progress on our new museum!
On 20 February 2026, we closed the doors on the Dockyard Museum to make way for a new exhibition which will form part of an expanded SS Great Britain Experience. This new museum – which docks in July 2026 – will bring to life the remarkable stories of the passengers and crew who travelled and worked aboard the SS Great Britain.
As we eagerly await the grand re-opening, scroll down to read our monthly behind-the-scenes updates. Expect news on the building renovations, conservation of artefacts, content exclusives from the new exhibition and updates on our major fundraising appeal, All Hands On Deck.
May updates
On May 14th, a special delivery arrived at the Brunel Institute. Coming all the way from Australia: the art piece created by Aboriginal artist Fiona Clarke from the Gunditjmara and Khirrae Whurrung nations, was unravelled and admired by the team.
We were also excited to welcome Josie Sangster from the Harrow Discovery Centre in Victoria, Australia and friend of artist Fiona Clarke. She arrived completely by chance on the day of the painting reveal and came down to the BI to join in the excitement of the unveiling!
Swipe to find out more about the motifs behind this unique piece
April updates
This month, we're putting the spotlight on a specially commissioned art for the museum, we take a look at the progress of the clear out including a full clean of the roof and we reflect on the All Hands On Deck fundraising event.
There are many ways to get involved and contribute to our fundraising and the opening of our new museum; whether it's by sponsoring a plank, scaling the rigging or just by spreading the word;
it's All Hands-On deck Bristol! ⚓
MARCH UPDATES
Expect news on the building renovations, conservation of artefacts, content exclusives from the new exhibition and updates on our major fundraising appeal. Head to our website for a more in-depth look!
On 20 February 2026, we closed the doors on our Dockyard Museum to make way for a new exhibition which will bring to life the remarkable stories of the passengers and crew who travelled and worked aboard the SS Great Britain.
There are many ways to get involved and contribute to the opening of our new museum; whether it's by taking part in the All Hands On Deck Challenge, sponsoring a plank or by spreading the word!
