Bold plans will see Portsmouth Historic Dockyard become the heart and home of naval heritage.

More than two million artefacts, many of which are at risk and currently spread across nine different sites, will be brought together in a new and innovative Centre of Discovery. The ambitious plans will also see the Royal Marines Museum move from Eastney into Boathouse 6.

[quote= Sir Peter Luff, Chair of HLF]“We loved these plans to tell the very human story of the Royal Navy. It’s a compelling one of highs and lows, of triumphs and failures.”[/quote]

The move to the dockyard will enable visitors to access the Royal Marines’ 350 year history alongside already internationally renowned attractions like HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, ensuring the incredible personal stories and unique ethos are at the heart of naval heritage.

Led by the National Museum of the Royal Navy, the project is beginning to find its sea legs and has been awarded initial support and earmarked funding of £13.85million from HLF.

Professor Dominic Tweddle, Director General of The National Museum of the Royal Navy, said: “The story of the Royal Marines, their unique ethos and remarkable history as an integral part of the Naval Service will be told to many more visitors. The Centre for Discovery will genuinely transform the way we can tell the story of the Royal Navy securing desperately lacking public access to the newest national collection.”

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of HLF, said: “We loved the National Museum of the Royal Navy’s plans to tell the very human story of the Royal Navy.  It’s a compelling one of highs and lows, of triumphs and failures. The Centre for Discovery will provide a new, spacious venue to relate this narrative while the relocation of the Royal Marines Museum will give it a more prominent home and increased visitor numbers. Having already invested £55m in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, we are confident this latest award of National Lottery money will enable the dockyard to build on its reputation as one of the South East’s most popular heritage destinations.”

The future

The museum aims to be a living memorial to the loyalty, duty and sacrifices of the Corps and very importantly entirely accessible to those who have been injured or incapacitated in the line of duty. It is due to open in 2019.

A fundraising appeal to raise an additional £2.5m is underway and has already received generous support from the Royal Marines family and its charities. To find out more about the fundraising appeal visit the National Museum of the Royal Navy website.