Portsmouth’s new Royal Marines Experience

A vetaran wearing a green beret looks at black and white photographs of people in an exhibition space
Royal Marine Veteran Peter Othen in the Remembrance Room inside the Royal Marines Experience. Credit: Jas Lehal/Press Association.
The museum offers an immersive journey through more than 360 years of Royal Marines history with real voices, personal objects and Commando challenges.

The 1840’s Grade II* listed Boathouse 6 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard has been transformed into the new national home for the story of the Royal Marines. 

The visitor attraction draws on the experiences of serving and former Royal Marines, their families and specialists, and features historic objects on display. 

These include all 10 Victoria Crosses awarded to the Royal Marines, from the Crimean War to Second World War, brought together to tell stories of exceptional bravery and service. 

The displays also feature the green beret worn by Marine W.G.C. 'Molly' MacPherson who served in 3 Troop, K Company, 42 Commando during the Falklands War. During the conflict, some Royal Marines chose to wear green berets rather than helmets. 

Green Beret worn in the Falklands
Molly McPherson's Green Beret worn in the Falklands is now on display at Royal Marines Experience, Portsmouth. Credit: Royal Navy Museums.

We want people to leave with a deeper understanding of the people who serve, and with a sense that they have shared in a story that belongs to the nation.

Matthew Sheldon, CEO, Royal Navy Museums 

At the heart of the experience is a newly established Remembrance Room where families can reflect and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country. 

Matthew Sheldon, CEO, Royal Navy Museums, said: “We want this to feel like a museum you can step into, not simply look at. Most of us will never know what it takes to earn and wear the green beret of the Royal Marines Commandos, but the new Royal Marines Experience will bring visitors closer to the tests of training, the reality of deployment and the humour, teamwork and resilience that run through the Corps. 
 
“We want people to leave with a deeper understanding of the people who serve, and with a sense that they have shared in a story that belongs to the nation.”

Since 1994 we have awarded over £660million to 1,700 industrial, maritime and transport projects across the UK.  

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Project data

Programme
National Lottery Heritage Grants £250,000 to £10 million
Date awarded
Location
Charles Dickens
Local Authority
Portsmouth
Applicant
National Museum of the Royal Navy
Award Given
£4900000

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