A new museum celebrating the Royal Marines could be coming to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, after museum bosses were awarded a £4.9 million lottery handout. The museum will explore the Royal Marines – past and present- with interactive exhibitions so museum-goers can catch a glimpse into their lives.
The plans have kick-started after the sum was awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund who, after originally rejecting the proposals several years ago, were impressed by the new plans for the museum.
The new complex will span 400 square metres of exhibition space and will have a £2 million state-of-the-art ‘collections centre’, a series of interactive displays and space for temporary exhibitions.
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Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said the plans offered a “world-class museum”. But, the National Museum of the Royal Navy still has a way to go, with a further £3.5 million needed towards the project.
The Corp’s have been left without a museum since 2017 when their long-standing site in Eastney was closed for urgent renovations. The National Museum of the Royal Navy then decided to focus on revamping Boathouse No.6 in the historic dockyard, with the iconic yomper statue remaining in place due to popular demand.
“The museum will create a sense of place where members of the Royal Marines family can connect with their history and each other,” said General Gwyn Jenkins, Commandant General Royal Marines.
“The ethos of the Royal Marines – so important to the morale and fighting spirit of the Corps – is built on the challenges, the achievements and the legacy of our forebears.
“Today’s Royal Marine is the embodiment of the ‘Commando Spirit’ – the courage, determination, unselfishness, and cheerfulness in adversity – all learnt from their predecessors and the museum is a vital part of that inheritance.”
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