The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) is delighted to announce that HMS Caroline, one of Belfast’s leading visitor attractions and the only surviving ship from the First World War Battle of Jutland, will reopen daily on 1st April 2023.
Taking his place at the helm is newly-appointed Business Development Manager Kerry Rooney MBE. Kerry brings over 20 years of experience in the arts, culture and heritage industry to the museum and will oversee the development of a vibrant and inclusive programme of events. HMS Caroline is a firm favourite in the city, where she has been berthed for almost 99 years.
The award-winning authentic experience onboard saw the ship secure a coveted finalist place in the highly prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2019. HMS Caroline is moored in Belfast’s Alexandra Dock beside the Science Park in Titanic Quarter and is also part of the Maritime Mile, which stretches from Corporation Street to Donegall Quay, and on to HMS Caroline.
The ship will reopen with a fanfare in time for the Easter holidays, although a handful of lucky visitors will have the chance to preview the ship during special weekend-only openings in March.
A team of specialist staff has remained onboard caring for the unique 4,000-tonne, 122-metre long light cruiser and she is in remarkably good condition having being closed for nearly three years.
Professor Dominic Tweddle, Director General of The National Museum of the Royal Navy said:
"Her story and place in Belfast’s maritime history is so important and the strides we were making in offering a world-class welcome were justly acknowledged with her shortlisting as Museum of the Year. With the superb team we have onboard, we cannot wait to welcome visitors back and ensure that HMS Caroline is a key part of the tourism and cultural offer in Belfast for many years to come."
We have a lot more Spring activity ideas HERE
