Bristol's iconic SS Great Britain secures £1m boost to transform museum and community engagement

The SS Great Britain Trust has secured £1 million in funding to enhance its visitors experience by redeveloping the Dockyard Museum and launching a pioneering community engagement programme.

The new museum will explore how the SS Great Britain changed the world, illuminating the journeys of over 30,000 passengers and crew who travelled aboard the ship between 1845 and 1886.

Some £705,000were secured from Philip Nicholas Trust to reimagine the Dockyard Museum as part of a major reinterpretation of the historic site, while £245,000 were awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for bold new community-led heritage initiative.

The latter will be used to to create Global Voyages, a major new community-led project, which will directly inform the redevelopment of the Dockyard Museum, and unravel the narratives of the people and cultures the ship has touched, including those historically underrepresented in heritage space.

The project will include a new community hub, dedicated Community History Curator post, and multiple pathways for community members to join the organisation as researchers and as advisory group members.

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Matthew Jones, Chair of SS Great Britain Trust, said: “The SS Great Britain is far more than a site of historic importance; it is a vital part of Bristol’s cultural fabric.

“This much-loved maritime landmark has helped shape the identity of the city and continues to bring communities together.

“I’m therefore delighted to see the SS Great Britain embracing bold new directions and exploring the evolving role that heritage sites can play in our future.”

CEO Andrew Edwards, who was appointed in June 2024, said, “Bristol is a city shaped by global journeys, and so is the SS Great Britain.

“This is not only about a funding milestone; it’s about creating opportunities for the discovery of new stories and ideas.

“By working side-by-side with Bristol residents, we can ensure the Dockyard Museum, and all our storytelling and research reflects not only the ship’s international journeys, but the lived experiences and perspectives of the city today.

“This funding is a major step forward in making the SS Great Britain a truly shared space for heritage that attracts new and diverse audiences for generations to come.

“ Our heartfelt thanks go to the Philip Nicholas Trust, the Headley Trust and the Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for their generous support.”

The SS Great Britain’s Community Advisory Group said: “By having a permanent community space, there is more confidence about sharing perspectives, and that the SS Great Britain can reflect the diversity of Bristol.

“Building and sharing a dedicated space allows us to create our own heritage at the SS Great Britain, which can last for future generations.”

Dr Sam Willis award-winning historian, archaeologist and broadcaster, and Trustee of the Philip Nicholas Charitable Trust commented: “We’re thrilled to invest in this significant project, which will deepen the stories told about those who travelled and worked aboard the SS Great Britain throughout its remarkable history.

“Authentic storytelling allows us to better understand ourselves by reflecting on the past. Philip Nicholas was deeply passionate about maritime history, and we are delighted that his name and legacy will be associated with this exciting development.”