31 January 2023
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HMS Caroline, moored in Belfast, is to reopen after three years
The Light Cruiser that fought at Jutland in WWI is opening to the public again after three years.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) has announced that HMS Caroline, one of Belfast’s leading visitor attractions and the only surviving ship from the World War I Battle of Jutland, will reopen daily on 1 April 2023 with weekend openings throughout March.
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 4,000t, 122m 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, “The announcement that, after a three-year hiatus, we are able to reopen HMS Caroline with her long-term future secured is monumental for the museum. 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.”
Visitors to the ship will have the opportunity to wander around, above and below deck, and experience the newly refurbished exhibitions which tell the story of HMS Caroline’s over 100 years of service through film, digital and recreations. Tickets are now available to buy, please visit www.hmscaroline.co.uk.
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