New Royal Marines Experience Museum to Open in Portsmouth

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 21, 2026

The Royal Marines Experience museum is opening this Saturday at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, offering an interactive exploration of over 360 years of Royal Marines history through artifacts, multimedia, and immersive exhibits. Funded by a £15 million project including a £4.4 million National Lottery grant, the museum aims to engage visitors with the Corps’ legacy, highlighting both historical sacrifices and the enduring spirit of its members.

A new museum dedicated to the history and heritage of the Royal Marines is set to open on Saturday at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. The Royal Marines Experience, located in the historic Boathouse 6, offers visitors an immersive journey through more than 360 years of the corps’ history, showcasing its significant role in British military operations from the 17th century to the present day.

The museum features interactive galleries that combine storytelling, hands-on activities, multimedia displays, and immersive technology. It highlights the physical and mental challenges faced by Marines, providing insight into their training, deployments, and the camaraderie that shapes the corps’ ethos. Visitors will be able to engage with Commando challenges that illustrate the demands of service.

Among the exhibits are powerful artifacts from key moments in Royal Marines history. These include a ceremonial uniform worn by Charlie Williams, one of the first women to serve in the Royal Marines Band Service; a green beret owned by Major William ‘Molly’ Macpherson, who fought with K Company, 42 Commando, during the Falklands War; and combat kit belonging to Paul ‘Buck’ Ryan of 40 Commando, reflecting recent operations in Afghanistan. The green beret is especially symbolic, as many marines preferred it over helmets, believing it offered a form of psychological protection.

The museum also pays tribute to the sacrifices made by the Royal Marines, recalling moments such as the bloody Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805. In a notable account, Capt Adair was severely wounded but continued to command his men before being killed by a musket ball, coinciding with the fatal shooting of Admiral Lord Nelson on HMS Victory.

The £15 million project was made possible by a £4.4 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside private donations. Matthew Sheldon, CEO of Royal Navy Museums, emphasized the museum’s aim to create an experience where visitors can actively engage with the history rather than simply observe it. He highlighted the goal of bringing to life the Corps’ resilience, humor, and teamwork through authentic voices and artifacts.

The Royal Marines Experience will offer a comprehensive view of the corps’ enduring legacy, honoring those who have served and educating the public about the unique role the Royal Marines have played across centuries of British military history. Further details about visiting the museum can be found on the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard website.

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