A new £15 million museum dedicated to the history and legacy of the Royal Marines is preparing to open at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, offering visitors an interactive look at more than 360 years of military service.
Known as the Royal Marines Experience, the attraction will become the new home of the Royal Marines Museum, which previously operated at Eastney Barracks before closing in 2017 due to the deteriorating condition of the building.
The museum is housed inside Boathouse 6, a Grade II-listed building dating back to the 1840s. It replaces the former Action Stations Commando Experience and introduces a combination of historical collections, immersive technology and physical challenges.
The development aims to attract a wider audience by presenting the Royal Marines’ history through personal stories, interactive exhibits and modern museum experiences.
Interactive Exhibits Explore Royal Marines History
The Royal Marines Experience features hundreds of historical and contemporary objects, including military uniforms, medals, weapons and equipment used throughout the service’s history. Among the most significant exhibits are all 10 Victoria Crosses awarded to Royal Marines personnel, recognising acts of exceptional bravery.
Visitors can also see personal belongings connected to individual service members, including a green beret worn by Marine WGC “Molly” MacPherson during the Falklands conflict.
Another notable display features the uniform and bugle belonging to Charlie Mallett, who became the Royal Marines’ first female bugler in 1997. Mallett, whose father also served in the Royal Marines, originally donated the items to the former museum. During a preview of the new attraction, she described the emotional experience of seeing her belongings displayed again.
The museum also includes a dedicated Remembrance room, providing a quiet space for visitors and families to reflect on Royal Marines personnel who lost their lives during service.
Alongside traditional exhibits, the attraction incorporates multimedia storytelling and hands-on activities designed to give visitors a greater understanding of the physical demands of military life. Interactive challenges allow guests to test their strength and endurance through exercises, such as press-ups, pull-ups, rope climbing and rucksack lifting, with digital instructors guiding participants.
New Museum Aims To Attract More Visitors
The project has experienced delays and rising costs since its initial development plans. Originally scheduled to open in 2019, the museum’s estimated budget increased from approximately £10 million to £15 million.
In May 2025, the project secured £4.4 million from the National Lottery following an earlier unsuccessful application for £13 million in funding.
The previous museum at Eastney attracted around 35,000 visitors annually. Its relocation to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is expected to increase visitor numbers significantly. The dockyard already welcomes approximately 600,000 visitors each year and houses several major maritime attractions, including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and The Mary Rose.
Matthew Sheldon, chief executive of Royal Navy Museums, said the new attraction aims to connect the Royal Marines’ history with a broader audience while creating a central gathering place for the service community. He highlighted the importance of combining historical interpretation with experiences that help visitors understand the lives and contributions of Royal Marines personnel.
Former service members attending preview events also welcomed the new museum. Peter Helsby, who served between 1965 and 1974, praised its modern approach and the inclusion of the Remembrance room.
Andy Williams, a former Marine who served for 20 years until 1989, said the exhibition brought back memories and successfully captured the personal stories behind the service.
With its combination of historical artefacts, interactive challenges and immersive displays, the Royal Marines Experience is set to become another major attraction within Portsmouth’s established maritime heritage destination.
