New Battle of Jutland exhibition launches in Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) launch a major exhibition at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on May 19th 2016 to mark the centenary of the largest naval battle in history: the Battle of Jutland.
’36 Hours: Jutland 1916, The Battle That Won The War is the most comprehensive exhibition ever curated on the subject, created in partnership with the IWM (Imperial War Museum). Never-before-seen displays and immersive galleries will highlight the essential role of the British Royal Navy in winning the First World War.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy presents the battle as a British victory, both tactically and strategically.
Nick Hewitt, Head of Heritage Development at the NMRN, explained: “It’s the only event in the national First World War centenary programme which is wholly naval in character, and at the NMRN we’ve pulled out all the stops to put together a blockbuster exhibition that captures this epic, tragic story and ensures that it will never be forgotten.”
The incredible exhibition space showcases a series of audio-visual presentations themed around key moments in the battle, including dramatic explorations of the bridge of HMS Lion, inside the Grand Fleet, and the perspective of the German night phase, amongst others.
Balanced between each presentation are reflective galleries containing unique artefacts. Objects include a damaged hull plate and ships bell from HMS Barnham, HMS Canada builder’s model, and various battle ensigns displayed for the very last time from HMS Warspite.
Discussion is encouraged in the exhibition space, with visitors left to debate the ethical issues of removing objects from war graves, with a salvaged scuttle recovered from HMS Hampshire at the end of the exhibition.
For the younger visitors, there is a state-of-the-art augmented reality stand where they can experience WWI cruiser HMS Caroline virtually as a 3D model on their mobile devices. This part of the exhibition was created in association with Wargaming.net, creators of World of Warships.
Visitors can also download a tailor-made app through which they can find out more about the story of HMS Caroline, the last survivor of the Battle of Jutland, and take home a digital souvenir. An on-site gift shop sells Jutland-related mementos and guidebooks.
Tickets are £10.00 for adults, £8.00 for groups, £5.00 for children, and £25.00 for families (two adults and three children). Entry is half price to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard all-attractions ticketholders.
