by Ethel Smith

Created on: April 12, 2007   Last Updated: November 25, 2008

THE TRANSPORT MUSEUM KINGSTON-UPON-HULL.

The original Transport Museum was opened in 1925 and it's first curator was Thomas Sheppard. My earliest memories of this museum are of old automobiles, and other modes of transport, housed in a rather large building with highly polished wooden floors and a beautiful stone exterior. Of course back then this all added to the atmosphere, which was almost that of a library. Museums were places where you only spoke in hushed whispers, did not run about and viewed everything with awe. How times change. These days, rightly so, Museums are designed to openly accommodate children and usually have many hands on displays.

At the back of this museum, when I was a child, there suddenly appeared a display of Roman Mosaics which had recently been The Transport Museum was owned and run by the local city council and had free entrance. This, at least, has not changed.

THE NEW TRANSPORT OR STREET LIFE MUSEUM, HULL.

In the 80's plans were drawn up to construct a new purpose built transport museum. Building eventually got under way in 1987. With funding from the city council, the lottery and regeneration grants this new building was completed and opened in 2002. It is further along the High Street, Hull, to it's original site and is situated in what used to be the Mandela Gardens, at Wilberforce House Museum Hull.

At first sight the new museum looks out of place right next to a 17th century building. However, on entering it really is perfect and does the job it was designed for well. This museum is well laid out with an old fashioned street incorporating an old tram, single decker bus, old airplane hung from the ceiling, antique fire engine and old shops. There is an old signal box and railway crossing and many more displays and vehicles. Many of the displays are made up of actual local items. The signal box and level crossing for example were acquired by the Museum from the railways, when these were no longer in operation. From the early horseless carriages to the humble bicycle the history of Hull transport over the last 200 years is documented and explored. Whether you are an enthusiast or just an interested individual you are sure to enjoy your visit. It will be educational, interesting and fun with authentic articles and smells.

Please note that:-
There is lift access to the second floor.
The museum is open over 7 days at varying times.
To check tel:-01482 300300
Entry is free.
There is a nice picnic area outside.
There are also many local restaurants and bats nearby.

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