The Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery in Portsmouth, Hampshire, has been awarded a £249,000 grant to launch a new exhibition celebrating the area’s 100th anniversary as a city. The funding was announced on February 9, 2026, to help transform the museum’s display spaces and create the Portsmouth100 project.
The money from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will pay for new displays on the ground and first floors of the building. These changes will help tell the story of the city since it was officially granted city status on April 23, 1926.
According to Portsmouth City Council, the project will focus on working with local residents and schools to choose what is shown in the galleries. This aims to include more stories from everyday people and offer more free or low-cost visits for families.
Cllr Steve Pitt, the leader of the council, said the updates will ensure local history is shared with future generations. The Visit Portsmouth team noted that the new exhibition is part of a year-long celebration that began on January 1, 2026.
The museum project is designed to make local history more accessible to everyone in the community. It will feature various events and activities throughout the centenary year to mark the city’s rich culture.
