National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth

Hear My Story

The Hear My Story (HMS) Gallery at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Portsmouth tells the personal stories of serving men and women in the Royal Navy during a period of great change; from the First World War to the living memory of the Falklands, Iraq and beyond.

The gallery also houses a temporary exhibition space, currently offering an exciting insight into Worlds Beneath the Waves where you can go on a 150-year voyage of scientific exploration; from HMS Challenger to how the Royal Navy discovers the wonders of the deep sea today. Learn all about life in the Royal Navy, from conflict and danger to camaraderie and games to pass the time.

Get immersed with technology how to disguise your ship, hunt a submarine, or send messages in code. Meet the veterans who can tell you first hand their stories of living and fighting at sea.

Plan a visit

Objects On Display

In the main area of the HMS Gallery, visitors will get the chance to learn about life in the Royal Navy through the personal possessions of Royal Navy sailors, from vital pieces of everyday equipment, to letters home and games made to pass the time. These objects chart the rich history of the Royal Navy, featuring everything from the beautifully adorned late 19^th century love letters of Chief Stoker Walter Grainger, to the modern equipment used by personnel such as Gemma Winterton during her deployment in the harsh fighting environments of Afghanistan.

There are handmade board games such as Vernonopoly, used to pass the time in one of the messes at HMS Vernon during the 1960s and 70s. A cinema area in the middle of the gallery gets visitors up close to the realities of life at sea, with first-hand accounts and historic footage of the Royal Navy.

The cutting-edge of the Royal Navy is also represented, with videos showcasing the latest technology used nd an example of the high-spec working uniform, made from the same materials used at Silverstone and Monaco by F1 drivers.

Plan Your Visit

Looking for the unforgettable day out with friends and family? We have it covered. We are open all year round with plenty of space to roam and explore.

Plan Your Visit

Exhibition Space

The final area of the HMS Gallery is the temporary exhibition space, currently introducing visitors to the role of the Royal Navy in scientific exploration.

Here the story begins with HMS Challenger setting sail from Portsmouth in 1872, embarking on a scientific expedition to study the ocean, following through to the ongoing work of Royal Navy ships in some of the most challenging environments in the world. Worlds Beneath the Waves features some of the original specimens found during the Challenger expeditions, alongside a chance to create your own sea creature and learn all about surviving day-to-day in sub-zero temperatures.