By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum has closed its doors at Arreton Barns for the final time, bringing an end to decades at the popular attraction, as preparations continue for its relocation to Yarmouth.
The museum has been home to Martin Woodward’s renowned shipwreck collection, the Maritime Archaeology Trust’s (MAT) submerged prehistoric landscape materials, and historic artefacts on loan from the Isle of Wight Museum Service.
Over the years, it has welcomed families, divers, and researchers from around the world, offering a fascinating insight into the Island’s maritime history.
Organisers said: “To everyone who has visited the site over the years, thank you. And to our amazing volunteers and staff, past, and present, who have contributed such passion, time, and energy, we also can’t thank you enough.”
The closure marks the beginning of a new chapter, with plans to establish an internationally significant maritime heritage centre in Yarmouth.
The new attraction will explore stories of shipwrecks, rescues and submerged Stone Age landscapes, through innovative exhibitions and displays.
The first phase, ‘Dive In! To Sea History’, opened in May and attracted more than 1,200 visitors during the summer.
Although now closed for the winter, work is continuing behind the scenes ahead of a planned reopening in May 2027, featuring expanded exhibitions.
Supporters can follow developments, see behind-the-scenes previews, and discover maritime history through the new Dive In! To Sea History Facebook page.