Technological innovation, inspirational design and some truly revolutionary features lie behind the development of the SS Great Britain, the world's first iron-hulled, steam-powered ocean-going ship. Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the ship was built in 1843 at the Great Western Dockyard in Bristol. From the outset, the SS Great Britain was unique. Widely regarded as one of Brunel's finest works, she was built to serve the burgeoning transatlantic passenger trade. On 26 July 1845, the ship undertook her maiden voyage to New York, a journey completed in an astounding 14 days.

Having carried passengers to New York, emigrants to Australia, troops to India and the Crimea, and coal to San Francisco, SS Great Britain ended her

working life as recently as 1934 in the Falkland Islands.  In 1970, she was salvaged and returned across the Atlantic to her birthplace, Bristol’s Great Western Dockyard. 

Historic ships are notoriously difficult to preserve and maintain.  Too large to be housed indoors, soaked in salt and exposed to the elements, they are very biodegradable.   By 1998, the SS Great Britain’s condition was extremely poor. A project team was charged with preserving the great ship in a sustainable way for future generations to enjoy and with making the SS Great Britain a truly exciting and accessible museum.   After eight years’ work, she was ‘re-launched’ in July 2005, and now stands resplendent in her dockyard home. The glass ‘sea’ on which she sits acts as the roof of a giant dehumidification system, the secret to the ship’s long-term survival, and a stunning visual effect.

The ship herself provides a wonderful experience for the visiting public. Cabins and decks are enlivened with sounds and smells, and personal audio companion guides give visitors a choice of how to travel – First Class or Steerage, or with a maritime archaeologist, or, for children, with Sinbad, the ship’s cat.  Original dockyard buildings alongside the ship have become the new Dockyard Museum and Medlock Education Centre.

The restoration of the SS Great Britain cost £11.3 million and was met by an £8.8 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £2.6 million from supporters and members.  Just over £200,000 remains to be raised.  Visitor admissions (77,000 since opening last July) and venue hire will meet running costs and routine maintenance.

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