On Friday 10th February it was announced the Brunel’s magnificent SS Great Britain has made it onto the long list for the UK’s largest arts prize.  The Gulbenkian Prize for museums and galleries is worth £100,000 and is given annually to one museum or gallery anywhere in the UK.

The SS Great Britain was re-launched in July last year and has since received over 75,000 visitors from around the world.  The restoration work included a glass ‘sea’, which aside from being a great visual effect, houses a giant dehumidification system which ensures her long time survival in the open air.  The restoration project cost £11.3 million, £8.8 million of which was funded by a grant from the heritage Lottery Fund, and £2.6 million was raised from supporters and members.  £200,000 still remains to be raised.

Doug Naysmith, MP for Bristol North West, says;

“I have visited the SS Great Britain many times and am always impressed, not just by her splendour but by the vision of those who brought her home to Bristol. I am delighted that all the effort and hard work put in during the restoration has earned the recognition it deserves. This is a great achievement for all those involved.  All Bristol will be hoping that the SS Great Britain makes it to the next stage of the competition.”