Less than two weeks until memory library opens in Portsmouth

Step aboard a boat, take a seat in a greenhouse or discover a story that sparks a memory of your own as a free, interactive pop-up museum prepares to open at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

With less than two weeks to go, excitement is building for the opening of Memory Library, a new experience coming to Boathouse 5 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from 14 - 21 November 2026.

Free to enter and open to everyone, Memory Library invites visitors to explore, share stories, make new connections and discover something a little different. From artwork, films, workshops, community conversations and an evening light experience, there's plenty to enjoy throughout the week.

One of the main parts of the project is Recollect Together, inviting people from across Portsmouth to sit down, share stories and get to know someone new.

Visitors are invited to step into a collection of imaginative memory installations, each inspired by a familiar setting and brought to life through unexpected details, playful touches and intriguing objects. From a cosy bedroom and a rain-soaked park bench to a windswept beach, a flourishing greenhouse and a boat ready to set sail, each handcrafted installation offers a world to explore. These evocative spaces encourage visitors to pause, reminisce and share stories, whether recalling a treasured childhood moment, exchanging memories with a friend or discovering a story from someone they have never met.

Thomas Buckley, Artist and Curator of Memory Library, comments: "Sometimes the most ordinary things can bring back the most extraordinary memories. A bus stop, a greenhouse or other familiar places can remind us of people, experiences and moments we haven't thought about for years.

"Memory Library is all about creating opportunities for human connection. Whether you come with a friend, bring your family or arrive on your own, you're welcome to join in. There are no right or wrong things to say, just a chance to chat, listen and share a little bit of your story."

Visitors can also leave behind a memory of their own, through a note, letter or short story, helping to build a growing collection of stories from the people who visit.

From 11am - 1pm on select days, Memory Library will host local community groups and organisations, including Chat Over Chai, POOW, Spark and Pompey Punks, with everyone welcome to pull up a seat, listen or join the conversation.

There will also be plenty more to discover during a visit with short films and interactive artworks as well as creative workshops.

 Among the highlights are new works by local artists Hannah Matthews, María de la O Garrido and Owain Davies, using art and technology to explore how we remember people, places and experiences. Visitors will also have the opportunity to discover work by international artists from Bangladesh, Egypt, Lebanon and Malta.

From 19 - 21 November, Memory Library will offer another reason to visit, opening late for three special evenings as part of We Shine Community, Portsmouth's free citywide light festival.

During these evenings, visitors can explore Memory Library before heading outside to see Portsmouth Historic Dockyard transformed by large-scale projections and interactive digital artworks. The historic architecture, including Boathouse 5, will become a canvas for light and moving images, with projections featuring images from the Dockyard's own archive.

Thomas adds: "You don't need to know anything about art or technology to visit. We want people to feel welcome, have a look around, discover something new and spend time with one another."

Whether you're curious to see what's inside, want to share a memory or simply discover something a bit different, Memory Library is free to visit, with no booking required.

Memory Library forms part of the Portsmouth100 programme and We Shine Community, Portsmouth's free citywide light festival.

The project is supported by Arts Council England, British Council, the British Council's Connections Through Culture 2025 grant, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Creates, with partners including Portsmouth100 and Portsmouth Historic Quarter.

Memory Library
14 - 21 November 2026
Boathouse 5, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Free entry - no booking required
Find out more: https://memory-library.co.uk