The extraordinary story of Brunel’s SS Great Eastern - a ship that pushed the boundaries of engineering and changed maritime history - deserves greater prominence. A unique new display and events programme would help visitors, especially families and young people, connect with this remarkable story. Ship Shape will make this heritage more accessible, engaging and inspiring for today’s audiences.

With your support, the Brunel Museum will deliver Ship Shape from Easter to October 2027. We will refresh exhibition displays, create new interpretation, deliver family activities, walking tours and community events that bring the SS Great Eastern’s story to life and show what connects it to the Brunels' pioneering work on the Thames Tunnel. You can help us create engaging experiences that inspire visitors to explore engineering, history and innovation.