National Picture Theatre, Hull

We’re developing the future of the National Picture Theatre and we need your help! What activities would make you want to visit? What would help the space feel welcoming, inclusive and useful to you or your community group? surveymonkey.com/r/NPTHull

A glimpse into the interior of the National Picture Theatre revealed during excavation works! Highly decorative tiles, gas lamp wall brackets and local dairy milk bottles build a picture of life during the period. More can be discovered once restoration works are complete!

Our wonderful volunteers do so much to help our project, we love giving time back to them! Here's some photos of our team enjoying activities recently, including local history walks, planting workshops and mindful art sessions 😊 @Hullccnews @HeyVolunteering @HeritageFundUK

Today, on the 8 May 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary since the end of Word War II in Europe. We remember and honour those who fought, and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

The city has been marking 80 years since VE Day 1945.

2/2 Shown here are handwritten Bomb Warden observation messages, request for Fire service to attend the National Picture Theatre, and Mr Edward Crummay, the Foreman blown through the theatre when the bomb hit. Miraculously, he and all others inside escaped without serious injury.

1/2 As today marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we are reflecting on the impact of WW2 on those on the Home Front. The ordinary people who took on extraordinary roles to 'do their bit' for their country, keep others safe, and help to rebuild our city.

❤️ We are turning city centre buildings red this week to commemorate VE Day. The buildings will be illuminated on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night.

2/2 It was wonderful to see so much support for our project and discuss the plans for our site, once restoration works are complete. Thanks always to our funders @Hullccnews & @HeritageFundUK, and to @Hullhistorynews for providing the perfect venue for todays event! 📽️

1/2 🍿Huge thanks to everyone who came to our Blitz film screenings today at Hull History Centre and shared their family's stories, and to Angela, Granddaughter of Edward Crummay, who was blown through the auditorium on the night of the bombing. Luckily he wasn't seriously hurt!

Join us on Thursday for two FREE films of how Hull was impacted by the Blitz & view fascinating artefacts courtesy of @Hullhistorynews! And can find out the latest site progress as we restore the National Picture Theatre, thanks to funding from @Hullccnews & @HeritageFundUK

This week we held a Cinema Doodle Workshop with artist Charlotte Eldred. Our lovely volunteers practised styles of the National Picture Theatre era, including cinema décor & period fashion. We loved giving back to volunteers who help make our project happen ☺️ @HeyVolunteering

Join us on Thursday 3rd April as we support the National Civilian WW2 Memorial Trust at Hull History Centre for a FREE film show and artefacts display on Hull in WW2. No booking necessary, just pop in and join in! @Hullhistorynews @Hullccnews

2/2 Mr Edward Crummay was the NPT Foreman. After everyone else was moved to safety at the front of the building, he returned to stoke up the boiler at the rear, just at the moment the bomb hit, & was blown right through the auditorium! Luckily, he wasn't seriously hurt!

1/2 On this day in 1941, the National Picture Theatre was partly destroyed by a bomb during one of Hull's worst aid raids of WW2. Luckily, none of the 150 people inside were killed or seriously injured, but in the nearby streets, many lives were lost, even inside the shelters.

⚓ @HullMaritime Guided Walks⚓ The popular FREE, Maritime Guided Walks are back! Led by a group of dedicated volunteers who are accredited White Badge tours guides, they are the perfect way to explore Hull's maritime past. Book here 👉 loom.ly/1xRQWGk #MustBeHull

Well done to our colleagues @bevroadTH 👏 What brilliant restoration works just opposite our site! @HeritageFundUK @Hullccnews

Did you know Hull Culture, and Leisure (HCAL) offer free Healthy Holidays Hull sessions throughout libraries, museums and leisure centres including free swims during the Half Term holidays. Check out healthyholidayshull.org/hcal for more information and to try something new! #HAF2025