The first public tours of Hull’s historic National Picture Theatre will take place this month, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the Grade II listed building for the first time since a major restoration project brought one of the city’s most significant wartime heritage sites back into use.
Residents and visitors are invited to join free one-hour guided tours to discover the remarkable story of the National Picture Theatre, from its origins as a popular cinema to its place today as a nationally significant memorial to civilians affected by war.
The tours will take place on:
- Wednesday 11 November, 11am to 12noon – This tour will observe a one-minute silence together to remember and honour those who have served and sacrificed in conflicts past and present.
- Saturday 21 November, 11am to 12noon
- Saturday 21 November, 1pm to 2pm
Places are free but must be booked in advance via Eventbrite here.
Originally built in 1914 and designed by Runton and Barry for the De-Luxe Theatre Company, the National Picture Theatre entertained audiences for almost three decades. However, on 17 March 1941, during an evening screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator, the cinema suffered a direct hit during a Luftwaffe air raid.
With no time to reach the air raid shelter, around 150 cinemagoers took refuge in the entrance foyer. Remarkably, everyone survived. The auditorium was destroyed and much of the building reduced to ruins, leaving behind one of the UK’s most powerful reminders of the impact of war on civilians.
Once described as the UK’s last surviving civilian bomb-damaged building, the National Picture Theatre still bears the scars of the 1941 raid. Now, 85 years later, the site has been carefully restored thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hull City Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the National Civilian World War II Memorial Trust.
The restoration was officially marked at a reopening event on 16 September, attended by the Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber, Councillor Maria Coward, representatives from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and project partners.
Councillor Jackie Dad, Portfolio Holder for Culture at Hull City Council, said: “The National Picture Theatre is one of Hull’s most important historic sites and a powerful reminder of the experiences of ordinary people during the Second World War. Thanks to the dedication of partners and funders, this remarkable building has been preserved for future generations and brought back into use for the first time since it was bombed in 1941.
“These first public tours are a fantastic opportunity for people to experience the site up close, learn about its fascinating history and understand why it remains such an important place of remembrance, reflection and education.”
Hilary Byers, Chair of the National Civilian World War II Memorial Trust, said: “We are delighted to be opening the doors of the National Picture Theatre to the public once again and welcoming visitors back to this extraordinary site. For many years, people have only been able to view the building from outside, so these tours offer a unique opportunity to step inside and discover its remarkable story first-hand. “The National Picture Theatre is not only an important part of Hull’s heritage, but also a place of national significance that helps us remember the experiences of ordinary civilians during wartime. We look forward to sharing its history with residents, visitors, schools and community groups, and encouraging people to become part of its next chapter.”
The National Civilian World War II Memorial Trust will now manage activities at the site, including community events, private group tours and school visits. To enquire about group and educational visits, contact the Trust at npthulladmin@gmail.com. Follow the National Picture Theatre Trust Facebook page for more events in the near future here.