Monsters of the Deep

Monsters of the Deep has now closed at National Maritime Museum Cornwall and is showing at The Historic Dockyard Chatham until 19 November 2023.

Take a deep breath and plunge down to the dark murky depths of the ocean and discover the monsters that lurk beneath. Are there krakens with tentacles two miles long and giant sharks as big as skyscrapers?

“A show packed with marvels.” The Times

Explore the centuries-old myths and legends, when chance sightings and odd appearances led to tall tales of deep sea creatures. Learn how, even today, these stories continue to capture imaginations, fuelled by fake news and conspiracy theories.

Become a 19^th century pioneer scientist aboard HMS Challenger and advance our understanding of the sea. Handle real objects, try out the microscopes and understand what it felt like to be an explorer aboard a floating laboratory.

Progress to the modern day and discover how today’s scientists explore the seas aboard submersibles, going deeper and further into uncharted waters. Get lost amongst specially selected specimens, the real monsters of the deep – more beautiful and fantastical than any of us could have imagined.

“This is a show to plumb the imagination. For the adults it might be almost as philosophical as it is fun for the kids … I took two 11-year-olds along and the pair of them couldn’t talk about anything else for the entire journey home.” The Times

Runs until Sunday 8 January 2023.