Captain Cook Museum reopens with new exhibitions

A museum documenting the life of 18th Century explorer James Cook has reopened following a revamp.

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Middlesbrough has been fitted with new interactive games developed by Teesside University and a play space for younger children.

It has introduced new exhibitions, including Voice of the Land, which tells the story of aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders through displays exploring their art, ceremonies and daily life.

Deputy Mayor Philippa Storey said the museum offered "something for people of all ages".

"It tells the incredible story of Captain James Cook, while the reimagined Australian Gallery focuses on native voices and gives a fascinating insight into Australia's history," she said.

The upgrades have been funded by money from Arts Council England's Museum Renewal Fund.

The museum's future had been uncertain but last year Middlesbrough Council said it would keep the site open until 2027, as long as an unnamed supporter provided the venue with £150,000 a year.

The museum opened in 1978 and has about 5,500 visitors annually.

Captain Cook's legacy has been viewed less favourably in recent years due to his treatment of the people he encountered during his voyages to the Pacific.

Indigenous activists say Cook and his crew on the HMS Endeavour committed atrocities including murder within hours of landing in New Zealand in 1769.

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