A major new exhibition celebrating 100 years of Portsmouth's history opens at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery on 26 October as part of the city's Portsmouth100 celebrations, featuring a special artwork gifted by internationally renowned Portsmouth-born artist Sir Christopher Le Brun.
'Portsmouth 100: Your museum. Your stories. Your city.' takes visitors on a journey through the people, places and memories that have shaped Portsmouth since it was granted city status in 1926.
Spanning three galleries and 20 themed sections, the free exhibition explores everything from football, and music to transport, art, theatres and the Dockyard, bringing together familiar landmarks, local stories and some surprising discoveries.
At the heart of the exhibition are the stories of local people. Communities, organisations and history groups from across Portsmouth have helped shape the displays, sharing their memories, photographs and knowledge of the city.
To mark the anniversary, Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery has named one of the art galleries after the artist Sir Christopher Le Brun, who was born in the city in 1951. The exhibition will be the first opportunity to see 'Phases of the Moon VII', a large oil painting made in 2026 and generously given to Portsmouth Museums by Sir Christopher to mark Portsmouth’s centenary.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Portsmouth100 is about celebrating our city, its people and the stories that have shaped it over the past century, and this exhibition really brings those stories to life.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Sir Christopher for gifting such a significant work of art to the city. It is a very special way to mark Portsmouth’s centenary and something that people will be able to enjoy for years to come.”
Sir Christopher Le Brun said: "I’m immensely touched and honoured to have a gallery named after me. Portsmouth and the Solent seen from the top of Portsdown Hill reveals one of the greatest natural settings in the world, with its ideal harbour and momentous history. Growing up in these surroundings has deeply affected me as an artist. The sea is everywhere, and its sense of limitless possibility has guided my work ever since."
Portsmouth 100: Your museum. Your stories. Your city. opens at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery on 26 October and is free to visit.
The exhibition is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
