Free Memory Library pop-up museum coming to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this November

A new free pop-up museum exploring memories, storytelling and technology is coming to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this November, bringing together local communities and international artists.

Memory Library will open at Boathouse 5 from 14 to 21 November 2026, offering visitors an interactive programme of contemporary art, films, workshops and immersive experiences.

Created by Portsmouth artist and creative director Thomas Buckley, the exhibition aims to explore how technology can help people preserve memories, share personal stories and connect with others.

The eight-day event will feature contributions from local and international artists, alongside opportunities for visitors to share their own experiences.

Thomas Buckley, a former Fellow of the Royal Shakespeare Company, works with emerging technologies including augmented reality, virtual reality, projection and immersive theatre.

He said: "Memory Library is a lifelong project for me. An ongoing exploration of how art and technology can put people, their stories and their memories at the heart of what we create.

"By bringing together international artists, emerging local artists and communities, we can experiment with new ways of telling and sharing stories, while exploring how technology can help us preserve memory, create empathy and connect with one another."

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One of the main attractions will be Recollect Together, an initiative encouraging people from different backgrounds and communities to sit down, share memories and discover common experiences.

Visitors will also be invited to contribute a personal memory in the form of a letter, note or story, helping to create a growing archive of experiences shared during the exhibition.

The project will provide opportunities for local artists through a development programme called Resonate.

Three artists will be selected to work with Portsmouth communities, exploring memory and heritage through creative technology.

The programme is particularly aimed at supporting artists who are underrepresented in the technology sector, including women, LGBTQ+ artists and younger creatives.

International artists and cultural practitioners from Bangladesh, Egypt, Lebanon and Malta will also take part, supported by funding from the British Council.

They will lead workshops in filmmaking, video art and other creative disciplines, exploring how memories and storytelling differ between cultures.

Throughout the week, visitors will be able to explore a programme of international films and contemporary artwork, with screenings running throughout the day.

Additional activities will include a drag event and a conference bringing together artists, programmers and cultural practitioners to discuss the relationship between technology, memory and human connection.

Thomas hopes the project will eventually develop into a permanent museum and cultural space in Portsmouth.

He added: "Memory Library's approach is rooted in the belief that being entrusted with someone's story is a privilege.

"We want to explore how technology can be used sensitively to interpret, preserve and share memories and stories, while always respecting the people and experiences behind them."

Memory Library forms part of Portsmouth100 and the We Shine Community light festival, which was launched by Portsmouth Creates in 2021.

The exhibition is supported by Arts Council England, the British Council, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Creates, alongside other cultural partners.

Memory Library takes place at Boathouse 5, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, from Saturday 14 November until Saturday 21 November 2026.

For more information and the full programme, visit memory-library.co.uk

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