A Trip Back in Time Preserving a Historic Icon

The Queen Mary stands as a timeless icon—and our commitment to her legacy is stronger than ever. From intricate woodwork to historic fixtures, significant restoration and preservation efforts are underway throughout the ship. Every project reflects our dedication to safeguarding her storied past while reimagining the Queen Mary as an inspiring destination for generations to come. This ongoing work ensures that her legacy not only endures but continues to shine for all who come aboard.

RECENT RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION EFFORTS

 

 

Unicorns in Battle

Unicorns in Battle, the second-largest artwork aboard the Queen Mary, has undergone an extensive and careful restoration. Crafted by Gilbert William Bayes and Alfred J. Oakley, this striking gesso panel has been a focal point of the Queen’s Salon for decades. Skilled conservators worked meticulously to clean, stabilize, and preserve the piece—bringing back the depth, detail, and vibrancy that had faded over time. Today, the artwork stands renewed, a powerful symbol of our dedication to honoring the ship’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Unicorns in Battle art piece Image Slide1, Link to Larger Image - Unicorns in Battle art piece
scaffolding around artwork being restored Image Slide2, Link to Larger Image - scaffolding around artwork being restored
a room with a fireplace and a wall mural Image Slide3, Link to Larger Image - a room with a fireplace and a wall mural

Main Hall Flooring: A Thoughtful Recreation

The Main Hall now features recreated flooring that beautifully mirrors its post–World War II design. Using modern materials selected for their durability and visual accuracy, this restoration honors the historical aesthetic while meeting today’s preservation standards. Every detail was carefully considered to reflect the Queen Mary’s mid-century elegance—allowing guests to experience the space much as it appeared in the ship’s golden era.
main hall aboard the queen mary Image Slide1, Link to Larger Image - main hall aboard the queen mary
a black and white photo of a large room with a large counter and chairs Image Slide2, Link to Larger Image - a black and white photo of a large room with a large counter and chairs

Queen Mary Archive Museum: History on Display

The all-new Queen Mary Archive Museum—an exciting space dedicated to sharing the ship’s rich history. More than 50 artifacts from our collection are now on display, including several rare pieces being exhibited to the public for the very first time. This curated museum experience offers guests a deeper connection to the Queen Mary’s legacy through items that tell the story of her remarkable journey, design, and cultural impact.

outside of new queen mary archive museum Image Slide1, Link to Larger Image - outside of new queen mary archive museum
a desk with a chair and a chair in a room with a picture on the wall Image Slide2, Link to Larger Image - a desk with a chair and a chair in a room with a picture on the wall
a room with a table and a rope around it Image Slide3, Link to Larger Image - a room with a table and a rope around it
a rope around a door Image Slide4, Link to Larger Image - a rope around a door
a desk with a clock and a picture on it Image Slide5, Link to Larger Image - a desk with a clock and a picture on it
a room with chairs and a rope Image Slide6, Link to Larger Image - a room with chairs and a rope
a display of items in a room Image Slide7, Link to Larger Image - a display of items in a room

Promenade Deck

As part of our ongoing preservation efforts, the original flooring along the Promenade Deck has been carefully restored—reviving one of the Queen Mary’s most iconic walkways. This restoration enhances durability and guest experience while honoring the historic design and craftsmanship. Today, visitors can walk the same deck as travelers of decades past, experiencing a renewed connection to the ship’s enduring legacy.
a long wooden floor with windows Image Slide1, Link to Larger Image - a long wooden floor with windows
a group of men working on a ship Image Slide2, Link to Larger Image - a group of men working on a ship

Verandah Grill: Refreshing a Storied Space

As part of our ongoing restoration efforts, the Verandah Grill has been carefully refreshed with new carpeting and thoughtfully installed doors that honor the venue’s original design. These updates were guided by historic references to ensure visual continuity, while using modern materials to support long-term preservation. The result is a renewed space that captures the elegance of the past while being ready to welcome guests once again.

Outside of the Queen Marys Verandah Grill Image Slide1, Link to Larger Image - Outside of the Queen Marys Verandah Grill
a white ship with a mast and a ladder Image Slide2, Link to Larger Image - a white ship with a mast and a ladder

Preserving A Historic Icon

The Queen Mary’s restoration is a dynamic and evolving journey—one that reflects our unwavering commitment to preserving her rich history while preparing her for the future. From structural updates to the careful conservation of original artwork, every effort is thoughtfully planned and executed with respect for the ship’s legacy. As new projects are completed and additional areas of the ship are revived, this page will continue to be updated with the latest progress. We invite you to check back often and follow along as we breathe new life into this beloved icon—ensuring she remains a source of inspiration, pride, and discovery for generations to come.

the queen mary
Rivets on the Queen Mary
a machine in a ship Link to larger image, a machine in a ship
a room with tables and chairs Link to larger image, a room with tables and chairs
a clock on a wall Link to larger image, a clock on a wall
a room with a table and chairs Link to larger image, a room with a table and chairs
a bar with chairs and tables Link to larger image, a bar with chairs and tables