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
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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.
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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
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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
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Queen Mary Handrails

The Queen Mary’s beautiful handrails, which gracefully frame her outer decks, have been carefully refurbished and restored to their former glory. As both a defining design element and an essential architectural feature, these handrails deserved meticulous attention and expert care. Through thoughtful restoration, their original character and craftsmanship have been revived—preserving the elegance and integrity of the ship’s iconic silhouette for generations to come.

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Queen Mary Art Gallery: A Historic Space Reimagined

Housed within the ship’s former First-Class Drawing Room, the all-new Queen Mary Art Gallery breathes fresh life into one of the vessel’s most elegant and intimate spaces. Once a serene retreat for first-class passengers, this oval-shaped lounge now serves as a curated showcase of artistic expression, honoring the ship’s creative legacy while introducing new works for today’s guests to discover. By thoughtfully reactivating this historic room, we continue our commitment to preserving the Queen Mary’s cultural heritage while inviting a new generation to experience her timeless beauty.

a group of people in a room Image Slide1, Link to Larger Image - a group of people in a room
a fireplace with a painting on the wall Image Slide2, Link to Larger Image - a fireplace with a painting on the wall
a black and white photo of a woman holding a baby Image Slide3, Link to Larger Image - a black and white photo of a woman holding a baby

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
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