'20 Historical Women Who Changed The World' Exhibition Continues at Hull Museums

A vibrant touring exhibition celebrating the achievements of 20 remarkable women from across five centuries continues to draw visitors to Hull's museum quarter, with the collection on display at both the Streetlife Museum and Wilberforce House Museum until Sunday 12 April.

"20 Historical Women Who Changed The World," created by Doncaster-based artist Chinwe Russell, features bold, colourful artworks depicting women whose contributions have shaped science, architecture, healthcare, invention and social justice. The subjects range from household names like Marie Curie and Florence Nightingale to lesser-known pioneers including Josephine Cochrane, the inventor of the modern dishwasher.

The exhibition has been touring UK arts and cultural institutions since 2021 and its arrival in Hull forms part of what the city's museums service has described as a "bumper" 2026 programme that will also include major exhibitions featuring Monet and the Moomins later in the year.

Celebrating hidden histories

What makes Russell's exhibition particularly compelling is its commitment to telling stories that often go untold. While figures such as Curie and Nightingale are widely recognised, others in the collection — including architects, engineers and activists whose achievements were overlooked or attributed to male colleagues — offer visitors genuine moments of discovery.

"Every time I exhibit this collection, people tell me they've learned something new," said Russell. "That's exactly the point. These women changed the world, but so many of them have been written out of the history books. Art has the power to put them back."

The inclusion of Zaha Hadid, the Iraqi-British architect whose groundbreaking designs redefined modern architecture, has proved particularly popular with younger visitors. Hadid, who died in 2016, was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize and her buildings — from the London Aquatics Centre to the Guangzhou Opera House — continue to inspire architects around the world.

Free entry across two venues

The exhibition is split across two of Hull's most visited museums. Streetlife Museum, housed in a stunning Victorian building on High Street, tells the story of transport through the ages and provides a fitting backdrop for artwork celebrating women who pushed boundaries and broke new ground. Wilberforce House Museum, the birthplace of slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce, adds another layer of historical resonance.

Both venues offer free entry, making the exhibition accessible to everyone regardless of budget — something that aligns with Hull's longstanding commitment to making culture available to all.

"We're really proud to be hosting this exhibition," said a Hull Museums spokesperson. "It fits perfectly with our mission to tell diverse stories and to inspire our visitors. The response from the public has been fantastic, and we'd encourage anyone who hasn't visited yet to come along before April."

Part of a landmark year

The exhibition arrives as Hull's cultural sector continues to build on the legacy of the city's year as UK City of Culture in 2017. With a packed programme of exhibitions, events and performances planned throughout 2026, the city is demonstrating that its cultural ambitions extend far beyond a single year in the spotlight.

For families, the exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to spark conversations with children about history, achievement and the importance of recognising contributions from all members of society. Schools are encouraged to arrange group visits, with educational resources available to support classroom learning.

The exhibition runs until Sunday 12 April at both the Streetlife Museum and Wilberforce House Museum. Opening hours and further information are available on the Hull Museums website.