A MUSEUM celebrating a legendary explorer's voyages of discovery is due to reopen next month.

The Captain Cook Birthplace Museum is hoping for a busy return to business as this year marks 250 years since the great explorer landed in Tahiti and New Zealand.

Opening in time for the Easter break, the Stewart Park venue will feature a new family-friendly temporary exhibition.

The interactive exhibition features images from the popular children’s book ‘You Wouldn’t Want to Explore with Captain Cook’ illustrated by David Antram.

The re-opening will be celebrated on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 with a weekend full of activities with the Historical Maritime Society who will perform live demonstrations and a variety of hands-on activities throughout the galleries to show visitors what it was like to sail in the 18th century.

Matthew Storey, Middlesbrough Council’s museums head of transformation, said: “We’re looking forward to a busy season with a whole range of events, activities and talks planned throughout the year.

“Our new temporary exhibition Avoid Exploring with Captain Cook offers an interactive, family-friendly perspective on what it was like to sail during Cook’s first voyages which is a great addition alongside our permanent displays.

“We’ve planned an exciting programme of activity for all ages so look out for more information and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the museum.”

Find out more about the museum at www.captcook-ne.co.uk