This gallery is about the movement of people, goods and ideas across and around the Atlantic Ocean from the 17th century to the 19th century. The connections created by these movements changed the lives of people on three continents, profoundly affecting their cultures and societies and shaping the world we live in today.

The National Maritime Museum commissioned John Agard as its poet in residence in late 2007. As part of this work John produced poems in response to the objects in The Atlantic: Slavery, Trade, Empire gallery. Read the poems

Visitor information: The Atlantic: Slavery, Trade, Empire is open 10.00–17.00 daily, admission free. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The gallery is on level 1 of the Museum – see floor plans.