diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
index 0ea1179..cf30659 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ services:
     container_name: newbury-exhibit
     restart: unless-stopped
     ports:
-      - "33044:33044"
+      # HOST_PORT lets an existing nginx proxy keep its port (set in .env); container stays on 33044
+      - "${HOST_PORT:-33044}:33044"
     environment:
       # dev = admin open + on-screen error overlay; final = password-protected admin
       EXHIBIT_MODE: ${EXHIBIT_MODE:-dev}