The Mariners' Museum and Park

The Mariners’ Museum and Park connects people to the world’s waters because through the waters—through our shared maritime heritage—we are connected to one another. The Museum is filled with fascinating stories, captured in priceless artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open sea. Designated by Congress as America’s National Maritime Museum, The Mariners’ Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive maritime museums in the world.

Explore small craft from around the world in the International Small Craft Center. Discover the fascinating and intricate miniature ship models of Winnifred & August F. Crabtree. Learn about the Age of Exploration and the history of the U.S. Navy. See Oracle Team USA’s 72-foot catamaran. Experience thrilling cinema that capture our shared maritime heritage in the Explorers Theater.

Discover the USS Monitor Center, home to the Civil War ironclad’s iconic gun turret. The incredible story of the USS Monitor's creation, battle, sinking, and recovery are told in vivid detail. The remains of this famous ship have a permanent home in the Museum’s USS Monitor Center. Be a part of the action in the high-definition battle theater, walk on the full-scale Monitor replica, and see artifacts currently undergoing conservation like the iconic revolving gun turret and 20-ton steam engine.

The Museum sits in a 550-acre park, one of the nation’s largest privately maintained park that is free and open to the public. Rolling woodlands, the 167-acre Mariners' Park, and the five-mile Noland Trail make this a true urban oasis. Visitors can hike the Trail, picnic at the famous Lions Bridge overlooking the tranquil James River, and discover 14 wooden bridges throughout the Park.

 

The Mariners’ Museum and Park hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including family programs, lectures, beer and wine tastings, and many more fun activities. For a schedule of special events and current exhibitions, visit MarinersMuseum.org.