The Mariners' Museum, America's National Maritime Museum, is one of the largest and most comprehensive maritime history museums in the world. For over 75 years, The Mariners' has illustrated the spirit of seafaring adventure, assembling a renowned and strikingly diverse collection of maritime artifacts, including figureheads, ship models, decorative arts, and small craft from around the world.

The remains of one of the most famous ships in history, the Civil War ironclad USS Monitor, now have a permanent home in The Mariners’ Museum’s USS Monitor Center. The Wall Street Journal calls the new $30 million, 63,500-square-foot facility “An Ironclad Must-See.” Be a part of the action in our high-definition battle theater, walk on the full-scale Monitor replica, see artifacts like the iconic revolving gun turret, experience interactive exhibits and hands-on conservation, and feel the jubilation as the famous ironclad was rescued from the bottom of the ocean.

In addition, the Museum sits on a 550-acre park, the nation’s largest privately maintained park. Rolling woodlands, a 167-acre Lake Maury, and five-mile Noland Trail make this a true urban oasis. The Mariners’ Museum is an official site on the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, and visitors can take advantage of our interactive backpack program to learn about topics ranging from the history of the park, its plants, and animals to environmental concerns.

The Mariners’ Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. , and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $11.50 for AAA, military, and senior citizens, $7.25 for children 6-17, and free for children under 5. Take I-64 to exit 258-A. For more information, call (757) 596-2222 or toll free (800) 581-SAIL or visit www.MarinersMuseum.org.