Nauticus Maritime Science Museum and the Battleship Wisconsin

Fans of the ocean and Naval history will very much enjoy a visit to Nauticus, a maritime science museum and home to Battleship Wisconsin on Norfolk, VA's downtown waterfront.

The 120,000 square-foot museum explores the economic, naval, and natural power of the sea through hands-on exhibits, high-def films, marine life, live actors, and more. Nauticus Campus is also home to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, the Sail Nauticus, the Decker Half Moone Cruise Center, and the Banana Pier Gift Shop.

Of course, literally the biggest draw to the museum can be seen from a block or more away: the Battleship Wisconsin!

Battleship Wisconsin

The USS Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy. You'll be shocked by its size when you're finally standing alongside it on the Norfolk waterfront.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences aboard the Wisconsin.

Self-Guided Tours
Find your own way, at your own pace, among the more common areas of the Battleship, which was essentially a city at sea.

Guided Command & Control Tours - 90 minutes
Explore previously sealed off areas on 4 decks of the Battleship: the Captain's cabin, Admiral's cabin, Combat Engagement Center, Flag Bridge, navigation Bridge, and Quartermaster's space.

Guided Life In The Engine Room Tours - 60 minutes
See up close, never-before-open-to-the-public engine room spaces on this fascinating tour running seven decks deep into the Battleship Wisconsin.

Nauticus/Victory Rover Cruise Combo - 2 Hours
Enjoy a 2-hour Naval Base Cruise aboard the Victory Rover as well as general admission to Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin.

More details and group package information can be found on the museum's tour page.

Visiting The Museum

Nauticus presents a number of permanent and temporary exhibits. Topics include Anatomy of a Battleship, Secrets of the Deep, Shark Experience, and Living Seashore, to name but a few.

There's plenty to see and do everywhere you look in the museum - just follow your interests! Visitors can learn how to communicate with signal flags, the lives of unique sea creatures, the effect of climate on the ocean, and tons more.

Interested in underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles? Design and build your own ROV in the 3rd floor Seabots Design Lab. You'll even get a chance to test your design in the lab's ROV tank. You can even touch a real shark in the shark tank - if you dare.

Dickens' Christmas Towne at Nauticus

Every year at the holidays, the Decker Half Moone Center on the Nauticus campus transforms into a magical holiday village! Gingerbread Men, Nutcrackers, Steampunk Vehicles, on-stage entertainment, music, shops, and more for the kids and those who are kids at heart. 10am to 8pm, November 29th to December 31st, 2019.

Dickens After Dark - 5pm to 9pm
This special series of nights sees more adult-focused holiday fun. Specialty cocktails, craft beer, delicious food, and more. December 6th, 13th, and the 20th. Learn more.

Nauticus

One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
Memorial Day to Labor Day, open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm; Sundays, Noon to 5pm.
Closed Mondays the rest of the year. Also closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

You can visit Nauticus online at their website. You can also follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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