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Est. 1865 — The Historic Harbour

Admiralty Maritime Museum

Sailing Through the Ages. Five centuries of seafaring history — from the age of exploration to the modern ocean.

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Our Purpose

The Sea in Our Story

The ocean has shaped our nation's identity, economy, and imagination. We exist to keep that story alive — the heroism, the hardship, and the wonder of life at sea.

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Preservation

We hold 80,000 artefacts — from navigational instruments to full-scale warships — conserved to the highest standards and available for scholars, researchers, and the public to study.

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Interpretation

Our curators and educators bring maritime history to life through immersive galleries, living history demonstrations, and digital experiences that connect every visitor to the sea's stories.

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Exploration

We champion the spirit of maritime discovery — celebrating the navigators, scientists, and adventurers who expanded human understanding of the world's oceans and their peoples.

Permanent Collection

Five Centuries of Seafaring

Age of Sail
The Great Voyages
1400 — 1800 · Gallery 1-4
Naval History
Command of the Sea
1600 — 1945 · Gallery 5-9
Ocean Science
Charting the Deep
1800 — Present · Gallery 10-12
Maritime Life
Lives at Sea
Special Exhibition · Through June 2026
Our Story

160 Years on the Waterfront

Founded in 1865 as the nation's first dedicated maritime institution, Admiralty Maritime Museum was established on the original harbour wharf at the height of the age of steam. Our founding collection comprised navigational instruments, logbooks, and ship models gifted by the Admiralty following the end of the sailing navy.

Over 160 years, we have grown into the world's leading maritime heritage institution, holding 80,000 artefacts, 24 historic vessels — including four warships of the line — and an archive of over 1 million maritime documents.

Our History
Our Approach

How We Tell the Story of the Sea

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Collect

We actively acquire maritime artefacts, artworks, and documents of historic significance through purchase, gift, and international collaboration with navies and maritime nations.

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Conserve

Our specialist conservation team — expert in wood, metal, textile, and paper — maintains 80,000 objects and 24 vessels to museum standard in purpose-built facilities.

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Research

Our curators produce original research on naval history, maritime trade, and ocean science, publishing 40+ academic works annually and hosting international symposia.

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Exhibit

We translate scholarship into compelling visitor experiences — from immersive gallery recreations of life below decks to interactive navigation simulators and historic vessel tours.

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Engage

Education programmes, community outreach, and our digital collection ensure maritime heritage is alive and accessible for everyone — from schoolchildren to academic researchers.

Timeline

160 Years of Maritime Heritage

1865

Foundation

Founded on the original harbour wharf with the Admiralty gift collection — 2,400 artefacts representing the golden age of British naval power.

1912

The Grand Dock

The covered Great Dock opens, housing the first full-scale warship on permanent display — HMS Resolute, a 74-gun ship of the line built in 1780.

1975

National Collection

The Museum is designated the national repository for maritime heritage, receiving significant transfers from the Admiralty Archive and National Maritime Register.

2020

Digital Launch

The complete collection catalogue goes online, providing free global access to high-resolution images and historical records of all 80,000 artefacts and vessels.

Critical Acclaim

What Visitors Say

"One of the great maritime museums of the world. The scope of the collection is staggering — from a tiny sailor's sewing kit to a full-scale warship, every object tells a story of life on the ocean."

Maritime Heritage Review
Prof. Thomas Harding

"Walking through the Great Voyages gallery, you feel the weight of history. These navigators changed the world with nothing but a compass and courage — and Admiralty brings that story unforgettably to life."

The Observer
Claudia Singh, Travel Editor

"The vessel conservation programme alone is worth the visit. Seeing HMS Resolute — still afloat, still magnificent — is one of the great experiences available to any lover of history."

Navy & Sea Journal
Captain (Ret.) Edward Morse
Plan Your Visit

Come Aboard

We are located on the historic harbour wharf, five minutes from the city centre. Advance booking is recommended for historic vessel tours and group visits.

Address1 Admiralty Wharf, Harbour Quarter
HoursTue–Sun 10:00–17:30
Phone+1 (555) 500-0100
Emailvisit@admiraltymuseum.org
AdmissionAdults £16 / Under 16 Free