Exploring Aberdeen's Maritime History: Museums and Landmarks
Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located on the historic Shiprow, is an award-winning museum that tells the story of the city's long relationship with the sea. The museum incorporates Provost Ross's House, a building dating back to 1593. With its unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing, and port history, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers visitors a fascinating insight into the North Sea's industries, including the oil and gas sector. It is the only place in the UK where you can see displays dedicated to the North Sea oil and gas industry.
The museum's collections of maritime paintings and objects are showcased in the new museum, utilizing touch screen consoles, computer visual databases, and hands-on exhibits to bring the drama of the North Sea industries to life. Visitors can learn about the history and significance of offshore oil, fishing, and shipping through interactive displays and multimedia presentations. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is widely recognized as one of the finest visitor attractions in Scotland.
In addition to its exhibitions, the museum offers visitors a spectacular viewpoint over the busy harbor. The complex is open six days a week and hosts a busy program of special exhibitions and events throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy the licensed Leading Lights Café, which offers fine food in splendid surroundings, and browse the first-class shop that sells a wide range of souvenirs, gifts, crafts, books, and music with a nautical theme. The museum's reputation is further enhanced by its current Five Star Museum status awarded by Visit Scotland.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum is committed to providing educational opportunities and outreach activities. The museum works with schools, community groups, adult learners, and general visitors to offer a wide range of learning experiences. Tours and visits can be tailored to meet specific requirements, and the museum also offers visits linked to its special exhibitions program. Secondary school teachers interested in bringing their classes to the museum are advised to contact the relevant staff member to discuss subjects and request specific tours.
For younger visitors, the museum has a pirate character mascot named Granite Jack. Children can participate in a quiz trail throughout the museum, guided by Granite Jack pictures displayed in various locations. At the end of the trail, children receive a Granite Jack badge to take home. To schedule a visit to Aberdeen Maritime Museum and participate in the Granite Jack trail with a school or children's group, interested parties can contact Graeme Milne, the Formal Learning Officer.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm
- Sunday: 12noon - 3pm
- Closed on Mondays
Visitors to the museum can also explore the Maritime Museum Shop, located on the ground floor, which offers a variety of maritime-related gifts and objects. For refreshments, the Leading Lights Café is an excellent choice, serving tea, coffee, fresh home-baked cakes, and light meals.
Disabled access is available to most parts of the museum, and pushchairs are provided for small children. Guide dogs are also admitted. For more information on disabled access, visitors can refer to DisabledGo.
In planning a visit to Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums, visitors can take advantage of childcare services at the Aberdeen City Council-run Leaping Leopards Crèche, located on Queen Street, opposite Grampian Police Station. The crèche provides childcare for children between birth and 8 years old and offers both pre-booked sessions and drop-in options.
For those driving to Aberdeen city center, a full PDF listing of car parks is available for download. Additionally, a map of disabled parking locations around Aberdeen city center can be downloaded for reference.
Exploring Aberdeen's maritime history through its museums and landmarks offers a captivating journey into the city's rich heritage and its enduring connection to the sea. The Aberdeen Maritime Museum stands as a testament to the city's maritime legacy, showcasing its shipbuilding, fishing, and port history, as well as the significant role played by the North Sea oil and gas industry. With its interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and extensive collections, the museum provides a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. As Aberdeen continues to evolve, the museum's commitment to education and outreach ensures that future generations will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the city's maritime history.
