Stavanger Maritime Museum
Discover Stavanger's seafaring soul through detailed ship models, worker exhibits, and a charming children's play area.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Stavanger Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Stavanger's seafaring soul through detailed ship models, worker exhibits, and a charming children's play area.
"Affordable and accessible, with a great kids' area and combined ticket value."
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get more for your money! Your ticket often includes entry to other local museums.
🚢 Explore All Floors
Don't miss the upper levels; they offer unique perspectives and exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Model Ship Collection
Main Exhibition Halls
Intricate and detailed model ships showcasing Stavanger's seafaring past. A must-see for any maritime enthusiast.

Children's Play Area
Second Floor
An engaging space with a play ship and shop, perfect for little explorers to immerse themselves in maritime adventures.

Worker's Life Exhibits
Third Floor
Gain insight into the challenging living and working conditions of maritime workers through compelling displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Tickets
Accessibility & Family Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get more for your money! Your ticket often includes entry to other local museums.
🚢 Explore All Floors
Don't miss the upper levels; they offer unique perspectives and exhibits.
🧸 Kids' Corner Fun
The dedicated play area is a hit with children, offering interactive fun.
📚 Multilingual Info
Information is available in several languages, making it accessible for international visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combined Ticket Value
Get more for your money! Your ticket often includes entry to other local museums.
🚢 Explore All Floors
Don't miss the upper levels; they offer unique perspectives and exhibits.
🧸 Kids' Corner Fun
The dedicated play area is a hit with children, offering interactive fun.
📚 Multilingual Info
Information is available in several languages, making it accessible for international visitors.
⚓ Stavanger's Maritime Heart
Discover the city's deep connection to the sea and its seafaring heritage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Stavanger Maritime Museum to be an affordable and accessible museum offering a good overview of the city's seafaring past. While some find it less novel than other maritime museums, its value is significantly enhanced by combined ticketing and a well-loved children's play area. It's particularly recommended for families and those interested in local history.
"I found this museum a bit boring. Probably I have seen a lot of maritime museums across Europe, and I did not explore something new here. I have visited this museum only because the ticket to canning museum was also valid for this one. It works other way too - by buying ticket in maritime you may go to canning.
The exposition is relatively big, there are some interesting things, but, again, nothing special and nothing new in comparison to many maritime museums in other cities."
Roman Meyer
"Entry here is super affordable and you get a coupon for other nearby museums which is very generous. The museum is accessible and disability friendly with elevators that take you to the higher floors.
There's a fair bit to look at here with some interesting model ships, trivia, and facts scattered throughout.
Definitely worth checking out if you are in Stavanger."
Sam
"We liked it here!
The first part of the museum gives you a good idea of the city maritime history. On the second floor is a beautifully made children area. On the third floor you get a notion about the life and work conditions of the workers there.
The ticket price was affordable and gives you access to other museums. The kids get free access to."
Andreea B.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Stavanger, making it easily accessible on foot from the city center. Several bus routes also stop nearby. If you're arriving by car, there are parking garages in the vicinity.
Yes, it's part of a cluster of museums in the harbor area, including the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the Canning Museum.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While there isn't dedicated museum parking, several public parking garages are located within a short walking distance, such as Laugmanns gate or Valberget.
Absolutely! Stavanger's public transport system is efficient, and many bus lines will bring you close to the harbor area where the museum is situated.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally affordable, and a significant benefit is that a single ticket often grants you access to other Stavanger Museums, like the Canning Museum.
Yes, children often get free admission, and family tickets are usually available, making it a cost-effective outing.
It's recommended to check the museum's official website for online ticketing options. This can sometimes save you time queuing, especially during peak season.
Some visitors have noted that tickets allow for re-entry, which is particularly useful if you want to utilize the children's play area multiple times.
This exhibition, based on a children's book, tells the story of the 'Restauration's' voyage to America in 1825 from a child's perspective.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse collection including model ships, artifacts, and exhibits detailing Stavanger's maritime history, shipbuilding, and the lives of its seafarers.
Definitely! There's a well-equipped children's area with a play ship and shop, making it an engaging visit for families.
Yes, the museum is designed to be accessible, with elevators providing access to all floors.
Exhibits and information are typically available in multiple languages, catering to international visitors.
The museum occasionally hosts special events, such as a 'Pirate Party' in September, which includes activities, treasure hunts, and face painting.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The detailed model ships and the charming antique interiors offer great photographic opportunities. The children's play area can also yield fun shots.
Yes, the exhibits on shipbuilding and the lives of seafarers provide a glimpse into the city's past, offering unique historical photo backdrops.
Expect a blend of historical artifacts, detailed craftsmanship in the model ships, and a cozy, perhaps 'dark academia' vibe in some sections.
The museum is situated in a picturesque harbor area, so the surrounding waterfront and historic buildings offer lovely photo opportunities as well.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a combined ticket which not only saves money but also offers the flexibility to revisit the children's area if needed. The engaging displays of model ships and maritime history can also spark curiosity in young minds, making the visit both fun and educational.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look out for family ticket options and remember that children often have free admission, further reducing costs. The museum's central location also means you can easily walk there, saving on transportation expenses.
🤓 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
Don't miss the displays on the working conditions of maritime workers on the upper floors, which provide a more intimate and human perspective on this historical era. The 'Crossings 200' exhibition also offers a unique angle on historical voyages.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Stavanger's Maritime Heritage
One of the most compelling aspects of the museum is its portrayal of the lives of maritime workers. The third floor offers a poignant look at their living and working conditions, providing a human dimension to the grander narratives of trade and exploration. This section is crucial for understanding the sacrifices made and the challenges faced by those who worked at sea.
Beyond the historical context, the museum also connects its past to the present. The 'Crossings 200' exhibition, for instance, revisits historical voyages like the 'Restauration's' journey to America, making history accessible and engaging for all ages. This blend of historical depth and accessible storytelling makes the Stavanger Maritime Museum a vital stop for understanding the city's soul.
A Family-Friendly Experience
This focus on interactive elements ensures that children don't just passively observe but actively engage with the museum's themes. The affordability of tickets, with children often gaining free entry, further enhances its appeal for family outings. The ability to re-enter the museum with the same ticket is also a practical advantage for families, allowing for flexibility and extended playtime in the children's section.
Beyond the dedicated play zone, the museum's overall presentation, with its model ships and engaging displays, can spark curiosity in children about maritime history. The museum's commitment to accessibility, with elevators to all floors, also means that families with strollers or young children can navigate the space with ease.
Navigating the Museum and Ticketing
The museum itself is spread across multiple floors, and it's designed with accessibility in mind. Elevators are available to reach all levels, ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges, including families with strollers, can comfortably explore the entire collection. Information is also provided in multiple languages, making it accessible and informative for international tourists.
When it comes to timing, visiting during weekday mornings can offer a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds, allowing for a more in-depth exploration of the exhibits. However, weekend afternoons can be livelier, especially if special events like the 'Pirate Party' are scheduled, which are particularly appealing for families. Always check the museum's official website for the most current opening hours and event schedules.
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