Stavanger Maritime Museum - a large building sitting on top of a body of water
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Stavanger Maritime Museum

4.4
·527 reviews·, Norway

Discover Stavanger's seafaring soul through detailed ship models, worker exhibits, and a charming children's play area.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Stavanger Maritime Museum - a large building sitting on top of a body of water

Stavanger Maritime Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Stavanger's seafaring soul through detailed ship models, worker exhibits, and a charming children's play area.

4.4
(527 reviews)

"Affordable and accessible, with a great kids' area and combined ticket value."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Model Ship Collection

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

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

Worker's Life Exhibits

Third Floor

Gain insight into the challenging living and working conditions of maritime workers through compelling displays.

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Planning Your Visit

Combine Your Tickets

Save money and time by purchasing a combined ticket that grants access to the Stavanger Maritime Museum, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, and the Canning Museum. This is a fantastic way to explore Stavanger's rich history without breaking the bank. Reddit

Accessibility & Family Fun

This museum is surprisingly accessible with elevators to all floors, making it easy for everyone to explore. Plus, there's a dedicated children's area with a play ship and shop, ensuring a fun experience for younger visitors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, family activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

oh to be a writer in the 1800/ 1900s #museum #antiqueinterior #darkacademia #writer #stavanger
@immersedindreams
130.4K likes • 629K views

🎟️ Combined Ticket Value

Get more for your money! Your ticket often includes entry to other local museums. Reddit

🚢 Explore All Floors

Don't miss the upper levels; they offer unique perspectives and exhibits. Reddit

Hvilken jakke var finest? @August Lambersøy #emblabunader #bunad #nonbinary #kjønnsnøytral #vakkert #wool #family #sisterinlove #son #museum #stavanger #fyp #foryourpage #norway #norge #foryou #knitting #tailormade #fordeg
@embla_bunader
14.5K likes • 109.8K views
The charm of the Stavanger Maritime Museum💙✨ #stavanger #stavangersentrum #museum #norway #visitnorway #rogaland #summer #naturephotography #relax #breath
anna_ladigina
8 likes • 137 views

🧸 Kids' Corner Fun

The dedicated play area is a hit with children, offering interactive fun. Reddit

📚 Multilingual Info

Information is available in several languages, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit

Hiv o’hoi!⚓️💰🗺️⚔️ Søndag 21. september er det endelig tid for den årlige sjørøverfesten på Stavanger maritime museum igjen! Ta på deg ditt beste sjørøverkostyme og bli med! Gå planken og bli med på rebus i utstillingene på jakt etter skatten. Få deg en kul sjørøvertatovering og lek deg med kjekke aktiviteter og verksted! Festen starter kl. 12.00 og det er selvsagt GRATIS inngang for barn! Ses sø...
stavangermaritimemuseum
20 likes • 508 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combined Ticket Value

Get more for your money! Your ticket often includes entry to other local museums. Reddit

🚢 Explore All Floors

Don't miss the upper levels; they offer unique perspectives and exhibits. Reddit

🧸 Kids' Corner Fun

The dedicated play area is a hit with children, offering interactive fun. Reddit

📚 Multilingual Info

Information is available in several languages, making it accessible for international visitors. Reddit

⚓ Stavanger's Maritime Heart

Discover the city's deep connection to the sea and its seafaring heritage. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(527 reviews)

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

Affordable combined tickets
Accessible with elevators
Engaging children's area

What People Dislike

Can feel repetitive
Less novel for some

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. Instagram

Yes, it's part of a cluster of museums in the harbor area, including the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the Canning Museum. Reddit

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. TikTok

While there isn't dedicated museum parking, several public parking garages are located within a short walking distance, such as Laugmanns gate or Valberget. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Yes, children often get free admission, and family tickets are usually available, making it a cost-effective outing. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

Definitely! There's a well-equipped children's area with a play ship and shop, making it an engaging visit for families. InstagramReddit

Yes, the museum is designed to be accessible, with elevators providing access to all floors. Reddit

Exhibits and information are typically available in multiple languages, catering to international visitors. Reddit

The museum occasionally hosts special events, such as a 'Pirate Party' in September, which includes activities, treasure hunts, and face painting. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

The detailed model ships and the charming antique interiors offer great photographic opportunities. The children's play area can also yield fun shots. TikTok

Yes, the exhibits on shipbuilding and the lives of seafarers provide a glimpse into the city's past, offering unique historical photo backdrops. Instagram

Expect a blend of historical artifacts, detailed craftsmanship in the model ships, and a cozy, perhaps 'dark academia' vibe in some sections. TikTok

The museum is situated in a picturesque harbor area, so the surrounding waterfront and historic buildings offer lovely photo opportunities as well. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Stavanger Maritime Museum is a fantastic destination for families. The dedicated children's play area on the second floor, complete with a play ship and shop, is a major draw and ensures kids stay entertained. InstagramReddit The museum's affordable ticket prices, often with free entry for children, make it a budget-friendly option. Reddit Plus, the accessibility features like elevators mean you can easily navigate with strollers. Reddit

Consider purchasing a combined ticket which not only saves money but also offers the flexibility to revisit the children's area if needed. Reddit 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

For budget-conscious travelers, the Stavanger Maritime Museum offers excellent value. The combined ticket system is a significant advantage, granting access to multiple museums for a single, affordable price. Reddit This allows you to experience a broader range of Stavanger's history without increasing your spending. Reddit

Look out for family ticket options and remember that children often have free admission, further reducing costs. Reddit The museum's central location also means you can easily walk there, saving on transportation expenses. Instagram

🤓 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts

This museum is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by maritime history. You'll find an impressive collection of detailed model ships, showcasing various vessels and their evolution. Reddit The exhibits delve into Stavanger's shipbuilding past and the challenging lives of its seafarers, offering a deep dive into the region's seafaring heritage. Instagram

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. Reddit The 'Crossings 200' exhibition also offers a unique angle on historical voyages. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Stavanger's Maritime Heritage

Stavanger boasts a deep and storied maritime history, and the Stavanger Maritime Museum is a testament to this legacy. The museum meticulously chronicles the city's evolution from a small fishing village to a significant port. Through a collection of ship models, navigational instruments, and personal artifacts, visitors can trace the development of shipbuilding and seafaring in the region. The exhibits highlight the bravery and resilience of the sailors and fishermen who depended on the sea for their livelihood. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram 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

The Stavanger Maritime Museum is surprisingly well-equipped to entertain younger visitors, making it a great choice for families. The second floor features a dedicated children's area that has been a hit with many visitors. This space includes a play ship where kids can let their imaginations run wild and a play shop stocked with various items, encouraging interactive and imaginative play. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the Museum and Ticketing

Planning your visit to the Stavanger Maritime Museum is straightforward, especially with its integrated ticketing system. A key tip from visitors is to take advantage of the combined ticket option. This ticket typically covers entry to the Stavanger Maritime Museum, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, and the Canning Museum, offering excellent value and allowing you to explore multiple facets of Stavanger's heritage in one go. Reddit

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. Reddit Information is also provided in multiple languages, making it accessible and informative for international tourists. Reddit

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. TikTok However, weekend afternoons can be livelier, especially if special events like the 'Pirate Party' are scheduled, which are particularly appealing for families. Instagram Always check the museum's official website for the most current opening hours and event schedules.

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