Step inside a deep sea submersible, pet sea creatures and learn how to pilot a tugboat.
Nauticus is a maritime-themed science center with hands-on activities, an aquarium and movie theater. It celebrates naval power and Norfolk’s seafaring past and present.
Experience what it’s like to make discoveries on the sea floor at the Secrets of the Deep exhibit. Operate the robotic arm of a submersible called the Clelia and retrieve objects from a simulated seabed.
Learn how to navigate a tugboat at Our Mighty Seaport. Visitors stand in a model boat and steer through a computer-generated waterway. Step outside the exhibit and onto the Elizabeth River Observation Deck to watch real-life river traffic of cargo ships, tugs and sailboats.
View artifacts, uniforms, weaponry and model ships that chart the rise of the U.S. Navy after its decline during the Civil War. Take a seat in the Nauticus Theater to watch digital high-definition films on the giant 50x24-foot (15x7-meter) screen. This includes a movie exploration of the flora and fauna of the deep sea.
One of the most popular attractions for children is the Horseshoe Crab Cove. This simulated tide pool houses native Chesapeake Bay inhabitants including starfish, urchins and crabs. Some of the animals can be petted.
Located on Norfolk’s downtown waterfront, the museum is easily reached by public transport. NET is a shuttle bus services that runs through the downtown area. It stops in front of Nauticus on the weekends and one block away on weekdays. Alternatively, several nearby garages offer paid parking options.
Nauticus is open daily between Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) and Labor Day (the first Monday in September). For the rest of the year the museum is open every day except Monday. The admission price includes a tour of the decks of the USS Wisconsin battleship.
