5 must-visit maritime museums in Europe

Located within a World Heritage Site in Greenwich, the National Maritime Museum was opened by King George VI in 1937. Many of the galleries inside are free to visit, telling stories from the Arctic to the Pacific Islands. History buffs will enjoy the Tudor and Stuart Seafarers exhibit, with more than 150 objects explaining how Britain became a leading maritime power, while the Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery explores the centric role of the Royal Navy in the 18^th century, and icons of the sea during that time – such as Horatio Nelson. Find a self-guided route of the galleries on the official website.

More information: rmg.co.uk

The largest maritime museum in the Mediterranean can be found in the port city of Genoa, Italy. Across the innovative museum’s four floors of exhibition space, Genoa’s naval history unfolds. One of its best-known displays is its reconstruction of a 17^th-century galley, which visitors can climb onboard, as well as an outdoor submarine named Nazario Sauro S 518. Alongside its collections of paintings, nautical maps and atlases, there’s an entire exhibition dedicated to the story of Italian migration, with interactive experiencers helping visitors become fully immersed in its story.

More information: museidigenova.it

It’s no surprise Iceland has a close connection with the sea and fishing, due to its isolated location in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. Located in a building that was once a fish freezing plant, its permanent exhibition titled ‘Fish & Folk’ endeavours to deepen visitor’s knowledge on Icelander’s coexistence with the sea for centuries, and how the fish industry has shaped the nation. The Engine Room and the Pier Room host temporary exhibits, whilst in the harbour are two floating displays: Coast Guard vessel Óðinn and the tugboat Magni.

More information: borgarsogusafn.is

Celebrating its 150^th anniversary in 2024, Rotterdam Maritime Museum is one of the oldest in the world. Displaying more than 1 million objects dating from the 15^th century up until the present day, its collections aim to showcase the enormous impact shipping has had on everyday life. One of its most precious items is its Mataro model, a 15^th-century representation of a cargo vessel and the oldest of its kind in Europe. It’s considered an important source of intel of what shipbuilding was like in the Middle Ages. The museum harbour is also home to historic ships and cranes, and provides insight into the beginnings of Rotterdam.

More information: maritiemmuseum.nl

This 1935-founded museum is split across two locations: Fat Margaret and Seaplane Harbour – the latter having recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. Here, you will find the Lembit submarine, the Short 184 seaplane and remains from one of the oldest ships in Estonia, among other historic vessels. Approximately a 20-minute walk away, Fat Margaret is a 500-year-old artillery tower that houses a medieval shipwreck, ship model exhibition and interactive displays.  Around 100,000 objects are spread across both sites.

More information: meremuuseum.ee