Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Aberdeen Maritime Museum in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire is a free museum and great for visitors of all ages.
Discover how people in Aberdeen have worked on shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, oil rigs and more from the 13th century onwards.
Enjoy the interactive exhibitions as you tour your way around the three buildings.
Pop downstairs to sit in the café, or venture outside to look over the Aberdeenshire harbour, and see how many boats you can spot.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is an award-winning museum in Aberdeen. The museum features displays on the North Sea, fishing and port history, and Aberdeen's relationship with the sea, showing the full story of the city. It's one of the best Aberdeen museums and is a must for children and adults alike. If you're looking for more things to do in Scotland, you might like the Codonas Amuseument Park or Duthie Park.

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is on the historic Shiprow, Aberdeen in the heart of the city. The buildings it covers includes the former Trinity Congregational Church and Provost Ross' House. Provost Ross' House was Lord Provost in Aberdeen from 1710 to 1712, with similar powers to today's mayors. The house was built in 1593 and is the second oldest house in Aberdeen after Provost Skene's House. The museum has been on the site since 1984, though the museum was originally refurbished in the 1950s before opening again in 1954. This award-winning museum aims to tell the story of Aberdeen and the North Sea. Collections focus on shipbuilding, fast sailing ships, fishing and port history, the North Sea Oil Industry and more, and include ship plans and photographs from Aberdeen shipbuilders.

The displays on the North Sea include ship and oil rig models, whalers and commercial trawlers, North Sea oil industry, the North Sea oil and gas industry and more. The artefacts date from the 13th century to the present day. It's hard to miss the giant oil rig structure in the middle of the museum, so it's a great way to be able to get around the buildings if you ever get lost. The museum has a collection of works by George Mackie, focusing on the changes of Aberdeen thanks to the industries like these. There are also paintings bringing together the lives of the people who have lived and worked in these industries. It's the only place where you can see displays on the North Sea oil and gas industry in the UK, so if your children are interested in a historic industry, this is the place to enjoy a tour. For children, the free museum has a lot of interactive elements to tell their stories. Touch screen consoles, computer visual databases, hands-on exhibits, and more bring the museum and Aberdeen history to life. Why not test your skills on an ROV? The views over the harbour also add to the exciting visit to Aberdeen Maritime Museum, setting the museum clearly in Aberdeenshire and Shiprow.

On-site, there's a café with fine food, with light bites like sandwiches and fancy cakes and hot and cold drinks. It's setting is sweet thanks to the location of the historic Shiprow, Aberdeen. You'll be taken back in time to the past of Scotland and Aberdeenshire. There's also the shop to pick up some brilliant souvenirs and gifts like books, crafts for children, books, music and more.

After a brilliant visit to the museum, why not enjoy a look around Aberdeen? While you're at Aberdeen Harbour, why don't you keep an eye out for the beautiful dolphins that like to splash around in the sea? For more historical places to visit why not enjoy Old Aberdeen, a medieval area of the city. You could also look for the castles of Aberdeen, like Balmoral Castle, Craigiever Castle, Dunnottar Castle and more.

For places to eat, you've got plenty of choices. SooShee serves delicious Asian food, with the sushi and ramen being firm favourites among guests. Angus & Ale is the home of British cuisine with a great central location and cosy interior. Goulash is something different, introducing Eastern European cuisine to Aberdeen. Miller & Carter and Brewdog are both classic chains if you'd rather find something you know for a bite to eat. Old Blackfriars is a classic pub, with tasty pub food which everyone in the family will like to eat. Madame Mews Thai Cafe serves Thailand's finest dishes. There are plenty of places around the city and close to the Aberdeen Maritime Museum that you won't need to wait too long to sate your hunger.

For places to stay, you're also in luck due to the fame of Shiprow, Aberdeen. The Copthorne Hotel will give you a glamorous stay in the city; perfect if you want to feel luxurious on holiday. The Atholl Hotel has a stunning and striking Gothic design while having decorated rooms. It's a unique place to stay and serves a delicious Scottish breakfast. There's also several chains available, as well as private BnBs.

What to know before you go

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum opening hours are currently from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm. However, the opening hours are constantly subject to change, so check the website before you go.
Some sections of Provost Ross House are not accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.
A full access guide is available from the front desk.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
Toilets and baby changing facilities are available.

Getting there

Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a nine-minute drive from the centre of Aberdeen, and two and a half hours from Edinburgh.
There is no parking outside the museum. The closest car park is the NCP car park on Shiprow.
The closest bus stop is on Union Street, only a short walk from the Aberdeen Maritime Museum.
The closest station is the Aberdeen Train Station, a five-minute walk from the museum.