Nauticus
Nauticus
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. Open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m. Nauticus and the Battleship Wisconsin are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Please call for other holiday hours.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Raroach183 contributionsGreat Museum and BattleshipWe enjoyed this naval museum very much. We especially like the battleship. You can go inside the ship and see how the sailors lived. The museum exhibit were also very interesting and it’s in a nice area by the water side.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 15, 2023
- ffletc2344443 contributionsNaval History in NorfolkHave never been aboard a battleship before. Touring the USS Wisconsin was great. I learned that you can even spend the night aboard it. Am tucking that away for a future trip. The museum was nicely done as well.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 18, 2023
- Kimberly EWilliamsburg, Virginia4 contributionsVery enjoyableThis is a must visit for any one living in this area. So much history and insight given in such an engaging way. Great way to introduce children to topics to discuss and learn about. Great staff and a clean and engaging facilityVisited July 2023Traveled soloWritten December 7, 2023
- tgrdvrmdColumbia, South Carolina779 contributionsSuperb Naval MuseumThe Nauticus Museum is superb and especially the Naval Museum. The Naval history of the Viet Nam War was especially good and the actual artifacts were eye opening. The Civil War displays were also done quite well. The Battleship Wisconsin is moored alongside the Museum and well worth the effort to explore. We would certainly return and spend the entire time in the Naval Museum.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 29, 2024
- Tk BPittston, Pennsylvania147 contributionsSO coolI have been wanting to visit the Battleship Wisconsin for YEARS and finally got to! The price for the self guided tour, I feel, is a deal. We could have easily spent more time than what we did there. With a normal ticket you basically get nearly free reign of the ship. From the deck to the 2 under layers, I feel like we could have easily gotten lost. I can't even imagine people being on the ship, let alone it being in several battles. There are signs along the way and plaques telling you about certain aspects and places in the ship. The history is rich and exploring the ship is rather surreal. They do offer additional guided tours where you get to see some places that were off limits, which would be amazing to do on another trip in the future now that we've seen some of the lower levels. Upon exiting the ship, you can take a tour through some Navy history. This part of the museum was very long with lots of pictures, artifacts, etc. I definitely recommend visiting if you haven't before and like military history - or just want to see what the inside of a battleship really looks like! Only including one picture so it doesn't spoil the inside for you as you really need to see it for yourself!Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,123 reviews
Excellent
728
Very good
281
Average
71
Poor
31
Terrible
12
Laura K
Fort Wayne, IN43 contributions
Feb 2020
We had a wonderful trip to Nauticus and the Wisconsin. The museum was really interesting and all of my kids (ages 2-10) really enjoyed it. There were a lot of interactive exhibits they enjoyed. We actually didn't even get through the whole museum. The ship was really neat just to see how huge it is. It is pretty hard to find your way around inside the ship and a little bit more information about what you are seeing inside would be nice. There really isn't much at all about what you are looking at. We didn't pay extra for the guided tour since that was very expensive. Overall we had an excellent experience and would highly recommend it for anyone. We are by no means a military family or anything but we found it very interesting.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
REDLEG6
Suffolk, VA24 contributions
Jul 2020
Think of really bad and this is worse. Made the list of, "Not no way, not no how." Waited not less than 15 minutes to place a first order with our waiter in an almost empty place where the four servers were catching up on something more important than customers. Like anything other than Bud, Bud Light or two O'Connor beers? BYOB because those are your choices. When our first round finally made it to the table after another round of discussion by the help while our beers and wine warmed in the 95 degree day, the waitress, note that I said that a waiter took our order, spilled half of the servings on our table. "He's busy with another table", she uttered apologetically while cleaning up her spill. He's busy at the table of two or the one with three because that was all that remained? Never considered a restroom an amenity until visiting this wretched place. Nearest facility had to be opened by our now waiter, and pack a lunch because your walk to the facility is longer than the USS Wisconsin. Food? They can't get canned beer right so we passed on the food, and left as quickly as possible. This Wisky Porch, nickname for the USS Wisconsin, will soon head out to sea, and be lost over the horizon forever. Good riddance.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louden77
Ottawa, Canada1,012 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This is a large nautical museum located adjacent to the cruise terminal.
In addition to the three floors of nautical exhibits focusing on the nearby waters and naval history the battleship Wisconsin is tied alongside the building and admission to the ship is included in the ticket price. Some interactive exhitibits for the children. There is a special exhibit focusing on drones that is running until fall. Suggest you allow at least two hours for a proper visit.
In addition to the three floors of nautical exhibits focusing on the nearby waters and naval history the battleship Wisconsin is tied alongside the building and admission to the ship is included in the ticket price. Some interactive exhitibits for the children. There is a special exhibit focusing on drones that is running until fall. Suggest you allow at least two hours for a proper visit.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen
Virginia Beach, VA1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Couples
This review is specifically on the USS Wisconsin. This is our first trip to Nauticus. We did not have much time to see the museum portion of the Nauticus before our scheduled tour of the USS Wisconsin. Our tour guide was Charlie. Charlie is a wealth of knowledge. I would give him 5 stars as a tour guide. He was in the Navy and knows people who served on this ship. This ship is a national treasure.
After leaving the tour I left with a much greater appreciation of the people who served our country. My husband was also in the Army. Charlie said this the first full tour group since the start of COVID. The tour takes you in the interior of the Wisky (USS Wisconsin) and Charlie described what each room viewed is used for and who used each room. Charlie is passionate to share his knowledge. This is a very rare opportunity in Norfolk for people to see and learn of this Great Ship.
We left the Nauticus after the tour because the restaurant is closed. We were both hungry and thirsty . However, We did buy a membership before We left and We will be back. That is how much We enjoyed the tour. The tickets purchased earlier were credited to buying a membership with a receipt. Well worth your time and the extra expense for the tour. I can not recommend this tour enough.
Although, the restaurant is closed I do hope the can reopen this summer so there is a place to get a drink which We really needed after the tour or a snack. Not having a place to get a water other than a fountain forced us to leave earlier than We would have liked. You could probably bring a closed water bottle in a purse to drink outside the front of the building or on the deck of the museum. You are permitted back in with a receipt. But no food or beverages are allowed. I gave this 5 stars because the Incredible tour was well worth it. The restaurant being closed is a sign of the times right now. Things hopefully will start to come back as their was a full tour group and at least figure out a way to at least get a water and sit down with a snack. Even if it is a vending machine.
After leaving the tour I left with a much greater appreciation of the people who served our country. My husband was also in the Army. Charlie said this the first full tour group since the start of COVID. The tour takes you in the interior of the Wisky (USS Wisconsin) and Charlie described what each room viewed is used for and who used each room. Charlie is passionate to share his knowledge. This is a very rare opportunity in Norfolk for people to see and learn of this Great Ship.
We left the Nauticus after the tour because the restaurant is closed. We were both hungry and thirsty . However, We did buy a membership before We left and We will be back. That is how much We enjoyed the tour. The tickets purchased earlier were credited to buying a membership with a receipt. Well worth your time and the extra expense for the tour. I can not recommend this tour enough.
Although, the restaurant is closed I do hope the can reopen this summer so there is a place to get a drink which We really needed after the tour or a snack. Not having a place to get a water other than a fountain forced us to leave earlier than We would have liked. You could probably bring a closed water bottle in a purse to drink outside the front of the building or on the deck of the museum. You are permitted back in with a receipt. But no food or beverages are allowed. I gave this 5 stars because the Incredible tour was well worth it. The restaurant being closed is a sign of the times right now. Things hopefully will start to come back as their was a full tour group and at least figure out a way to at least get a water and sit down with a snack. Even if it is a vending machine.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mary k
Richmond, VA23 contributions
Jun 2021
Nauticus brings together Interactive elements with Nautical themes, Naval history, Oceanic and environmental themes. The Role of the Navy and Marines in War and peace, with live film and documentary, narratives from Survivors. It is a MUST SEE on your visit to Norfolk! This museum connects to the USS Wisconsin and both can be seen on the same visit.
Written June 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenppt
Navarre, OH81 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
This museum is amazing. We bought a combo ticket with Victory Rover Naval Base Cruise. This was one of the highlights of our week. There is so much to see in the museum and on the USS Wisconsin. It is so impressive to walk on the deck of the ship. My only regret is we didn’t budget enough time to really thoroughly read all the exhibits. I would highly recommend the combo ticket, and get there early so you can explore this wonderful museum. The cafe is also very good!
Written April 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ozburnra
Williamsburg, VA10 contributions
Jun 2021 • Friends
I have to say I’m very disappointed in the customer service shown to my family today. We have visited Nauticus several times and it’s an experience my kids enjoy, however my mother went to take my kids today with our family pass, intending of course to pay for herself as she is not on my family membership. Instead of allow our kids in on our pass and allowing her to pay for the tickets she required, which would have cost them nothing, the denied her entrance and told her the kids could not enter on their pass since she was not the named adult. It would not have inconveniently Nauticus in any way to allow children to enter with paying adults, especially on this rainy day, instead they lost 2 paying customers and resulted in a very negative experience for everyone at a place we have so often enjoyed. The art and care of true customer service is lost so often at the expense of following some arbitrary rule when the thing that should be first and foremost in the mind of any customer focus establishment is to ensure the enjoyable experience of everyone trying to visit, especially when there is no negative to the business themselves and only an opportunity to serve people well. I am truly saddened today by what my family was out through. They need to do better.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, we'd would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss your experience further. Could you please send our membership team an email at membership@nauticus.org?
Written June 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
luvtotravel6768
Simcoe, Canada151 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The new building is large, well laid out and has several rooms of really interesting artifacts and facts. There are lots of spots for interactive play for kids and adults alike.
The battleship USS Wisconsin is docked adjacent and definitely worth the guided tour of 1 1/2 hours with a well-versed guide. So much information and history about this battle-worthy ship that sailed in WWII, Korean War and Gulf War. This is a must do if you like American naval history!
The battleship USS Wisconsin is docked adjacent and definitely worth the guided tour of 1 1/2 hours with a well-versed guide. So much information and history about this battle-worthy ship that sailed in WWII, Korean War and Gulf War. This is a must do if you like American naval history!
Written July 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen L
122 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Excellent way to spend a few hours with my three year old! We arrived early in the day and the gentleman at the escalator encouraged us to start in the ship as the day would only get hotter. We followed this advice but my daughter was terrified if the battleship and immediately asked to return inside. This meant we were among the first to navigate the museum. She had fun touching all the things and posing for pictures and then we found the kids play area! She probably played for a solid half hour running all over up and down, but also subtly learning about oceans and boats too. She loved the fish and the interactive displays and then especially loved the lady exhibit where you could imitate the impact of rain on landscape. Then we went back to the play area for another 20 mins.
This was all worth the price of admission to get a lot of little kid energy out in the AC.
This was all worth the price of admission to get a lot of little kid energy out in the AC.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William M
Belleville, IL464 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a historical nautical museum and is fantastic. It contain many artifacts and models of not only United States Navy history but that of many countries and areas of nautical history. There are large models of ships from years gone by, It is a fantastic nautical museum.
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long are you allowed onboard with guided tour tickets?
Also is there lunch onboard?
Written July 2, 2022
Hi Greg! Our cafe is currently closed. Our guided tours last approximately an hour and a half. You are free to explore the battleship before and after your tour as that is included with general admission. Thank you for your question!
Written September 12, 2022
Hello! Is the overnight trips just for youth or would mid to older teens enjoy also?
Written January 10, 2019
We think older would enjoy as well. It’s such an historical place.
Written January 10, 2019
Can you book your tickets and tours online before arriving there. Like to plan things in advance.
Written May 27, 2018
Plenty of room, lots of ticket lines, lots of self/tour times. I don’t think it’s necessary to buy ahead. Enjoy!
Written May 27, 2018
Hourly garage parking is available at Plume Street, Main Street or at several nearby City of Norfolk parking garages. Visit the City of Norfolk's Parking Department for more information.
If you have any more questions, please visit our FAQ page on the Nauticus website.
We hope you enjoy your visit!
Written April 12, 2017
Can you bring a lunch in? Thank you.
Written February 16, 2015
Yes you can. They have microwave too.
Written February 16, 2015
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