Took my teens here to see the old pirate hanging from his cage and was sad to see he has been removed. He was an interesting and important part of the city's maritime history and shouldn't be forgotten. The museum is still filled with other wonderful exhibits but I do think they could capitalize on the pirates and Oak Island, especially since it is now the most watched tv show on The History Channel.
The exhibits and complementary films regarding the Halifax explosion and the link between Halifax and the Titanic are outstanding. Other exhibits about the regional maritime history are very good too.
We arrived on a cruise ship August 5th, Canada's Civic Holiday. The waterfront area was packed with people having a great time. Bands and street performers entertained the crowds from several stages all down the boardwalk. We walked to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, paid for admission and entered the two story building. There is something here for everyone interested in nautical history. The Titanic exhibit is on the second floor and that is where we went first. An original deck chair from the Titanic is displayed behind a glass enclosure with a ghostly picture of the Titanic behind. Replica deck chairs with a photo of the deck behind are available for photo opportunities. The grand staircase is also available with an artist's rendition of its destruction nearby. In another section of the second floor is the story of the explosion of a ship in Halifax's harbor in WWI that obliterated the city killing 2000 people, injuring another 9000 and destroying 12000 houses and buildings. A nearby church's clock is stopped at 9:06 AM, the time of the explosion. There are models of many ships displayed in glass cases. On the first floor, there are sail boats in the atrium, a WWII torpedo, a contact mine and many more intriguing exhibits. This is a must do when visiting Halifax, a booming big city with more history to see and things to do than one day justifies. Just outside the museum, we boarded the Hop On/Hop Off Bus to continue our tour.
This museum is very well organized and laid out. A treat to people who like the sea and ships in general. There were beautiful ship models, particularly of the big ocean liners which crossed the Atlantic during the first half of the 20th century. However, the main attraction is focused on the Titanic and its sinking. Very interesting!
This museum was well laid out and I am joyed reading all of the historical facts. It was nice that I was able to get in free… Tuesday evenings after five are free and they’re open until 8 o’clock which is plenty of time to see everything this museum has to offer. And they also have live music starting at seven on Tuesday nights. The staff is super friendly, this was a nice treat.
