What is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic?
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is Nova Scotia's premier maritime museum, located on Halifax's historic waterfront and housing the world's finest collection of Titanic artifacts. The museum tells the story of 200+ years of Maritime history through ship models, maritime artifacts, interactive exhibits, and Canada's most comprehensive collection of Titanic and Titanic-related materials.
Museum History & Significance
- Founded 1948: Established as Nova Scotia Museum's maritime division
- Waterfront Location: Historic Lower Water Street building since 1982
- Titanic Connection: Halifax was the closest port to Titanic disaster site
- Recovery Operations: Halifax ships recovered most Titanic victims
- Halifax Explosion: Museum houses extensive 1917 disaster collection
- Research Center: Active maritime research and preservation facility
- National Recognition: Designated Canadian museum of national significance
Museum Highlights
- Titanic Collection: World's most comprehensive Titanic artifact collection
- Halifax Explosion: Extensive exhibits on 1917 maritime disaster
- Age of Steam: Maritime technology and shipbuilding history
- Small Craft: Traditional Maritime boats and vessels
- Naval History: Royal Canadian Navy and wartime maritime service
- Shipwreck Archaeology: Underwater discoveries and preservation
- Maritime Art: Paintings, photographs, and maritime cultural artifacts
- Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on learning experiences for all ages
What are the museum's hours and admission prices?
The Maritime Museum operates year-round with seasonal hour variations and comprehensive admission that includes access to all permanent and special exhibitions.
Operating Hours
Summer Season (May-October)
Monday-Saturday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-5:30pm
Winter Season (November-April)
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:30am-5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Closed Mondays
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
Monday-Saturday: 9:30am-5:30pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-5:30pm
Winter Season (November-April)
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:30am-5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
Closed Mondays
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
Extended summer hours accommodate peak tourism season, while winter schedule allows for maintenance and special programming.
Admission Prices (2024)
Adults: $10.50
Seniors (65+): $9.20
Students (with ID): $9.20
Youth (6-17): $7.35
Children (under 6): Free
Family Pass (2+3): $26.25
Annual Membership: Available
Seniors (65+): $9.20
Students (with ID): $9.20
Youth (6-17): $7.35
Children (under 6): Free
Family Pass (2+3): $26.25
Annual Membership: Available
Admission includes access to all permanent exhibitions, special exhibits, and interactive displays throughout the museum.
Special Pricing & Discounts
Group Rates: 10+ people, advance booking
School Programs: Educational rates available
Military Discount: Active military and veterans
Museum Pass: Multi-attraction packages
Annual Membership: Unlimited visits plus discounts
Special Events: Some additional charges may apply
School Programs: Educational rates available
Military Discount: Active military and veterans
Museum Pass: Multi-attraction packages
Annual Membership: Unlimited visits plus discounts
Special Events: Some additional charges may apply
Various discounts and membership options provide excellent value for frequent visitors and local residents.
What Titanic artifacts and exhibits can I see?
The Maritime Museum houses the world's finest collection of Titanic artifacts, most recovered by Halifax vessels immediately after the 1912 disaster. The collection provides an intimate and moving tribute to the tragedy and Halifax's crucial role in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Personal Effects
- Passenger belongings: Wallets, jewelry, personal items
- Clothing fragments: Preserved textiles from victims
- Luggage pieces: Suitcases and travel items
- Documents: Passenger lists, tickets, correspondence
- Photographs: Personal and official disaster documentation
- Memorial items: Tribute objects and remembrance pieces
Ship Components
- Deck chair: Only known surviving Titanic deck chair
- Ship fittings: Hardware and mechanical components
- Wooden fragments: Pieces of the ship's structure
- Rope and rigging: Maritime equipment from the vessel
- Metal artifacts: Recovered ship parts and fixtures
- Technical drawings: Original ship construction plans
Recovery Operation
- Cable ship Mackay-Bennett: Primary recovery vessel story
- Recovery logs: Detailed records of victim retrieval
- Crew accounts: First-hand testimonies from recovery ships
- Embalming supplies: Equipment used to preserve victims
- Identification process: How victims were identified
- Transportation records: Getting victims to Halifax
Halifax Connection
- Fairview Cemetery: Titanic victim burial site
- Local response: How Halifax community responded
- Morgue operations: Temporary morgue established in Halifax
- Funeral arrangements: Services and burial procedures
- Family communications: Telegrams and correspondence
- Media coverage: Contemporary newspaper accounts
Interactive Experiences
- Passenger experience: What it was like aboard Titanic
- Timeline displays: Chronological disaster narrative
- Multimedia presentations: Videos and audio testimonies
- Hands-on exhibits: Touch and explore opportunities
- Memorial wall: Honoring all victims
- Research station: Discover family connections
Special Titanic Programs
- April commemorations: Annual disaster anniversary events
- Guided tours: Expert-led Titanic collection tours
- Educational programs: School and group learning sessions
- Research access: Scholarly research opportunities
- Temporary exhibitions: Rotating special Titanic displays
- Cemetery tours: Visits to Titanic victim graves
What other major exhibits are featured?
Beyond the Titanic collection, the Maritime Museum presents comprehensive exhibits covering Nova Scotia's rich maritime heritage, from indigenous watercraft to modern naval history.
Halifax Explosion 1917
Comprehensive coverage of the world's largest man-made explosion prior to the atomic bomb, which devastated Halifax on December 6, 1917.
- Collision of ships Mont-Blanc and Imo
- Explosion aftermath and destruction
- Rescue and relief efforts
- Personal stories of survivors
- Reconstruction of Halifax
- International aid response
- Memorial and remembrance efforts
Age of Steam
Maritime technology revolution showcasing the transition from sail to steam power and its impact on Atlantic shipping.
- Steam engine development and operation
- Shipbuilding innovations and techniques
- Atlantic passenger service evolution
- Competition between shipping lines
- Immigration and passenger experiences
- Cargo and freight transportation
- Maritime navigation improvements
Small Craft Gallery
Traditional Maritime vessels representing indigenous and settler watercraft used in Nova Scotia waters.
- Mi'kmaq birchbark canoes
- Acadian fishing boats
- Lunenburg dories and fishing craft
- Recreational sailing vessels
- Working boats and commercial craft
- Boat building techniques and tools
- Maritime trades and occupations
Royal Canadian Navy
Naval history from founding to modern operations, with special emphasis on Halifax as Canada's east coast naval base.
- RCN founding and early operations
- World War I naval service
- Battle of the Atlantic during WWII
- Convoy escort operations
- Modern navy operations and technology
- Halifax naval base significance
- Naval personnel stories and experiences
Shipwreck Treasures
Underwater archaeology revealing stories of vessels lost in Maritime waters and preservation efforts.
- Shipwreck discovery and exploration
- Underwater archaeological techniques
- Artifact recovery and preservation
- Famous Maritime shipwrecks
- Diving technology and equipment
- Marine environment protection
- Treasure hunting vs. archaeology ethics
Days of Sail
Golden age of sailing ships when Nova Scotia vessels carried cargo and passengers around the world.
- Age of Sail merchant marine
- Nova Scotia shipbuilding industry
- International trade routes
- Ship design and construction
- Sailor life and conditions
- Maritime communities and families
- Transition to steam power
How long should I plan for my museum visit?
Visit duration varies based on your interests, with options from quick overviews to comprehensive exploration of all exhibits and special programs.
Quick Visit (1-1.5 hours)
- Focus on Titanic collection highlights
- Halifax Explosion main displays
- One or two additional exhibits
- Brief walkthrough of ship galleries
- Visit museum shop
- Perfect for time-limited schedules
Standard Visit (2-3 hours)
- Comprehensive Titanic collection
- Halifax Explosion detailed exploration
- Age of Steam and naval history
- Small craft gallery appreciation
- Interactive exhibits engagement
- Most satisfying general visit
Comprehensive Visit (3-4 hours)
- All permanent exhibitions thoroughly
- Special temporary exhibitions
- Interactive displays and activities
- Museum archives or library visit
- Educational program participation
- Ideal for maritime history enthusiasts
Enthusiast Visit (Half to Full Day)
- Multiple visits to favorite exhibits
- Guided tour participation
- Research and archive access
- Special programs or lectures
- Detailed artifact examination
- Maximum educational experience
Family Visit Planning
- Plan 2-3 hours for families with children
- Focus on interactive and visual exhibits
- Take breaks as needed for young visitors
- Participate in family-friendly programs
- Allow time for gift shop exploration
- Consider children's attention spans
Best Times to Visit
- Weekday mornings: Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
- Weekday afternoons: Good for detailed study
- Weekend mornings: Moderate crowds, family-friendly
- Summer evenings: Extended hours, cooler temperatures
- Winter months: Intimate experience, local atmosphere
- Special events: Enhanced programming opportunities
Is the Maritime Museum suitable for children?
The Maritime Museum offers excellent experiences for children with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs designed to engage young visitors in maritime history.
Ages 4-8 (Preschool/Early Elementary)
- Visual exhibits: Ship models and colorful displays
- Interactive stations: Hands-on learning opportunities
- Story-based learning: Simple narratives about ships and sailors
- Sensory experiences: Touch-friendly exhibits and activities
- Short attention spans: Quick, engaging exhibit rotation
- Family programs: Age-appropriate guided activities
Ages 9-13 (Elementary/Middle School)
- Historical mysteries: Titanic and shipwreck stories
- Technology exhibits: How ships and navigation work
- Interactive displays: Hands-on maritime science
- Educational challenges: Scavenger hunts and quizzes
- Career connections: Maritime professions exploration
- Group activities: Collaborative learning experiences
Teenagers (Ages 14+)
- Historical depth: Complex maritime history narratives
- Social studies connections: Immigration, trade, warfare
- Technology focus: Maritime innovation and engineering
- Research opportunities: Independent exploration projects
- Photography interests: Documenting exhibits and artifacts
- Volunteer programs: Museum involvement opportunities
Child-Friendly Features
- Interactive exhibits: Touch screens, hands-on activities
- Visual storytelling: Models, dioramas, multimedia displays
- Educational programs: School visits and family workshops
- Accessible facilities: Stroller-friendly, family washrooms
- Gift shop: Educational toys and maritime-themed items
- Comfortable spaces: Seating areas for family breaks
- Safety measures: Secure environment with clear pathways
- Free admission: Children under 6 enter at no cost
Tips for Visiting with Children
- Plan shorter visits for younger children
- Use interactive exhibits to maintain engagement
- Ask about family programs and activities
- Prepare children for historical content including disasters
- Bring snacks and plan for rest breaks
- Take advantage of educational opportunities
- Allow time for gift shop exploration
Educational Value
- Nova Scotia curriculum connections
- Science and technology learning
- Historical thinking skill development
- Cultural awareness and understanding
- Career exploration opportunities
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Appreciation for maritime heritage
Where is the Maritime Museum located and how do I get there?
The Maritime Museum is centrally located on Halifax's historic waterfront, making it easily accessible by various transportation methods and perfectly positioned for exploring other downtown attractions.
Museum Address & Location
- Address: 1675 Lower Water Street, Halifax
- Waterfront location: Historic downtown core
- Landmark references: Near Historic Properties
- GPS coordinates: 44.6476° N, 63.5728° W
- Walking distance: Most downtown Halifax attractions
- Harbor views: Waterfront boardwalk access
Parking Options
- Street parking: Limited metered spaces nearby
- Waterfront parking: Several paid lots within walking distance
- Historic Properties: Large parking facility nearby
- Accessibility parking: Designated spaces available
- Peak season challenges: Arrive early or use transit
- Weekend rates: Often different from weekday pricing
Public Transportation
- Halifax Transit: Multiple bus routes serve downtown
- Ferry service: Dartmouth-Halifax ferry nearby
- Walking distance: From most downtown hotels
- Accessibility: Accessible bus and ferry options
- Transit schedules: Check Halifax Transit for current routes
- Day passes: Good value for multiple attraction visits
Walking & Cycling
- Waterfront Boardwalk: Scenic walking route
- Downtown core: Easy walk from Citadel Hill area
- Bike parking: Bicycle racks available
- Pedway connections: Underground walkways from some hotels
- Seasonal considerations: Weather affects walking comfort
- Accessibility: Paved pathways and ramp access
Taxi & Rideshare
- Taxi availability: Readily available in downtown Halifax
- Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft operate
- Drop-off location: Direct access to museum entrance
- Accessibility vehicles: Available with advance booking
- Airport connection: About 30-minute drive from airport
- Cruise ships: Walking distance from cruise terminal
Accessibility Information
- Wheelchair accessible: Full accessibility throughout
- Elevators: Access to all floors
- Accessible washrooms: Available on each level
- Accessible parking: Designated spaces nearby
- Assistive devices: Wheelchairs available on request
- Service animals: Welcome throughout museum
Combining with Other Attractions
- Halifax Citadel: 10-minute uphill walk
- Historic Properties: 2-minute walk
- Art Gallery of Nova Scotia: 5-minute walk
- Halifax Public Gardens: 8-minute walk
- Pier 21: 15-minute walk or short drive
- Waterfront restaurants: Numerous options within blocks
- Shopping areas: Spring Garden Road, Barrington Street nearby
What should I know before visiting the Maritime Museum?
Preparing for your museum visit ensures the best experience while respecting the historical significance of the collections and other visitors.
What to Expect
- Multi-level museum: Three floors of exhibits
- Climate controlled: Comfortable year-round visiting
- Security measures: Bag checks may be required
- Photography rules: Generally permitted, no flash
- Emotional content: Disaster exhibits can be moving
- Educational focus: Informational rather than entertaining
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes: Lots of standing and walking
- Camera: For permitted photography
- Notebook: For taking notes on interesting facts
- Reading glasses: Lots of detailed text displays
- Light sweater: Air conditioning can be cool
- Cash/cards: For admission and gift shop
Museum Etiquette
- Respectful behavior: Many exhibits honor tragedy victims
- No touching: Unless exhibits specifically encourage it
- Quiet voices: Maintain peaceful atmosphere for all
- Stay with groups: Don't wander off during guided tours
- Ask questions: Staff and volunteers enjoy sharing knowledge
- Follow directions: Observe posted signs and barriers
Photography Guidelines
- Generally permitted: Most areas allow photography
- No flash: Protects artifacts and other visitors
- Special exhibitions: May have different rules
- Respect other visitors: Don't block views for photos
- Personal use only: Commercial photography requires permission
- Social media: Tag the museum when sharing
Special Considerations
- Emotional content: Titanic and explosion exhibits can be upsetting
- Historical accuracy: Exhibits present difficult historical truths
- Cultural sensitivity: Respectful approach to tragic events
- Educational opportunity: Enhance visit with background reading
- Time management: Plan adequate time for thorough exploration
- Weather independence: Perfect indoor activity for any weather
Making the Most of Your Visit
- Start with orientation: Get museum map and current information
- Priority exhibits: See must-see collections first
- Ask for recommendations: Staff can suggest highlights
- Take breaks: Seating areas available throughout
- Gift shop: Excellent educational books and souvenirs
- Return visits: Annual membership offers great value