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GulfQuest: National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

Discover the Gulf of Mexico's maritime heritage through interactive exhibits and simulators at this unique Mobile museum.

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Explore the maritime heritage of the Gulf of Mexico at GulfQuest, an interactive museum located on Mobile, Alabama's waterfront. Housed in a replica container ship, the museum features exhibits, simulators, and theaters that bring the Gulf's rich history and culture to life.

A brief summary to GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 3 hours to fully explore the museum's many interactive exhibits and simulators.
  • Visit the outdoor balconies for panoramic views of the Port of Mobile and the Mobile River.
  • Check the museum's website for special events, temporary exhibits, and updated hours of operation.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    GulfQuest is located at 155 Water Street in downtown Mobile. Approaching downtown via I-10 East, take Exit 26A (Canal Street), turn right onto Water Street, and proceed two blocks to Monroe Street. Approaching via I-10 West, take Exit 26B (Water Street), proceed to Government Street, turn left on Government Street, then left on Royal Street, then left on Monroe Street. The museum parking lot entrance will be straight ahead, across the railroad tracks. Free parking is available at the museum and across Water Street under the overpass. Additional paid parking is available in the parking lot next to the Arthur C. Outlaw Convention Center. Paid parking rates vary.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System operates buses throughout Mobile, with several routes stopping near GulfQuest. Check the Wave Transit System website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A one-way fare is $1.25.

  • Walking

    GulfQuest is located on Mobile's downtown waterfront, making it easily accessible on foot from many downtown hotels and attractions. From the Arthur C. Outlaw Convention Center, head north on Water Street for approximately 0.2 miles. The museum will be on your right, across the railroad tracks.

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Discover more about GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

GulfQuest: National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, located in Mobile, Alabama, is dedicated to the maritime history, culture, and commerce of the Gulf of Mexico. Opened in September 2015, the museum is housed in a 120,000 square foot building designed to resemble a ship headed out to sea, making it a unique landmark on Mobile's waterfront. Inside, visitors can explore over 90 interactive exhibits, simulators, theaters, and artifact displays spread across multiple decks within a full-sized replica of a container ship. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including shipwrecks, marine life, the impact of hurricanes, and the evolution of containerization, a concept that revolutionized global trade and has roots in Mobile. Popular exhibits include the ship bridge simulator where visitors can test their piloting skills in Mobile Bay, and the container ship exhibit where guests can load and unload cargo. The museum also features exhibits on the ecology of the Gulf, with displays of marine creatures and information about the Gulf's ecosystem. For younger visitors, there's a dedicated play area designed for dress-up and maritime-themed fun. Beyond the exhibits, GulfQuest offers panoramic views of the Mobile River and the Port of Mobile from its outdoor balconies. The museum also houses a café and a gift shop with maritime-themed souvenirs.

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