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GulfQuest: National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico

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

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Explore the maritime heritage of the Gulf of Mexico at GulfQuest, a unique museum in Mobile, Alabama. With over 90 interactive exhibits, simulators, and displays housed within a full-sized replica of a container ship, visitors of all ages can discover the history, culture, and marine science of the Gulf Coast region.

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

  • Allocate at least half a day to fully explore the museum's five decks of exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for updated hours and special events.
  • Consider visiting the outdoor balconies for views of the Port of Mobile.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Mobile Convention Center, head east on Water Street. The museum will be on your left, approximately a 10-minute walk. There are sidewalks along Water Street for pedestrian access.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System provides bus service in downtown Mobile. The closest bus stop is located near the corner of Water Street and Government Street, a short walk from the museum. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Parking

    Parking is available near the museum. Parking rates typically range from $5 to $10 for a few hours. Street parking is also available, but it may be limited. Be sure to check parking regulations and meters for time limits and fees. Additional parking is available at the GulfQuest Maritime Museum and certain designated areas underneath Interstate 10. Parking in any of these areas will have a flat fee of $20 for all-day parking. To encourage carpooling, the City of Mobile is also offering an all-day rate of $10 to vehicles with three or more passengers. Cash will not be accepted at these lots. Parking can be paid for using the Premium Parking app or debit and credit cards at the Premium Parking kiosk on site.

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

The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, formerly known as GulfQuest, is a one-of-a-kind interactive museum dedicated to the maritime history and culture of the Gulf of Mexico. Located on the Mobile River waterfront in downtown Mobile, Alabama, the 120,000-square-foot museum is designed to resemble a ship headed into Mobile Bay. Inside, visitors can explore nearly 100 immersive 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 Mobile's early waterfront, shipwrecks, marine life, weather, maritime commerce, and shipbuilding. Popular exhibits include the 'Take the Helm' simulator, where visitors can navigate vessels around the Port of Mobile, and the 'Ocean Planet Theater,' featuring real satellite data projected onto a globe. The museum's unique design and interactive exhibits make it an engaging destination for all ages. Visitors can learn about the impact of container shipping, explore underwater ecosystems, and discover the navigational techniques of ancient sailors. The museum also features a museum store and café. In 2016, the Alabama Department of Tourism named the museum 'Attraction of the Year'. The museum is the only fully interactive maritime museum in the world dedicated to the Gulf of Mexico.

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