Aberdeen Maritime Museum: Scotland’s Gateway to Maritime Heritage
Discover Aberdeen’s rich maritime heritage through historic buildings, detailed ship models, and stunning harbour views at this free-entry museum.
Situated on historic Shiprow in Aberdeen, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum offers a rich exploration of the city’s deep connection with the sea. Housed in centuries-old buildings including the 16th-century Provost Ross’s House, the museum presents extensive displays on shipbuilding, fishing, and the North Sea oil industry. Visitors can admire detailed ship models, maritime artifacts, and enjoy panoramic views over Aberdeen Harbour. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural highlight in the city.
A brief summary to Aberdeen Maritime Museum
- Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY, GB
- +443000200293
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
- Take time to admire the Aberdeen Fishing Memorial just outside the museum for a poignant tribute.
- Use the museum’s lifts and wheelchair facilities for easy access to all floors.
- Bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the museum’s picnic area since there is no café onsite.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Aberdeen city centre buses serve stops near Shiprow, with frequent services running every 10-20 minutes. Travel time from Aberdeen railway station is approximately 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£3. Accessibility varies by bus, so check for low-floor vehicles if needed.
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Train
Aberdeen railway station is about a 15-minute walk from the museum. Trains connect Aberdeen with major Scottish cities and regional towns. Walking routes are mostly flat but may involve some cobbled streets.
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Car
Nearby NCP car parks on Shiprow offer parking options, with typical fees of £3-£6 for a few hours. On-street parking is limited. The area can be busy during peak times, and some streets are pedestrianised, so plan accordingly.
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Walking
The museum is centrally located in Aberdeen’s city centre, easily accessible on foot from many hotels and attractions. The terrain is urban and mostly flat, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Aberdeen Maritime Museum
A Storied Maritime Legacy at Aberdeen’s Heart
The Aberdeen Maritime Museum stands proudly on Shiprow, a historic street in Aberdeen’s city centre, embodying the city’s centuries-old relationship with the sea. The museum occupies several interconnected buildings, including Provost Ross’s House, dating back to 1593, and a former church with a beautifully painted ceiling. This blend of historic architecture creates a unique setting where the maritime past is vividly brought to life.Exhibits Reflecting Aberdeen’s Sea Industries
Inside, the museum’s four floors are dedicated to thematic displays that narrate Aberdeen’s maritime story. Highlights include intricately crafted ship models spanning from 1689 to the present, such as the famed tea clipper Thermopylae, rival to the Cutty Sark. Visitors can marvel at a complete lighthouse lens assembly and the lost figurehead from the sailing ship Star of Tasmania. The collection also features ship plans, tools, paintings, and photographs that illustrate the city’s once-thriving shipbuilding industry, which produced around 3,000 vessels between 1790 and 1989.North Sea Oil and Offshore Energy Insights
Aberdeen’s role as a leader in offshore oil and gas is uniquely showcased here, making this the only UK museum with dedicated exhibits on the North Sea oil industry. A standout display is the detailed scale model of the Murchison oil production platform, offering an immersive glimpse into offshore life. These exhibits connect Aberdeen’s maritime heritage with its modern economic drivers, highlighting the city’s ongoing global energy significance.Views and Memorials That Enrich the Experience
From the museum’s upper floors, visitors enjoy sweeping views of Aberdeen Harbour, one of Britain’s oldest businesses with nearly 900 years of history. Outside, the Aberdeen Fishing Memorial commemorates the vital contribution of fishing communities to the city’s identity, featuring evocative bronze sculptures by David Williams-Ellis unveiled in 2018.Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
The museum is fully accessible, equipped with lifts and wheelchair availability, ensuring all visitors can explore comfortably. While there is no café or shop on site, a picnic area is available for guests. Admission is free every day, encouraging wide public engagement with Aberdeen’s maritime past.A Living Archive of Aberdeen’s Sea Stories
Beyond objects, the museum collects and shares personal memories and stories from those connected to Aberdeen’s maritime industries. This living archive enriches the historical narrative, making the museum a dynamic cultural hub that honors the city’s enduring bond with the sea.For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
