Our Mission
The Mariners’ Museum and Park connects people to the world’s waters because through the water 一 through our shared maritime heritage 一 we are connected to one another.
Here at The Mariners’, we strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience to every guest who enters our Museum and Park. We hope this information helps you build your own unique experience with us.
Experiences in the Museum
Thank you for choosing to visit our Museum!
Here are some quick tips to enhance your experience:
- Complimentary wheelchairs, strollers, and noise-reducing headphones are available upon request at our Admission Desk on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Please watch your step as you enjoy the Museum. Floor levels may change as you move from one gallery to the next.
- Seating areas are located throughout the galleries.
- Food and drinks are not allowed in the Museum galleries.
- To preserve the integrity of our Collection, please do not use flash photography. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted in the galleries.
- Please note that some galleries include interactive activities and movies that may include loud noises and scenes of naval battles.
Parking
Accessible parking spaces are located in the parking lots closest to the Main Entrance of the Museum, at the Business Entrance, and across from the entrance to the Noland Trail.
Restrooms
Most restrooms and water fountains are wheelchair accessible and are located in the Main Lobby, in the USS Monitor Center, and near the Business Entrance of the Museum.
Service Animals
Service Animals are welcome at the Museum and in our galleries! We ask that your service animal be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while inside the Museum unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or your disability prevents the use of these devices.
For Parents
- For breastfeeding mothers, the restroom near our photography exhibit Seizing the Moment features a rocking chair and quiet area.
- Baby changing areas are offered in most restrooms.
- Stools for children are located in restrooms and near water fountains.
- Strollers are available upon request at the Admissions Desk.
Dining
The Mariners’ Café welcomes all Museum and Park guests and is wheelchair accessible, and features a Kids Menu.
You may be photographed while visiting The Mariners’. The Museum may use these images for promotional, educational, or archival purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let our photographer know.
Friendly Hours
Have a family member, friend, or loved one who needs a tailored museum experience? Join us for Friendly Hours on the second Sunday of each month!
Experiences in the Park
There are many accessible experiences throughout our 550-acre Park.
Here are some ideas for your Park adventure:
- Holly Tree Overlook features accessible parking and a paved path to an overlook providing views of Mariners’ Lake in all directions. Note: the Noland Trail, which crosses over the paved path to the Overlook, is not fully accessible.
- The Mariners’ Museum Multipurpose Trail, just over one mile long, parallels Warwick Boulevard. This fully accessible trail offers views of the Lake, Causey’s Mill, and portions of Mariners’ Park.
- Loop Road Trail begins at the first parking lot taking visitors on a quarter-mile wooded walk around the former Peninsula Fine Arts Center building to the start of the Noland Trail.
- Meadow Path offers a three-quarter mile walk through Harvey Field. A parking lot midway through this path allows visitors access in either direction.
- Benches are located approximately every half-mile on the Noland Trail and Meadow Path.
Parking
Accessible parking spaces are located in the parking lots closest to the Main Entrance of the Museum, at the Business Entrance, and across from the Noland Trail’s entrance.
Restrooms
At this time, there are no accessible portable toilets in the Park. Please visit the Museum through either the Main Entrance or Business Entrance for an accessible bathroom.
For Parents
- Strollers are welcome in our Park, but please note that most of the five-mile Noland Trail is a natural path with roots and some graded steps. The areas and trails mentioned above are the best areas to stroll along with your young mariners.