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The Museum, Park, and Noland Trail opening updates.

(See below for Park and Trail usage guidelines)

To our Mariners’ Family,

We want to keep you informed of The Mariners’ Museum and Park’s efforts to serve our community safely by providing updates on a regular basis. Please check this page or our social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) prior to your visit for the most up-to-date information.

The Mariners’ Park and the Noland Trail: OPEN

The Mariners’ Park and the Noland Trail are currently open for public use. There are several guidelines and restrictions in place so please review those below prior to your visit. We are honored to care for such a valuable community resource, and look forward to seeing everyone in the Park and on the Noland Trail!

The following guidelines and restrictions are in addition to the normal Park and Trail rules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  1. Show courtesy to others and remain at least 6 feet apart from others not in your group.
  2. Do not use the Park if you are sick or have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
  3. Unauthorized large gatherings and organized sports are prohibited.
  4. There will be no public restroom facilities available. Please come prepared.
  5. Park gates close at 7 p.m.
  6. Help our staff by not littering and picking up after your pet.
  7. Boating and fishing on The Mariners’ Lake will remain off-limits.
  8. Rules and restrictions are subject to change. Please check for updates before your visit.
  9. As always, guests are using the Park and Noland Trail at their own risk.

The Mariners’ Museum Galleries: REOPENING THIS MAY!

We are thrilled to announce the Museum is planning to reopen to Members on Friday, May 21 and to the public the following Friday, May 28. The spread of COVID-19 continues to show a consistent downward trend in the Hampton Roads region as well as an increase in vaccinations, which allows us the opportunity to reopen our doors and engage with our guests in the galleries once again!

The health and safety of our team and our guests remains a top priority. More information will come soon about new procedures, safety precautions, and timed ticketing.

We will continue to offer a robust virtual programming schedule for those who wish to connect with us digitally, while also serving engaging experiences within the Museum and Park.

While our galleries have been closed, our team has remained committed to connect people to the world’s waters. Learn more about all the incredible work our team has been able to accomplish while our galleries have been closed.

Stay up to date!

While we can’t physically be with you in our beloved Museum, we will do our best to bring the Museum to YOU through new blog posts each week! With investigation, innovation, and intrigue leading the way, our staff is determined to bring you authentic stories that will give you a deeper understanding of how we are all connected to the world’s waters.

Read more

  • Our Conservation team continues to care for our vast collection as well as the artifacts of USS Monitor. Current projects include the re-support of a 22-ton Japanese midget-submarine, the oldest object from the Japanese Imperial Navy and one of the oldest midget submarines; the completion of the upgrades to our Clean Lab within the Batten Conservation Complex which includes a new observation area for guests to witness our team’s intricate conservation work; and assessment of Isabel, a small fishing boat built in 1925 from Malaga, Spain and one of the earliest collected vessels in our collection.
  • Our Interpretation team has been busy working on our digital content and stories, connecting with people through our virtual programming and lectures, and undertaking the redevelopment of our entire web presence.
  • Our Education team is ramping up to be able to serve our SOL-based programs through our award-winning virtual education programs to students both live with hands-on activities as well as pre-recorded offerings.
  • Our Library and Archives and Collections Management teams are hard at work answering research requests, including those from our Chris-Craft collection. The teams are also improving access to our Collection as they enhance catalog records and bring newly-donated materials into the Collection as well as working on loans to other institutions.
  • Our Exhibit Design team continues to work on improving our galleries with upgrades and updates as well as undergoing a large-scale lighting project in our USS Monitor Center gallery.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support. Once the spread of the virus begins to trend downward in the Hampton Roads area or as deemed acceptable by the Virginia Health Department, we will revisit our plans for reopening the Museum galleries at that time.

The safety and well-being of our Mariners’ Family, Guests, Staff, and Volunteers remain our highest priority. We hope that everyone uses precautions and stays safe and healthy.

We look forward to seeing you in the Park and Trail or connecting with us online!