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New Early Learner Gallery and Aquarium Usher in Summer at Nauticus

June 1, 2023

Exploration and creativity anchor first-of-its-kind children’s experience.

Norfolk, Va. (June 1, 2023) – Nauticus will open its first-ever themed environment for early learners on Father’s Day weekend.  The 2,800-square-foot gallery space, entitled Aquaticus, takes children on a whimsical journey under the sea.  Guests will spin a ship’s wheel to activate a “submerged” disco ball as thousands of beautiful silver bubbles rise towards the surface.  Young visitors will explore a fanciful ship floating high above their heads and walk through a seagrass forest after discovering an underwater cave.  Aquaticus is the second exhibit gallery to open as part of Nauticus’ transformational redesign and is set to make a splash this summer.  In addition, Nauticus’ adjoining aquarium will feature all new fish, new tanks, and educational content.  Entitled Our Nautical Neighbors, the newly-designed aquarium showcases local fish species found in the Elizabeth River and Chesapeake Bay. 

“Aquaticus is a real first for us,” said Nauticus President and CEO, Stephen Kirkland.  “It’s purposefully designed to be enjoyed by multi-generational families and it’s just plain fun.  It brings out my inner Willy Wonka.”  

Aquaticus is the second permanent gallery space to open as part of the Reimagine Nauticus project, a $21.5 million transformation of the maritime discovery center.  The entire redesign project will be completed in 2024, including five state-of-the-art exhibit galleries, new aquarium features, a STEM Discovery Lab, and a refreshed entrance pavilion.  This represents the largest enhancement and investment in Nauticus since it opened in 1994.  

Aquaticus is named in memory of Howard & Nancy Spainhour. Nauticus members will be first to experience the new exhibits during member-only hours on Thursday, June 15th and Friday, June 16th from 10 AM – 5 PM.  Aquaticus will open to the general public on Saturday, June 17th at 10AM.  Nauticus admission for opening weekend (6/17 and 6/18) will be only $5 per person!  Timed tickets are required for entry and must be purchased online, please click here. 

For more information on Nauticus’ redesign project, including detailed descriptions of each gallery space, or for more information on how to support the Reimagine Nauticus Campaign, please visit https://nauticus.org/reimagine-nauticus/.  

About Nauticus  
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.  

Nauticus After Dark Is Back For A Spring Fling

June 1, 2023

Explore Nauticus After Hours at this 21+ Only Event

Norfolk, Va. – Spring into Summer at Nauticus on Thursday, May 18th from 6 PM to 9 PM with a special after-hours event for adults 21+ only. Nauticus After Dark: Spring Fling will feature exploration of their new exhibit gallery, Norfolk In Time, complete with live music by Johnny Smallwood, spring cocktails by Traditions Catering Co., mocktails by Crunchy Hydration, karaoke, engaging activities and more. 

Norfolk In Time opened to the public on May 6 and this will be the first event where visitors can enjoy the space after-hours. An impressive highlight of the exhibit includes an interactive chandelier that canopies overtop the entire gallery illustrating how one individual can create a ripple of change in their own community. To learn more about Norfolk In Time, see here: https://nauticus.org/explore/museum-exhibits/norfolk-in-time/.

Nauticus After Dark tickets are $5 per person for Nauticus Members and $12 per person for non-members ($15 at the door). Tickets can be purchased here.

About Nauticus

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Nauticus Unveils New Exhibit Gallery Focused on Resiliency 

June 1, 2023

$2 million gallery ushers in first phase of museum transformation.

Norfolk, Va. (May 5, 2023) – Community leaders and stakeholders participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 4th, to celebrate the opening of Nauticus’ new permanent exhibit gallery, Norfolk In Time.  The 7,500-square-foot gallery, overlooking Downtown Norfolk’s skyline and floodwall protection system, focuses on regional resiliency.  Norfolk in Time is named in memory of Frances Martin Lindsay, the late wife of Harvey Lindsay Jr.  Participants at the event also celebrated the opening of Nauticus’ newly named Brock Theater. 

“We’re so grateful to the Harvey and Frances Lindsay family and also to Joan Brock for their commitment,” said Nauticus executive director, Stephen Kirkland.  “This is the first major milestone of our transformational redesign.”

Norfolk In Time will open to the general public on Saturday, May 6th at 12 PM. To purchase tickets, please visit www.nauticus.org.

For more information on Nauticus’ redesign project, including detailed descriptions of each gallery space, or for more information on how to donate to the Reimagine Nauticus Campaign, please visit https://nauticus.org/reimagine-nauticus/. 

About Nauticus
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources.

For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Nauticus Opens First Phase of $21.5 Million Transformation 

June 1, 2023

Resiliency at the core of new 7,500 square-foot gallery.

Norfolk, Va. (April 25, 2023) – The first permanent gallery space to open as part of Nauticus’ $21.5 million comprehensive redesign focuses on the region’s history of resiliency and adaptation.  Entitled Norfolk In Time, the gallery is comprised of highly-interactive exhibits featuring examples – both historical and contemporary – of local individuals who have met challenges with innovation and resourcefulness. 

Nearly $2 million in specially designed interactive exhibits populate the space.  Visitors will ascend high overtop Norfolk in a hot air balloon simulation, design a more resilient city with innovative architecture, and crash waves into various types of city protection systems.  An interactive chandelier canopies overtop the entire gallery illustrating how one individual can create a ripple of change in their own community.  

“This region has always been home to resilient innovators who have adapted to change,” said Nauticus President and CEO, Stephen E. Kirkland.  “Nauticus is perhaps the only museum in the country quite literally built behind a flood wall, and so we felt this was a story we had to tell.”    

Norfolk In Time is named in memory of Frances Martin Lindsay, the late wife of local developer, Harvey Lindsay Jr., who himself passed away last week.  Nauticus members will be first to experience the new exhibits during member-only hours on Friday, May 5th from 10 AM – 5 PM and on Saturday, May 6th from 10 AM – Noon. Norfolk in Time will open to the general public on Saturday, May 6th at Noon. To purchase admission tickets to Nauticus, please visit www.nauticus.org.

Norfolk In Time is the first permanent gallery space to open as part of the Reimagine Nauticus project, a $21.5 million transformation of the maritime discovery center.  A second gallery space will open later this summer and the entire project will be completed in 2024, including five state-of-the-art exhibit galleries, new aquarium features, a STEM Discovery Lab, and a refreshed entrance pavilion.  This represents the largest enhancement and investment in Nauticus since it opened in 1994.  For more information on Nauticus’ redesign project, including detailed descriptions of each gallery space, or for more information on how to support the Reimagine Nauticus Campaign, please visit https://nauticus.org/reimagine-nauticus/.

About Nauticus 
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

$500,000 Grant from Sentara Healthcare to Support Nauticus’ Transformational Redesign

June 1, 2023

Funding will help establish a new STEM Discovery Lab

Norfolk, Va. (April 18, 2023) – A new STEM Discovery Lab at Nauticus will serve area students and families thanks to a $500,000 grant from Sentara Healthcare.  The education-focused lab will be used for daily programming, educational demonstrations, visitor engagement opportunities, and school field trips for thousands of students each year.  Sentara Healthcare representatives presented Nauticus’ President & CEO, Stephen Kirkland, with a $500,000 check on Tuesday, April 18th.

The new STEM Discovery Lab is part of a total transformation of all Nauticus’ exhibit spaces and visitor experience areas.  The $21.5 million project includes the development of five large-scale, interactive exhibit galleries that span the entire third floor of the maritime discovery center.  Additionally, a newly designed “Wonder Hall” will greet students and visitors as they enter the facility.  The comprehensive project will parallel newly created “STEM to Stern” programming and chart a course for the next generation of families, learners, and professionals. 

“Education is the real heartbeat of our organization,” said Nauticus’ President & CEO, Stephen E. Kirkland.  “As we continue to engage and inspire students and families, we’re so grateful to Sentara Healthcare for helping provide a new home for impactful STEM learning.”

“Sentara is committed to the communities we serve and continues to search for opportunities to invest in education and training for our future leaders,” said Aubrey Layne, Executive Vice President of Governance and External Affairs for Sentara Healthcare. “We are grateful to support Nauticus in the development of educational and staffing resources for the STEM Discovery Lab, as well as the initiation of community-based programs to expand access and enhance the experience for visitors.”

Sentara Healthcare’s STEM Discovery Lab will open in 2024 along with three new gallery spaces – all part of the second phase of Nauticus’ transformation.  Work on the first phase of the project began in November 2022 and the first new interactive galleries (Norfolk In Time and Aquaticus) will open this summer.

For more information on Nauticus’ redesign project, including detailed descriptions of each gallery space, or for more information on how to donate to the Reimagine Nauticus Campaign, please visit https://nauticus.org/reimagine-nauticus/. 

About Nauticus

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources

For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Photo Attached: L – R; John DeGruttola (Sentara), Rehn West (Nauticus), Stephen Kirkland (Nauticus), Aubrey Layne (Sentara), Andy Stephenson (Sentara), Amanda Simpson (Sentara).

Media Alert: Cruise Ship Debut at Nauticus, the Viking Octanis

June 1, 2023

One of the cruise industry’s most unique ships is making its debut at Nauticus today; the Viking Octanis arrived in downtown Norfolk this morning at 8AM.  Built in 2022 for Viking Cruises, the Viking Octanis is an expedition ship built specifically to explore the world’s most remote destinations.  The 665-foot-long vessel’s unusual bow and hull are designed to navigate through icy waters in Antarctica.  The luxury cruise ship accommodates only 378 passengers and 256 crew members. 

The Viking Octanis is in Norfolk as part of a 62-day cruise.  The vessel left Buenos Aires on March 3 and after stops in Chile, Peru and Panama, it is currently making its way up the east coast. 

The Historic Battleship Wisconsin Celebrates 79 Years of Service This Weekend

June 1, 2023

Norfolk, Va. (April 12, 2023) — This weekend, marks a special day for one of Norfolk’s icons, as the Battleship Wisconsin celebrates its 79th birthday. Since 1944, the USS Wisconsin has served as a testament to the strength of the United States Navy and in her honor, Nauticus has planned a special day of programming for the community.

Visitors are invited to board the iconic Wisconsin to explore newly interpreted spaces such as the print shop, valve shop, refrigeration decks and more. This will be the first time these historic spaces will be available for public viewing. This restoration was made possible thanks to the proceeds from Nauticus’ annual holiday experience, WinterFest on the Wisconsin.

“We have had a dedicated group of volunteers over the past few months that have been carefully preparing the new spaces for this historic day. We are inspired and excited by their work and look forward to opening these new spaces this weekend,” says Rehn West, Director of Development and Marketing at Nauticus.

In addition to new spaces, visitors can enjoy a performance on the fantail by the Metro Band, meet with BB-64 veterans to hear their accounts of life aboard the ship, and enjoy a bourbon tasting from Ironclad Distillery. For a detailed schedule of events, please visit https://nauticus.org/events/battleships-birthday/. 

Where: Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin at One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510

When: Saturday, April 15, 2022, from 10 AM to 5 PM
             If you would like to cover the event, please email Catherine.boyle@norfolk.gov.  

Cost: All general admission tickets are $15.95 for adults and $11.50 for children. Members are free. Paid admission includes access to the Nauticus museum, special programming, and the Battleship Wisconsin.

Information: Tickets and additional details are available online here.

About Nauticus
Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, VA, offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Launching: Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament At Nauticus

June 1, 2023

Sign Up To Dominate In This Double Elimination Tournament

Norfolk, Va. — Calling all gamers! Get your best fighter and prepare to launch your opponent’s off the stage and out of bounds in the first ever Nauticus Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament on Saturday, April 1st. For only $5 for Nauticus members and $20 for general registration, players can participate in this tournament to compete for the grand prize of a Smart TV, sponsored by Metronet.

In partnership with ODU Esports, players will compete, and spectators can spend the afternoon watching the action on the large screen in our 300-seat theater and exploring Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin and our new exhibit, The Art and Science of Video Games. 

Tournament Rules:

All tournament sets will be best-of-3 games, until the Grand Finals of the event at which point tournament sets will be best-of-5 games. Rules do not change between these two set formats. More detailed rules for the tournament can be found here.

Additional Tournament Information:

  • Must be 14 or older to participate, with parent consent if younger than 18.
  • Must be a resident of Virginia, Hampton Roads Area.
  • To claim prizes and receive information on future tournaments or gaming events you must share a valid email.

To register for the Nauticus Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament, please click here.

Where: Nauticus at One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510

When: Saturday, April 1st, 2023, at 11 AM 

Cost: Nauticus members can play in tournament for $5 and general admission can play for $20.

Plan Your Visit
Nauticus is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Tuesdays – Saturdays and 12 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. Paid admission includes access to the Nauticus museum, special programming, and the Battleship Wisconsin. As always, Nauticus members are free. Tickets and additional details are available online here.

Start Your Weekend Early At Nauticus After Dark: Game Changers

June 1, 2023

An Exclusive 21+ Event to Explore Nauticus’ Newest Exhibit

Norfolk, VA. – On Thursday, March 23rd from 6 PM to 9 PM, grab your friends and join Nauticus for Nauticus After Dark, an evening event series exclusively for adults 21+. Each event showcases a different theme and features entertainment, activities, games, and experiences you cannot get at any other visit to Nauticus. Explore the building and experience Nauticus without kids while enjoying delicious snacks and beverages.

Experience the fun! This After Dark event at Nauticus features our new exhibit, Game Changers: The Art and Science of Video Games! Test your skills with over 50 playable video games ranging from Pac-Man to Guitar Hero. Explore the Xbox 360 arena or challenge your friends at games with Game On Gaming Center and Pixels. All games included in admission, no tokens or quarters needed! 

This new event at Nauticus will feature:

  • After Hours Access to Game Changers Exhibit
  • Retro Video Games
  • DJ + Karaoke + Photobooth
  • Xbox and PlayStation Gaming Zone
  • Booze and Tasty Bytes (available for purchase from Traditions Catering Co.)
  • Mocktails and Hydration Station by Crunchy Hydration
  • Caricature Artist, Bob Langston
  • Science Experiments & MORE!

FREE Color-Changing Cup for the First 150 People!

Tickets are $5 for Nauticus Members and $12 for all other visitors for presale ($15 at the door). Tickets can be purchased here. 

About Nauticus
Game Changers and additional programs are supported by the Nauticus Foundation. The Nauticus Foundation is the nonprofit, 501©3 that supports the mission and activities of Nauticus. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and sharing access to maritime resources.  For more information, visit www.nauticus.org.

Get Your Game On With A Visit To Nauticus’ Traveling Exhibit, Game Changers

June 1, 2023

The Game Changers experience has something for everyone! Visitors can play Pac-Man, Sonic, and Super Mario at Nauticus as well as learn about the art and science of video games!

Game Changers, which traveled to Downtown Norfolk’s Nauticus campus from Canada, is brought to you by the Canada Science and Technology Museum. This highly interactive traveling exhibit is calling Nauticus home until April 30. Put your skills to the test on games that significantly changed the gaming scene by exploring 120 of the most influential video games. Those games include Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., Tetris, Angry Birds, Space Invaders, Flowers, Adventure and more. 

The Metronet Xbox Arena, which Nauticus added, enhances the Game Changers experience. This Xbox Arena is available throughout the day during opening hours. Stop by the Metronet Xbox Arena and test your hand at games like Mortal Kombat, Call of Duty, and more. However, please note that some games are rated M for Mature. Check our socials every Saturday for the new Game of the Week, brought to you by Metronet.

Video games, science, and fun are combined in the Game Changers exhibit. As you wander through the exhibit and play games, be sure to read the signage. Many of your favorite games have real life science applications. Video games make use of several cognitive skills, making them a beneficial activity for your brain. Children and adults can improve their analytical thinking, multitasking, problem solving, strategizing, and teamwork with video games, according to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

The fun doesn’t end on the third floor of Nauticus though. GamerBus Sundays are a popular new weekend addition to add even more friendly competition fuel. Nauticus has partnered with the Game On Gaming Center to offer free gaming at Nauticus on select Sundays. The trailer will be parked in front of Nauticus and offered for free to all visitors and the public on March 12, March 26, April 2, April 16, an April 23 from 12-3 PM. 

If the GamerBus isn’t your thing, don’t miss Nauticus After Dark. On Thursday, March 23 from 6-9 PM, adults 21+ will be able to come to Nauticus for a more adult atmosphere. Game On will set up a gaming station inside Nauticus, Pixels will be offering the opportunity to play some of their traveling games, and Traditions Catering Co. will be offering bytes and booze (for additional purchase). Tickets are $12 for pre-sale general admission and $5 for members (general admission price is $15 at the door).

Calling all those with a competitive spirit who prefer to show off their video game skills. On April 1, Nauticus will be hosting a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Tournament. For $20, you can compete against other gamers, as well as enjoy all that the Nauticus campus and Battleship Wisconsin have to offer. The grand prize, donated by Metronet, is a Samsung 43” 4K Smart TV. 

Thinking of coming to Game Changers more than once? Make the most of your visits by becoming a Nauticus member. Memberships pay for themselves in two visits, but the perks are indescribable. Be amongst the first to experience new exhibits, free and discounted admission to special events, and battleship tours. You’ll also get access to member only events throughout the year. Your membership will enable Nauticus to continue its mission of educating the community, providing impactful experiences, and providing access to maritime resources.

Game Changers is in Norfolk for a limited time so hurry in today. For information on tickets and memberships, visit www.nauticus.org.