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The Historic Battleship Wisconsin Celebrates 79 Years of Service This Weekend

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

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

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

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.

Nauticus to Honor African American Scientists and Inventors During Black History Month

Reduced admission to $7.57 on Saturday, February 25

Norfolk, Va. — Nauticus’ Black History Month celebration focuses on the African American Scientists and Inventors that made influential change in STEM. A variety of STEM based activities, crafts, and programs will be presented inside Nauticus and on the Battleship Wisconsin.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to compete in trivia, learn about a number of African American inventors and scientists, compete in Super Soaker Soccer, watch and experience cool science experiments, and discover African American STEM literature from the Slover Library.

We are proud to offer our visitors reduced, $7.57 general admission on Saturday, February 25th, 2023.

In addition to ongoing activities throughout the day, guests can:

  • Compete in Super Soaker Soccer, highlighting inventor Lonnie Johnson and his invention of the Super Soaker.
  • Draw blue blood from our pretend horseshoe crab and run some scientific tests as we celebrate Dr. Charles Drew, thefather of human blood banking with our activity, Banking on Blue Blood.
  • See Nauticus’ 3D printer in action and even take away their own custom printed golf tee, which was invented by LonnieJohnson.
  • DrinKicks will show their process of “From Drink to Shoe” and explain the circular economy.
  • 11 AM and 1 PM: Join Norfolk State University PHD Student, Shelite Augustusas, as she teaches us about the technologythat takes us To The Stars.
  • 12 PM and 2 PM: Make their own lightbulb and learn how Lewis Latimer’s filament improved the incandescent lightbulb.
  • 3:30 PM: Test their knowledge with our African American Inventor Trivia.To purchase tickets to African American Scientists and Inventors Day at Nauticus, please click here.

Plan Your Visit

Nauticus is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays – Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 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.

About Nauticus

African American Scientists and Inventors Day and additional exhibits 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.

Nauticus Announces $21.5 Million Capital Campaign to Support Transformation of Exhibits & Programs

State-of-the-art exhibits and an entirely new visitor experience will open in phases throughout 2023 and 2024.

Norfolk, Va.– Nauticus’ President & CEO, Stephen Kirkland, announced today a $21.5 million capital campaign to support an ambitious redesign of the organization’s entire exhibit space and visitor areas.  Nationally recognized exhibit design firm, Roto, is working alongside Nauticus leadership to develop five large-scale, interactive exhibit gallery spaces 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. 

The Reimagine Nauticus Campaign began in January 2020 and to date, Nauticus has raised nearly 80% of its $21.5 million goal.  Today’s announcement marks the launch of the campaign’s public phase.

“We’re developing an interactive maritime discovery center like no other,” said Nauticus President and CEO, Stephen Kirkland.  “This is the first significant investment in Nauticus’ exhibits and educational programming since the facility opened its doors in 1994.”  

Construction on Phase One of the project began in November 2022, and two new interactive galleries will open this summer.  Phase Two construction will begin in early 2024 and the entire redesign will be completed later next year.  Nauticus will remain open to the public throughout the entire construction period.

The Reimagine Nauticus Campaign has been made possible by lead donors including the City of Norfolk, the Batten Family Foundation, the Perry Family Foundation, Joan Brock, Billy King, Bob King, Betsy Goode, Franny Beasley, Jerry and Laura Miller, the Goode Family Foundation, Connie Jacobson, Sentara Foundation, TowneBank, and the Nancy W. Spainhour Revocable Trust.   

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.

Are You Ready to Level Up? Nauticus to Explore the Art & Science of Video Games

Visitors will test their skills and explore over 120 of the most influential video games.

Norfolk, VA.– On Saturday, January 28, Nauticus’ 6500 square foot exhibit gallery will be transformed into a one-of-a-kind video game arcade with the opening of the international exhibit, Game Changers.

Developed and produced by subject experts from Ingenium – Canada’s Science and Technology Museum, and managed by Science North, Game Changers takes visitors on a fascinating journey to discover how innovation has shaped the video game industry while exploring 120 of the most influential games.

“This exhibit has a universal appeal,” said Stephen Kirkland, Nauticus’ CEO & President “I’m pumped up to play Pac Man, my eleven-year-old daughter can’t wait to learn more about Sonic, and video game afficionados will love the more in-depth tech exhibits. Our team plans to host video game competitions, event nights and more for the community to get their game on!”

Game Changers Highlights Include:

  • 16 playable games featuring Pac-Man, Tetris, Super Mario Bros, Angry Birds, Guitar Hero, Sonic and more.
  • Step inside a game and create your own video game character – using Kinect technology.
  • Discover original concept art, storyboards, level designs, and scripts of some of the mostinfluential games ever developed.
  • Listen to experts from the industry explain how they develop the games you love.
  • Explore technologies game creators use to develop storylines, graphics, gameplay, and audio.

• Experiment with augmented and virtual reality to see how these technologies may alter the gaming experience and more!

Most importantly, leave your quarters at home! Access to Game Changers is included in Nauticus admission. As always, Nauticus members are free. Game Changers will open at 11 a.m. on January 28th, 2023, to the public and will run at Nauticus through April 30, 2023.

Plan Your Visit

Nauticus will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 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.

About Ingenium – Canada’s Science and Technology Museum

Ingenium – Canada’s Science and Technology Museum tells Canada’s innovation story in an immersive, educational, and fun way. To learn more, please visit https://ingeniumcanada.org/scitech.

About Nauticus

Game Changers and additional exhibits 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.

Waterfront Parade Ushers in Holiday Season This Weekend 

 Lighted Sailboat Parade anchored by Sail Nauticus Academy students 

Norfolk, Va. (December 8, 2022) — The Elizabeth River will look much brighter this Saturday evening as the Sail Nauticus Academy students take the helm for a lighted sailboat parade. The fleet of sailboats, owned and operated by the Nauticus Foundation, will be decked with lights as part of WinterFest on the Wisconsin, a holiday light experience aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. The parade occurs along the waterfront adjacent to the battleship and will be free and open to the public along the boardwalk. 

“We are excited to welcome back our Academy students and their families this Saturday,” said Sail Nauticus’ Manager, Sarah Linden-Brooks. “For the second time, we will be ending our fall sailing season with a campus wide celebration including cookies and cocoa, a lighted sailboat parade, and offering families the opportunity to explore WinterFest on the Wisconsin.” 

The Sail Nauticus Academy is a part of Sail Nauticus, a Norfolk-based, nonprofit sailing school and community sailing center. Through a partnership with Norfolk Public Schools, students in grades 6-8 are given the opportunity to participate in the Academy, promoting STEM activities, career development opportunities and life skills through the sport of sailing and maritime science. 

“Our Academy program is the heartbeat of Sail Nauticus and providing meaningful experiences for the whole family strengthens our community and connects and reengages students,“ Linden-Brooks said. 

This weekend’s parade begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, December 10th. After the parade, grab a cup of hot chocolate at Griswold’s Café and stick around for Winterfest on the Wisconsin

WinterFest’s general admission and member tickets are on sale. Book your night to discover your holiday spirit exploring this dazzling, waterfront light festival of over one million lights. 

Plan Your Visit 

WinterFest on the Wisconsin runs November 9, 2022, to January 1, 2023, and is open each Wednesday – Sunday, in addition to select Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the holiday season. General admission pricing is $18.50 for adults and $16.50 for children. Nauticus members receive a discounted rate. WinterFest ticket purchasers between December 1 – December 31 will automatically be entered in our Carnival Cruise Giveaway. Visit www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com 

About Sail Nauticus 

Support for Sail Nauticus directly benefits the Nauticus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Funding provides a life-changing experience for underserved youth in our local community. Our mission is to inspire, instruct, and impact Hampton Roads kids through the use of sailing and maritime sciences. 

Cruise Giveaway Celebrates Carnival Partnership

Free cruise for two awaits one lucky WinterFest on the Wisconsin guest.

Norfolk, Va. (Dec.1, 2022)— To celebrate the recent announcement that the Carnival Magic will sail from Norfolk for six months in 2023, Nauticus and Carnival Cruise Line have teamed up to present the WinterFest on the Wisconsin Great Cruise Giveaway. Throughout the month of December, all guests who purchase an online ticket toWinterFest will automatically be entered to win a free six-day cruise departing from Norfolk in 2023.  The lucky winner will cruise aboard the 4,000-passenger Carnival Magic, the largest vessel to ever homeport from Virginia.  

“Nauticus is the only museum in the country that also manages a cruise ship program,” said Stephen E. Kirkland, Nauticus executive director.  “WinterFest on the Wisconsin has become a holiday tradition for Hampton Roads and so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to make a vacation dream come true.”

All guests 21 years or older who book their WinterFest on the Wisconsin tickets online during the month of December will automatically be eligible to win the six-day cruise.  Tickets purchased onsite at Nauticus will not be eligible for the giveaway.  Some restrictions and black-out dates apply.  For more information on the WinterFest on the Wisconsin Great Cruise Giveaway, guests are encouraged to visit https://www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com/carnivalcruisegiveaway.

WinterFest on the Wisconsin features more than one million holiday lights, live entertainment, tree lighting ceremonies, and seasonal shopping.  This season WinterFest nearly doubles in size with an all-new experience called Mistletoe Marina – an immersive waterfront journey featuring lights, beautifully-decorated boats, interactive fun, and two shows nightly.     

Plan Your Visit

WinterFest on the Wisconsin runs November 9, 2022, to January 1, 2023, and is open each Wednesday – Sunday, in addition to select Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the holiday season. General admission pricing is $18.50 for adults and $16.50 for children. Nauticus members receive a discounted rate. Visit www.winterfestonthewisconsin.com

WinterFest on the Wisconsin

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION IN NORFOLK TO BRING HIGHEST GUEST VOLUME IN PORT’S HISTORY

Additional 2023 Carnival Sailings from Norfolk Are First Step in Discussions About Proposed Year-round Operation Starting in 2025.

Norfolk, VA (Nov. 14, 2022) – Carnival Cruise Line today announced it will more than double the fun and the cruises it offers from Norfolk, Virginia, in 2023, and extend sailings to a consecutive six-month period from May through October. The announcement is a first step toward a proposed year-round cruise program from Norfolk starting in 2025, as Carnival and City of Norfolk leaders discuss necessary terminal and port improvements to support an expansion of operations.

With plans to welcome about 100,000 guests next year, Carnival’s increase in operations will bring the highest volume of cruise guests in the history of Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center. The new 2023 offerings go on sale today and will include four- to 10-day voyages aboard Carnival Magic. Available itineraries include Eastern Caribbean, The Bahamas, Bermuda, and Canada and New England.  

“We have been working closely with Norfolk city officials on this expansion since our successful restart earlier this year and it’s great to now share our plans with our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We look forward to building on our 20-year commitment to this community and continuing the momentum toward further expansion in the future, while increasing our positive economic impact in Norfolk.”

Carnival has been sailing from Norfolk since 2002 and Carnival Magic, which began sailing seasonally for the first time in May, became the largest ship to embark guests from the port, following enhancements to Norfolk’s Half Moone Cruise Center. Carnival Magic accommodates up to 4,724 guests and offers bow-to-stern fun including a wide variety of stateroom accommodations, a multitude of dining options, Carnival’s signature entertainment, the Cloud 9 spa, water slides and the Serenity, adult-only retreat.

“For twenty years, Norfolk has valued its partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for our cruise program and our community,” said Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander. “For a full six months next year, guests from across the Mid-Atlantic will have the chance to board a Carnival ship from Norfolk and beginning in 2025, our collective goal is for Carnival to set sail from Nauticus year-round”

Carnival’s plan to deploy Carnival Magic for a longer stay in Norfolk is part of a larger expansion of the cruise line’s mid-Atlantic guest operations. In the spring of 2023, Carnival will begin offering year-round service from New York when the 5,260-passenger Costa Venezia joins the fleet as Carnival Venezia. This will allow Carnival Magic which has been splitting its spring/summer season between New York and Norfolk, to remain in Norfolk for half the year.

To book a cruise on Carnival Magic from Norfolk in 2023, click here.  For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

About Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line, part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is proud to be known as America’s Cruise Line, for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other. Since its founding in 1972, Carnival has continually revolutionized the cruise sector, making a cruise vacation an affordable and popular option for millions of guests. Carnival operates from 14 U.S. and two Australian homeports and employs more than 40,000 team members representing 120 nationalities. Carnival currently operates 24 ships and is in an exciting period of growth, with Carnival Celebration and Carnival Luminosa, which began guest operations in November, and three additional ships joining the fleet by 2024.

Media Contact: media@carnival.com

About Nauticus

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk, Virginia, 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.