Explore
Explore our many fascinating exhibits at your own pace! Learn more about the Battleship Wisconsin, our maritime community and environment. Weekends always have additional interactive programs to enhance our exhibits, all lead by friendly Nauticus staff and volunteers! Come explore with us!
Message in a Bottle
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January 29 – April 24, 2022
These rare bottled messages were collected by 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, Chad Pregracke, while cleaning U.S. rivers for his nonprofit organization, Living Lands & Waters. Nearly 20 years of work has amounted to over 70 bottles, filled with raw, human emotion, whimsical day dreams, and quests for personal connections.
Drones
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June 18 – October 16, 2022
Explore the history of drone technology, from the earliest unmanned flying machines to advanced systems of the 21st century.
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This new permanent exhibit, developed and produced by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in conjunction with Nauticus, will examine the period from 1880, when the Navy began to recover from a post-civil war decline, to 1907 when President Theodore Roosevelt sent the Great White Fleet around the world as an affirmation of American naval strength.
Wisconsin Vista
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Browse our exhibit on Nauticus’ third floor highlighting the history of the USS Wisconsin while you take in the striking view of the ship’s starboard side, getting a closer look at the upper decks and the impressive 16-inch guns that the Battleship is known for.
Secrets of the deep
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Learn about NOAA’s underwater parks, called National Marine Sanctuaries, and explore the highly publicized USS Monitor site. Explore a submersible called The Clelia and discover what NOAA has encountered while exploring our very own Norfolk canyon. In addition, the exhibit showcases real artifacts recovered from the wreck of the famous Civil War ironclad.
Our Mighty Seaport
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This engaging exhibit introduces visitors to maritime commerce. Discover what’s coming in and what’s being shipped from Virginia to far corners of the globe. Our Mighty Seaport celebrates maritime commerce from the most unique spot in town – along a remarkable working waterfront.
Tsunami Ready
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The Tsunami Ready exhibit, funded in part by NOAA’s National Weather Service, explores the destructive power of these frightening natural occurrences. Learn how tsunamis form and how to be prepared for them (Norfolk is the first tsunami-ready city on the Atlantic Seaboard).
SOS Station
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Imagine gazing upon Earth as you are suspended in orbit 22,000 miles above its surface with NOAA’s “Science On A Sphere”. Experience hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Simulator. Strike a spark and learn about lightning. Analyze current weather conditions. A variety of exhibits and weather instruments cover all types of weather-related phenomena.
Horshoe crab cove
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Kids of all ages love to admire exotic sea creatures. In this simulated tidepool, you’ll meet many of our local Chesapeake Bay inhabitants in addition to the horseshoe crab!
Stewards of the sea
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In partnership with the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Nauticus, U.S. Fleet Forces Command has created Stewards of the Sea: Defending Freedom, Protecting the Environment. This 1,000-square-foot, highly-interactive exhibit explores how the Navy protects marine life while fulfilling its mission.
Living Seashore
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Learn about the plants and animals that inhabit the Chesapeake Bay. You will also learn about the importance of keeping the Bay healthy and how you can help.
Shark Experience
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Come meet our Whitespotted Bamboo Sharks and Epaulette Sharks. Learn all about these amazing animals and why there is no reason to be afraid of them!
Art in the guts of the wisky
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Hidden from public view and likely not sanctioned by the Navy, are several murals painted on the ship by sailors during the last years of the vessel’s 66-year history. View recreations of original artwork created by sailors on the Wisconsin.
uss wisconsin: the last battleship
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This exciting film spans the 50-year history of the Battleship Wisconsin and presents true-life stories in the words of those who served on her. Archival footage shows the Battleship Wisconsin in action, from kamikaze attacks in World War II to Tomahawk missile launches in Operation Desert Storm. This film plays in the Wisconsin Vista on a continual loop.
Battleship wisconsin model
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This model of the Battleship Wisconsin was built and donated to Nauticus by Master Model Maker, Keith Mullen, May 28, 2011. The ten-foot, 1/96 scale model represents Battleship Wisconsin in her 1988 configuration during her last tour of duty in 1991 when she served in Operation Desert Storm. The model can be viewed in the Wisconsin Vista.
“USS Wisconsin: The Last Battleship” is available for special viewings to groups or tours. Call (757) 664-1000 or email Group Reservations for booking information.