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Our Port

Presented by Laura & Jerrold Miller

Good For
All Ages

Location:
Third Floor

Interdisciplinary
Highly Interactive

Virginia’s maritime community forms a rich collaboration unlike any other industrial story a museum might choose to explore. Our Port combines proven exhibit techniques in entirely new ways for maximum explanatory power and visitor engagement.

Don’t Miss These Interactives!

AR Welder
AR Welder

Sculpt the pellets and observe how your movements impact the landscape and its features such as hills, valleys, and rivers.

Step into the future of welding with our cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) Welder! This innovative system allows guests to immerse themselves in the hands-on experience of welding two steel sheets together using state-of-the-art AR technology. Designed to simulate real-world welding scenarios, the AR Welder offers an authentic, interactive experience where users can see, hear, and feel what it’s like to weld – without the heat or risk of traditional welding methods.

Gear Up
Gear Up

Soar as high as airplanes or take a trip to the international space station in an exciting hot air balloon simulator. Test your map making skills and learn from local innovators such as DroneUp.

Soar as high as airplanes or take a trip to the international space station in an exciting hot air balloon simulator. Test your map making skills and learn from local innovators such as DroneUp.

Test your skills in “Gear Up,” a fun and interactive matching game where you pair essential jobs with the specialized gear they use. From helmets and tools to uniforms and gadgets, discover how workers rely on the right equipment to get the job done. Perfect for all ages, this exhibit blends education and excitement, making it a must-try experience!

Port
Water Table

Soar as high as airplanes or take a trip to the international space station in an exciting hot air balloon simulator. Test your map making skills and learn from local innovators such as DroneUp.

Dive into the dynamics of the Elizabeth River at the “Water Table” exhibit, where visitors can explore the impact of a ship entering the waterway. This engaging experience combines learning and fun, making the complexities of river navigation accessible to all ages.

Crane
Crane Operator

Watch as moving pictures appear on the screen as you read along with “magic books” featuring daring and resilient individual from Norfolk’s history.

Take control in our Augmented Reality (AR) Crane Operator experience, where you can step into the shoes of a skilled crane operator. Use realistic controls to lift, move, and position heavy loads with precision, all while navigating challenges in a virtual construction or port environment. This immersive exhibit offers a thrilling blend of technology and teamwork, perfect for anyone curious about mastering heavy machinery.

Rope
What’s My Line?

Watch as moving pictures appear on the screen as you read along with “magic books” featuring daring and resilient individual from Norfolk’s history.

Get hands-on with the power of real docking lines as you experience what it takes to secure a large ship. Feel the weight and strength required to handle these massive ropes, just like professional dockworkers do. This interactive exhibit lets guests connect with the critical skill and effort involved in safely docking a vessel.

Shipshape Showdown
Shipshape Showdown

Watch as moving pictures appear on the screen as you read along with “magic books” featuring daring and resilient individual from Norfolk’s history.

Step up to the challenge in Ship Shape Showdown, a fast-paced game show testing your knowledge of the port and the Navy. Compete against friends or family as you answer trivia about maritime operations, naval history, and port life. With excitement, education, and a race against the clock, this interactive experience will leave you feeling ship-shape and ready for more!

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