Discover Jersey’s maritime past at this interactive museum, where you can see, touch, hear and even smell exhibits. Jersey’s landscape and history have been shaped by the sea and this museum tells the story of the Island’s unique maritime environment and rich seafaring past. Set by the historic harbour of St Helier, the Maritime Museum is all about seafaring, navigation and the elements, told through the stories of Jersey people.
Absorb yourself in interactive exhibits, understand the tides and learn how to design and float a ship. Immerse yourself in songs and stories of the sea, and investigate the Island's myths and legends. The Maritime Museum brings alive Jersey's maritime past.
Also on site is the Occupation Tapestry Gallery. The new Occupation Tapestry panel is currently being mounted in the UK, before being placed on permanent display in the Occupation Tapestry Gallery at the Maritime Museum later this year. The award-winning Jersey Heritage attraction, the Occupation Tapestry was woven by Islanders to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the liberation from five years occupation by the German armed forces during the Second World War. The twelve richly colourful panels of the tapestry, which is housed within the Maritime Museum, depict life and hardship under military rule and were created from the memories and stories of Islanders who experienced it first-hand.
Listen to the following audiofiles to learn all about Jersey's Maritime History
The current exhibition is The Diana Story - a little boat with a big story! This is the tale of a small boat called Diana with a big story. She helped salvage the flying boat Cloud of Iona after it went down in fog in 1936 and took part in the evacuation of St Malo in 1940. Much less well known than the Dunkirk evacuation, the St Malo evacuation involved 20 small Jersey boats evacuating 21,000 military personnel. Diana has now retired to a new life as the centerpiece of this exhibition about a small boat and its big story as part of an Island community.
The museum is divided thematically into the three areas of Elements, Boats and People. The exhibits in each area are explained through corresponding iBooks which can be downloaded here.
•People Maritime Museum Interactive Book 2
•People Photos Maritime Museum Interactive Book 6
•Boats Maritime Museum Interactive Book Boats
•Boat Photos Maritime Museum Interactive Book 4
•Elements Maritime Museum Interactive Book 3
•Elements Photos Maritime Museum Interactive Book 5
Amongst the many activities and displays at the museum you can find out about Jersey's seafood, beach culture and seaside entertainment, get interactive in the Globe Room and climb on board the rocking Ship’s Cabin, visit the Occupation Tapestry & Liberation Exhibition, step outside to see the historic boats (Fiona, Howard D, Florence and Jessie ) floating in the marina and just enjoy the interactive fun for all the family.
Take a look at the restoration work being carried out on one of their historic boats where every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday you can watch the ancient and declining art of boat-building as the team restore classic boats. Also on display is ‘The Art of the Model Maker’ which features models of HMS Jersey, Philippe de Carteret’s HMS Swallow, the Red Cross Ship Vega and many more. Find out all about the HMS Havick, a flush deck sloop, which the Dutch built in 1784. After her capture she was commissioned into the Royal Navy and served in the English Channel until she was wrecked in St Aubin’s Bay during a terrible storm in November 1800. The items on display give an insight into the lives of ordinary seamen in Nelson’s navy, as well as relating the trauma of the fateful shipwreck.
Payment: On arrival, by cash (Sterling or Euros accepted), credit/debit card (not Diners Club or American Express). Organised groups: 15% discount for groups of 6 or more adults or seniors. Please book in advance by completing the form here. Entrance and parking: Located on the New North Quay in close proximity to the Weighbridge and Liberation Square. No on-site car park but parking for cyclists. Nearest public car parks are located at the Waterfront, the Esplanade, Pier Road and Sand Street. Buses and cycle routes: All bus routes to Liberation Station. Follow any cycle route for St Helier. Refreshments: A café is situated next door to the Maritime Museum. Gift Shop: The Jersey Heritage gift shop, selling gifts and souvenirs relating to the collection and to Jersey is located at the museum and is open to visitors and non-visitors. There is full disabled access to all floors. Only assistance dogs are allowed. There is a Hearing loop available at reception and a portable hearing loop is available for groups if requested in advance.
Location : Maritime Museum, New North Quay, St Helier, JE2 3ND
Transport: Poole Ferry then 10 minutes. Bus Routes : All buses to Liberation station.
Opening Times: 29 March to 29 October, Daily 10:00 to 17:00; 30 October to 17 December, Sundays, 10:00 to 16:00
Tickets : Adults £9.80; Children (6 - 16) / Students £6.15; Seniors £8.65.
Tel: 01534 811 043
