Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3LJ
England
Website
General Enquiries
enquiries@historicdockyard.co.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
02392 839766
The Mary Rose was one of the earliest ships to carry heavy guns. She was a favourite of King Henry VIII and sank off Portsmouth in 1545 during an engagement with a French invasion fleet, in full view of the King, the screams of the men onboard, ringing in his ears.
The rediscovery of the Mary Rose during the 1970s and her raising in 1982 were seminal events in the history of maritime archaeology, watched by a worldwide audience of over 60 million people and remembered by a generation.
The hull of the Mary Rose is currently withdrawn from public view as part of a £35 million heritage project to build an internationally-renowned museum. The ship, together with a recreation of the boat’s missing side, will next be open to the public in 2012, when she will be housed in a brand new boat-shaped museum.
However, the existing Mary Rose Museum, located right by the entrance to the Historic Dockyard, will remain open until 2012. Having been nationally recognised as a ‘Family Friendly Museum’, this attraction is a must-see in its own right.
Visitors can view the exceptional collection of thousands of personal, domestic and military objects in the Mary Rose Museum. What’s more we have a new introductory film, specially narrated by TV historian Dan Snow, new exhibits, enhanced displays and a personal interpretation of the ship by experienced guides guarantees that you will really enjoy your visit.
Venue Type:
Museum, Heritage site, Castle or defences, Ship or maritime heritage site
Additional info
The ship hall is closed until 2012 as construction takes place on the new museum. However, the hull of the Mary Rose is interpreted in imaginative and visual ways in the current Museum which houses over 1000 original Tudor artefacts retrieved from the hull.
Included in the interpretation is a new introductory film narrated by Dan Snow; time lapse photography; dramatic new footage of the hull interpreted by experienced guides who are on hand to answer questions and enhanced displays.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard welcomes all visitors. The site is, however, a working Naval Base and certain areas may present difficulties to visitors who use wheelchairs, with a restricted mobility or who are visually impaired. As a safety precaution, we ask that all these visitors are accompanied by a carer. Toilets for disabled visitors can be found in the Historic Dockyard Coach and Car Park, Boathouse No.7, Victory Arena and the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Wheelchairs are available free of charge from the Visitor Centre, Mary Rose, HMS Warrior 1860 and National Museum of the Royal Navy. Please call 02392 839766 for further information.
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3LJ
England
Website
General Enquiries
enquiries@historicdockyard.co.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
02392 839766
The entire collection of this museum is a Designated Collection of national importance.
The Mary Rose is the only recovered 16th century warship and is of international significance in maritime archaeology and beyond. Weighing some 300 tons, and standing as high as a four-storey building, the hull is revolutionary in design and provides vital evidence of shipbuilding techniques for a period when ship-plans do not survive. Moreover, the breadth and completeness of the military, domestic and personal objects found within her, in many cases unique, together with the ecofacts and human remains, form one of the largest groups of well preserved associated material. Designation recognises the importance of the whole of the collection which acts as a benchmark for scholars and a fascinating insight into Tudor life.
The Museum charts everyday life on board the famous warship. The collection is unrivalled and boasts a superb collection including cannon, longbows, gold coins and silk clothing but also wooden bowls, tankards and games boards that belonged to the ordinary soldiers and sailors on board. A new Gallery called Bonaventure opens at Easter 2002 offering visitors the chance to try a variety of key exhibits including hoisting the mast and yard arm; trying a large, medium and small longbow and hearing 16th music played on specially replicated instruments based on those found on board. Also displayed for the first time is the world's only 16th Century fighting top. An artefact handling table featuring authentic and replica artefacts from the Mary Rose is manned within the museum and costumed interpreters are generally available to answer questions and demonstrate everyday Tudor crafts.
Collection details
Weapons and War, Social History, Science and Technology, Personalities, Music, Medicine, Maritime, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archaeology
Key artists and exhibits
- Designated Collection
Collections services
- General guide to collections available
- Object identification and/or written enquiry service
- Public access available to collections information
- Specialist publications on collections available
- Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3LJ
England
Website
General Enquiries
enquiries@historicdockyard.co.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
02392 839766
Writing Tudor Style at the Mary Rose Museum
Writing Tudor Style at the Mary Rose Museum. Try your hand with feather quills and ink. Hands on activity for all the family.
FREE with a valid ticket.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
Languages
- English
When
11am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
Third Thursday Talk – “Love letters from a King” at the Mary Rose Museum Theatre
Thursday 16 February
12noon - 12.30pm
Third Thursday Talk – “Love letters from a King”
The love letters and songs of Henry VIII.
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
12-12:30pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum Theatre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Website
Eye Opener Tours at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 February
Tours at 11am & 3pm
Eye Opener Tours
Lasts approximately 40 minutes
FREE with valid ticket, no booking necessary
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
11-3am
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with valid ticket, no booking necessary
Website
Battle Stations at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 March
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Battle Stations
Take part in a Tudor gun drill and fire a replica gun. Activities are suitable for children over 7 years old.
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
Languages
- English
When
11am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
Engineering in the Age of Sail at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 March and Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 March
11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm
As part of the National Science and Engineering Week
Engineering in the Age of Sail
Find out how they sailed the Mary Rose and learn how to tie basic knots. Activities are suitable for children over 7 years old.
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
Languages
- English
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Third Thursday Talk - Secrets of the Dead at the Mary Rose Museum Theatre
Thursday 15 March
12noon - 12.30pm
Third Thursday Talk- “Secrets of the Dead”
What do the human remains from the Mary Rose tell us about the crew?
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
12-12:30pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum Theatre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Website
Spinning a Yarn at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 March
10am - 4pm
Spinning a Yarn
Demonstrations of spinning and weaving by the Portchester Spinners and try your hand at Tudor crafts and make your own cord wheel to take home.
FREE with a valid ticket and children must be accompanied by an adult
Suitable for
- Any age
When
10am-4pm
Where
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket and children must be accompanied by an adult
Website
How To Look Good Tudor Style at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 31 March – Sunday 15 April
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
How to look good Tudor style
Try on one of our costumes and step back in time. Bring your camera to capture the moment?
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
Third Thursday Talk - Tudor Fashion at the Mary Rose Museum Theatre
Thursday 19 April
12noon - 12.30pm
Third Thursday Talk – “Tudor Fashion”
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
12pm-
Where
Mary Rose Museum Theatre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Website
The Artful Bodger at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 April
10am - 4pm
The Artful Bodger
Demonstrations of pole-lathe turning by the Artful Bodger, a craftsman who makes Mary Rose style wooden spoons, bowls and stools.
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
10am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
Archery at the Mary Rose at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 April
10am - 4pm
Archery at the Mary Rose
Meet the Purbrook Bowmen.
Displays, demonstrations and ‘have-a-go archery’ for all the family
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
10am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
Tudor Games and Pastimes at the Mary Rose Museum
Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 May
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Tudor Games and Pastimes
Turn back the clock and learn to play traditional Tudor games.
FREE with valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with valid ticket
Website
Fly the Flag at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 May
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Fly the Flag
Design your own flag fit for Henry VIII’s favorite warship. Craft activities for all the family
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
11am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
Third Thursday Talk – In Sickness and in Health at the Mary Rose Museum Theatre
Thursday 17 May
12noon – 12.30pm
Third Thursday Talk – “In Sickness and in Health”
Find out about health, fitness, food and medicine in Tudor times and decide for yourself how healthy they really were!
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12pm-
Where
Mary Rose Museum Theatre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Website
Tudor Armour at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 May
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Tudor Armour
Design and make your own Tudor armor in this children’s craft activity
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
11am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
Tudor Games and Pastimes at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 May
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
Tudor Games and Pastimes
Turn back the clock and learn to play traditional Tudor games.
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
11am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
How to look good Tudor style! at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 2 June – Sunday 10 June
11am - 12noon & 2pm - 4pm
How to look good Tudor style!
Try on one of our costumes and step back in time. Bring your camera to capture the moment!
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
The Sound of Tudor Music at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 June
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
The Sound of Tudor Music
Musicians Kit and Kate demonstrate how the Tudors made and played instruments. Have a go yourself!
Free with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
11am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
Free with a valid ticket
Website
Third Thursday Talk – “Learning the Ropes” at the Mary Rose Museum Theatre
Thursday 21 June
12noon - 12.30pm
Third Thursday Talk – “Learning the Ropes”
Find out about navigation and knots on the Mary Rose.
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
Languages
- English
When
12-12:30pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum Theatre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Website
Spinning a Yarn at the Mary Rose Museum
10am - 4pm
Spinning a Yarn
Demonstrations of spinning and weaving by the Portchester Spinners and try your hand at Tudor crafts and make your own cord wheel to take home.
FREE with a valid ticket and children must be accompanied by an adult
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
10am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket and children must be accompanied by an adult
Website
The Artful Bodger at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 30 June & Sunday 1 July
10am - 4pm
The Artful Bodger
Demonstrations of pole-lathe turning by the Artful Bodger, a craftsman who makes Mary Rose style wooden spoons, bowls and stools.
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
Languages
- English
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
The Sound of Tudor Music at the Mary Rose Museum
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 July
10am - 4pm
The Sound of Tudor Music
Musicians Kit and Kate demonstrate how the Tudors made and played instruments. Have a go yourself!
FREE with a valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
Languages
- English
When
10am-4pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with a valid ticket
Website
So you think the Mary Rose sank on her maiden voyage? Think again! at the Mary Rose Museum
14 & 15 July & 21 & 22 July
11am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm
As part of the Festival of British Archaeology
So you think the Mary Rose sank on her maiden voyage? Think again!
Find out about the sinking of the Mary Rose after 34 years of service.
Got a steady hand? Try to load our tipping ship with soldiers - without it sinking!
Free with a valid ticket
Free to members of the young archaeologist club but must be accompanied by a full paying adult
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
Free with a valid ticket
Free to members of the young archaeologist club but must be accompanied by a full paying adult
Website
Third Thursday Talk – “467 years ago Today – the sinking of the Mary Rose” at the Mary Rose Museum Theatre
Thursday 19 July
12noon - 12.30pm
Third Thursday Talk – “467 years ago Today – the sinking of the Mary Rose”
Find out about the sinking of the Mary Rose after 34 years of service in Henry’s Navy
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
When
12-12:30pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum Theatre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Website
How to look good Tudor style! at the Mary Rose Museum
Monday 23 July – Sunday 2 September
11am - 12noon & 2pm - 4pm
How to look good Tudor style!
Try on one of our costumes and step back in time. Bring your camera to capture the moment?
FREE with valid ticket
Suitable for
- Any age
Languages
- English
Where
Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE with valid ticket
Website
Third Thursday Talk – “500 Hungry Men” at the Mary Rose Museum Theatre
Thursday 16 August
12noon - 12.30pm
Third Thursday Talk – “500 Hungry Men”
The cooking for the crew of the Mary Rose
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Suitable for
- Any age
When
12-12:30pm
Where
Mary Rose Museum Theatre at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
Admission
FREE - No booking or ticket required
Website
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3LJ
England
Website
General Enquiries
enquiries@historicdockyard.co.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
02392 839766
HM Naval Base
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO1 3LJ
England
Website
General Enquiries
enquiries@historicdockyard.co.uk
Telephone
General Enquiries
02392 839766
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