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The hull of the Mary Rose is currently withdrawn from public view as part of a £35 million heritage project to build an internationally-renowned museum.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.
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
At the Captain’s Table at the Mary Rose Museum
Experience life at the Tudor top table with dressing up, dancing and more!
Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for all ages. No unaccompanied children. Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
£5 per child, accompanying adults free.
Website
At the Captain’s Table at the Mary Rose Museum
Experience life at the Tudor top table with dressing up, dancing and more!
Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for all ages. No unaccompanied children. Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
£5 per child, accompanying adults free.
Website
Under Attack!
Don’t help the enemy! Take part in the Tudor gun drill. Plan how to attack and defend Portsmouth Harbour in 1545.
Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for children over 8. No unaccompanied children. Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1:30-3pm
Admission
£5 per child, accompanying adults free.
Website
Under Attack!
Don’t help the enemy! Take part in the Tudor gun drill. Plan how to attack and defend Portsmouth Harbour in 1545.
Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for children over 8. No unaccompanied children. Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
11am-12:30pm
Admission
£5 per child, accompanying adults free.
Website
Under Attack!
Don’t help the enemy! Take part in the Tudor gun drill. Plan how to attack and defend Portsmouth Harbour in 1545.
Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for children over 8. No unaccompanied children. Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1:30-3pm
Admission
£5 per child, accompanying adults free.
Website
Under Attack!
Don’t help the enemy! Take part in the Tudor gun drill. Plan how to attack and defend Portsmouth Harbour in 1545.
Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for children over 8. No unaccompanied children. Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
11am-12:30pm
Admission
£5 per child, accompanying adults free.
Website
Design and Build Your Own Model Sailing Ship
How much can your ship carry? How fast can it go? Take part in this historical activity. Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for children over 8. No unaccompanied children. Places limited.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1:30-3pm
Admission
£5 per child, accompanying adults free. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931.
Website
Design and Build Your Own Model Sailing Ship
How much can your ship carry? How fast can it go? Take part in this historical activity. Maximum three children per adult. Suitable for children over 8. No unaccompanied children. Places limited.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
11am-12:30pm
Admission
£5 per child, accompanying adults free. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931.
Website
Are We Fitter and Healthier than our Tudor Ancestors? at the Mary Rose Museum
This illustrated talk and handling session will consider food, exercise and medicine on board the Mary Rose. Decide for yourself if we are fitter and healthier than our Tudor ancestors! Places limited. Book in advance: museum@maryrose.org or telephone 02392 812931
Suitable for
- Any age
When
10am-5pm
Where
Mary Rose Learning Centre
Admission
£4.50 (or £3 concessions)
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