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Group Tours

Designated by Congress as
“America’s National Maritime Museum”

Are you a tour and travel professional planning your group visit to Coastal Virginia? Or, part of a military organization, church, retirement community, or other independent organization looking for an outing for your group? Discover why The Mariners’ Museum should be at the top of your itinerary.

At one of the largest maritime museums in the country, you will discover fascinating stories captured in the priceless artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open sea. Explore small craft from around the world, view maritime art, handcrafted ship models and rare figureheads, and experience a film in the Explorers Theater!

Can’t make it for
an in-person tour?

Convenient Location

Newport News is located in the heart of Coastal Virginia, 20 minutes from Williamsburg, 45 minutes from Norfolk, and one hour from Virginia Beach. From here, go anywhere!

Guided Tour

The Mariners’ Museum and Park connects people to the world’s waters because that’s how we’re connected to one another. Explore your maritime connections with a docent-guided tour, tailored to your group’s interest.

Choose one of the following themes:

  • Museum Highlights
  • American Civil War
  • African Americans’ Presence in the Maritime World

$50 per every 20 guests
We recommend one to two hours per tour; minimum one hour.

Add-on options for your group:

Beyond the Galleries

Plus $150

Only two percent of the Museum’s vast collection of more than 35,000 artifacts is on display. This special presentation by Collections Management staff allows you to see and learn about artifacts of particular interest to your group that are not currently on display.

Allow one hour.

Lectures

Plus $100

Customize a lecture on a variety of maritime topics presented by our staff and experienced volunteers. From examining the history of the USS Monitor, learning about fascinating tales such as Team USA’s thrilling victory in the 2013 America’s Cup race, to discovering rare objects in the Museum’s collection, we cover a wide range of interests to better tailor your experience.

Allow one hour.

USS Monitor Unveiled

Plus $100

Learn about the current projects the Monitor Center’s Conversation staff is working on. Get to know what life was like for Monitor‘s crew through their personal stories and historical accounts. See rarely-seen artifacts from the Civil War ironclad. Lecture style program.

Allow one hour.

Boxed Lunch

Order boxed lunches suited for adults or students. Enjoy your lunch in a Museum banquet space. In a hurry? Order them to go!

Allow one hour. Prices vary; several menus are available

Explorers Theater Movie

Plus $6 per person, per movie*

Experience thrilling films and other feature films covering a wide range of maritime topics in our high-definition theater. Private showings for larger groups are available.

Theater capacity: 49 guests
Average film run-time: 40 minutes

* Subject to availability

Beyond the Frame

Plus $150

Based on our exciting video series and blog Beyond the Frame, go behind-the-scenes to explore the Mariners’ world-class art collection that many guests did not know existed! Join the program host, Kyra Duffley, as she details the art and history of paintings targeted to your group’s interests.

Allow one hour. Tours subject to availability. Maximum of 15 guests allowed per group; larger groups will be divided and tours run concurrently.

Virtual Experience

Can’t make it for an in-person tour? Treat your group to a virtual experience! Our interpretation department will take you on a virtual journey through maritime history.

Topics include:

  • the Museum at a Glance
  • From the Heart of the Water
  • Last Night on the Titanic
  • Beyond Shackles: The Fight for Freedom
  • Maritime Melodies
  • Ancient/Biblical Waters and more.

Let us put together a virtual experience your group will love!

$50 flat fee


We are a proud Member of the following associations:


Contact Us

MaryAnn Steinmiller
Group Experience Coordinator
[email protected]
(757) 591-7731

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