GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
GulfQuest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is the only museum in the world dedicated to the rich traditions, history and culture of "America's Sea". With a combined 90 interactive exhibits, simulators and theaters, GulfQuest is a family tourist destination and a signature attraction for Mobile, the state of Alabama and the entire Gulf Coast region.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
333 reviews
Excellent
270
Very good
43
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14
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4
Terrible
2
KandKMaryland
Maryland25 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
great museum on the history of the Gulf cost and maritime. Really enjoyable for all ages. Learned a lot about all aspects of maritime history. Delivered in a very interesting and fun way.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
retiredJB
Pensacola, FL1,562 contributions
Jun 2023
It is so nice to have GulfQuest open again. Had a wonderful experience enhanced by volunteers who provided additional information on the various opportunities you can have there. Allow at least a couple of hours. The experience with the large globe is something every age would enjoy.
Unfortunately, they currently have no food services, but they do have a lovely gift shop with books for adults and educational toys for children.
The people who work there (both paid and volunteer) love what they do. Post-Covid, I appreciate that even more.
Check the big windows along the water for the occasional passing of huge ships.
Unfortunately, they currently have no food services, but they do have a lovely gift shop with books for adults and educational toys for children.
The people who work there (both paid and volunteer) love what they do. Post-Covid, I appreciate that even more.
Check the big windows along the water for the occasional passing of huge ships.
Written 21 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred and Susan M
Hollywood, FL163 contributions
Mar 2023
Gulfquest National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico is dedicated to the history and culture of “America’s Seas.” It claims “its most unmistakable feature is the full-sized container ship that houses most of its exhibits.” Of course, it’s a replica.
The Museum commemorates the development of containerization in the early 20th century with 90 interactive exhibits, simulators and theatres. I skipped the 16-minute introductory film (probably a mistake) and headed right to the top floor to work my way down. I also skipped the area with global displays on atmospheric storms, climate change and ocean science. The place was too large to see it all and with limited time I pretty much rushed through.
Deck 5 began with sound signals that the bridge can make to convey information either to crew or other ships in the area. Controls in the bridge such as radio traffic, depth sensors and communication features were also explained. The “house flag” is the distinguishing flag of a shipping company. The Gulf of Mexico is home to seven of the 10 largest seaports in the U.S.
Long ramps connected the decks. Deck 3 was my next stop. Here were stories about Gulf shipwrecks, an historical timeline, weather signals, cargo handling, tools of the trade (e.g., ship’s bell, grindstones, chain, hooks, draught markers, axes, spikes, etc.) and much more, not just today but through 150+ years. A boatswain (pronounced bo-sun) kept the ship in good repair (maintenance of wood, sails, ropes, flags, anchors and lifeboats). A cooper was in charge of barrels and casks (for food, water and supplies). Gunners cleaned and maintained cannons, gunpowder and ammunition.
A special exhibit called “Spirits of the Passage” was excellent. Items and details from the wreck of an actual slave ship were on display. African leaders traded their enemies and captives for European goods, arms and luxuries. As many as 10% of captives revolted before leaving the continent. On board, iron shackles fastened slaves together, even children. Slavers typically carried 200 to 500 captives. Sketches showed the packed configuration of the slave ship hold. Slave cargo came from different African homelands. They were fed twice a day but dehydration, fevers and dysentery were common, as was water contamination. Accounts that exist suggest somewhere between 13% and 33% died during the voyage, to say nothing of crew who often succumbed to the same illnesses. From 1501 to 1867 an estimated 12.5 million people were shipped out as slaves mostly to North and South America. England and the U.S. banned their transport in 1807 and 1808 respectively but could not stop such a lucrative business. The illegal transport continued until the mid-1800’s.
Containerization transformed international shipping and advanced the global economy by minimizing cargo handling and shipping costs. In 1955 a trucking entrepreneur tested his idea of shipping cargo in large containers that could be moved fully loaded from land to sea and back again. In 1956 the first container ship made its maiden voyage from NY to Houston with 58 containers. Only two cranes were needed to empty the ship in just eight hours which was super-fast for the time. It reduced the cost of loading and discharging cargo from $5.83 per ton to only 15.8¢ per ton.
Dozens of sayings were posted along the Museum ramps that had originated at sea. They explained, for example, the origin of terms like:
• to ‘deep six’ something
• ‘first rate’
• ‘mind your p’s and q’s.’
• Port Out Starboard Home = 'POSH'
• ‘scuttlebutt’
• 'slush fund.’
This is the type of museum you want to return to, as there is so much to see and learn. It's great for kids too.
The Museum commemorates the development of containerization in the early 20th century with 90 interactive exhibits, simulators and theatres. I skipped the 16-minute introductory film (probably a mistake) and headed right to the top floor to work my way down. I also skipped the area with global displays on atmospheric storms, climate change and ocean science. The place was too large to see it all and with limited time I pretty much rushed through.
Deck 5 began with sound signals that the bridge can make to convey information either to crew or other ships in the area. Controls in the bridge such as radio traffic, depth sensors and communication features were also explained. The “house flag” is the distinguishing flag of a shipping company. The Gulf of Mexico is home to seven of the 10 largest seaports in the U.S.
Long ramps connected the decks. Deck 3 was my next stop. Here were stories about Gulf shipwrecks, an historical timeline, weather signals, cargo handling, tools of the trade (e.g., ship’s bell, grindstones, chain, hooks, draught markers, axes, spikes, etc.) and much more, not just today but through 150+ years. A boatswain (pronounced bo-sun) kept the ship in good repair (maintenance of wood, sails, ropes, flags, anchors and lifeboats). A cooper was in charge of barrels and casks (for food, water and supplies). Gunners cleaned and maintained cannons, gunpowder and ammunition.
A special exhibit called “Spirits of the Passage” was excellent. Items and details from the wreck of an actual slave ship were on display. African leaders traded their enemies and captives for European goods, arms and luxuries. As many as 10% of captives revolted before leaving the continent. On board, iron shackles fastened slaves together, even children. Slavers typically carried 200 to 500 captives. Sketches showed the packed configuration of the slave ship hold. Slave cargo came from different African homelands. They were fed twice a day but dehydration, fevers and dysentery were common, as was water contamination. Accounts that exist suggest somewhere between 13% and 33% died during the voyage, to say nothing of crew who often succumbed to the same illnesses. From 1501 to 1867 an estimated 12.5 million people were shipped out as slaves mostly to North and South America. England and the U.S. banned their transport in 1807 and 1808 respectively but could not stop such a lucrative business. The illegal transport continued until the mid-1800’s.
Containerization transformed international shipping and advanced the global economy by minimizing cargo handling and shipping costs. In 1955 a trucking entrepreneur tested his idea of shipping cargo in large containers that could be moved fully loaded from land to sea and back again. In 1956 the first container ship made its maiden voyage from NY to Houston with 58 containers. Only two cranes were needed to empty the ship in just eight hours which was super-fast for the time. It reduced the cost of loading and discharging cargo from $5.83 per ton to only 15.8¢ per ton.
Dozens of sayings were posted along the Museum ramps that had originated at sea. They explained, for example, the origin of terms like:
• to ‘deep six’ something
• ‘first rate’
• ‘mind your p’s and q’s.’
• Port Out Starboard Home = 'POSH'
• ‘scuttlebutt’
• 'slush fund.’
This is the type of museum you want to return to, as there is so much to see and learn. It's great for kids too.
Written 5 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chpkb
Crystal River, FL107 contributions
May 2023
Thought we would be in and out, just killing time. REALLY enjoyed the museum. Lots to read and do. Make sure to read the info and play with the demos.
Written 22 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve J
Ann Arbor, MI81 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
This is an absolutely wonderful museum. The displays cover a wide range of topics related to the Gulf and ocean-going vessels, with the the museum having a container-ship-themed layout. There is a plethora of interesting and fun interactive exhibits, including a room that is a mockup of a ship bridge with a digital display where you can sit at the wheel and pilot one of three kinds of ships into Mobile Harbor. There are a couple of short films worth seeing. The display about the history of the slave trade was excellent. The educational kids area appeared to be very well done, and likely fun for the kids. If you're visiting Mobile, this museum should be high on your list of attractions - give yourself most of a day to experience it, there's a lot to see and do.
Written 16 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy Z
Omaha, NE47 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
What a wonderful experience! Honestly, I thought with a five year old and 11 month in tow that the museum would not hold the 5 year olds attention and it would be a quick trip. Almost 3 hours later she had a hard time leaving.
Not being from the South, we all (parents included) learned a lot about the Gulf of Mexico (both good and bad) and the impact it has on the US and trade relations.
At the moment, there is a slave trade exhibit that is wonderful and appropriate for older children, teens, and adults. I found myself learning so much and thoroughly enjoyed that surprise exhibit.
If you are looking for something to do in Mobile, definitely give this museum a strong consideration.
Not being from the South, we all (parents included) learned a lot about the Gulf of Mexico (both good and bad) and the impact it has on the US and trade relations.
At the moment, there is a slave trade exhibit that is wonderful and appropriate for older children, teens, and adults. I found myself learning so much and thoroughly enjoyed that surprise exhibit.
If you are looking for something to do in Mobile, definitely give this museum a strong consideration.
Written 9 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael I
Grosse Pointe Farms, United States22 contributions
Feb 2023
We had a great learning experience at GulfQuest. It was clean and sanitized. The piloting simulator was awesome, but unfortunately it was monopolized by children on the day that we visited. I would have liked to try it, but I did not get the opportunity. Maybe next time as I would definitely go again as there is much to learn about there. On our visit the weather was foggy and wet and we missed out on the top floor observation views.
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth43323
Minneapolis, MN104 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We briefly visited this interactive modern museum at the harbor. Great exhibits, brief videos and simulators. We had 1.5 hours, bummer they close at 4 pm. Definitely a highlight of Mobile!
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jolo76
New Bern, NC25 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Wonderful museum. Informative and interactive displays. Geared towards children of course but also scientifically rigorous enough for adults. Recommend however not parking in the lot beside the museum as I had to wait 40 minutes to leave due to a train stopped on the tracks.
Written 1 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick J
Victoria, TX118 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
A very nicely laid out museum. They had displays that covered a lot of the maritime history in the area. A lot of different aspects to it as well. Professionally done.
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire K
Pensacola, FL14 contributions
Is there enough to entertain a 2 year old or is it mainly just for the older kiddos?
DVanderscoff
Marana, AZ8 contributions
Ditto to the other answers. A bit much for a 2-year-old.
Heather R
Brewton, AL80 contributions
Would this be good for teenagers, or more appropriate for younger children?
Patti Beth A
Grove, OK971 contributions
Agreed - all ages. It is not a “ kiddie” museum- lots of science. But something for all ages.
Karla J
Mobile, Alabama, United States4 contributions
Will the museum be open June 16-18, 2017?
Family reunion will be in town.
bbeall2016
Mobile, AL
GulfQuest will be open be open Wednesday through Saturday June 14-17, 2017. We hope to see you then and we do have special event spaces you might find meet your needs as well.
Thanks - Brent
Etonian30
Elizabethtown, IN137 contributions
Is there parking for RV's nearby?
Courtney H
Alabama561 contributions
Yes, there is a large, free parking lot across the street under the highway overpass. The lot has plenty of room for RVs.
Are there plans to reopen the musuem?
bbeall2016
Mobile, AL
A great question! We are currently open for special events and school groups who have already booked with us and anyone who is interested in booking future trips. We currently do have plans to open to the public for free on several days in December and we hope to re-open as soon as possible early next year. Please keep an eye out on the GulfQuest website or the City of Mobile Facebook page and other social media outlets details. I hope to see you in the future. Brent Beall - Interim Executive Director
Bobby L
Ada, OK5 contributions
Are cameras allowed?
GulfQuestMobile
Mobile, AL6 contributions
Of course! We love for our visitors to take pictures of their experience here at GulfQuest!
Fee and hours to museum
Whoopie89
Paris, France163 contributions
It's open tuesday till friday from 9 am till 5 pm, saturday 9 am till 6 pm and sunday 11 am till 6 pm. Fees for adults are $18, for teenagers and seniors $16. For more detailled info see their webpage.Hope you enjoy the visit - I did so very much!
Fee to get into museum. Also need handicap parking
Gumbeauxtoo
35 contributions
Admission $18 and handicap access able. Didn't t notice location of handicap parking but feel certain it exists due to ADA laws
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Frequently Asked Questions about GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico
- Hotels near GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico:
- (0.23 km) Fort Conde Inn
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- Restaurants near GulfQuest - National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico:
- (0.07 km) Perdido Queen Cruises
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