Aberdeen Maritime Museum
A free museum by the harbour telling the story of shipbuilding, whaling and North Sea oil. Its giant model of an oil platform is a highlight.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum stands on Shiprow. It combines the 16th-century Provost Ross's House with a modern glass exhibition wing and overlooks Aberdeen harbour. The exhibits trace centuries of maritime history in this port city: shipbuilding in the age of clipper ships, whaling and fishing, sea rescue, and North Sea oil and gas development from the 1970s, which made Aberdeen the 'Oil Capital of Europe'. The most popular exhibit is the three-storey model of the Murchison oil platform. There are also helicopters, diving equipment and other interactive displays. Admission is free. It is usually closed on Mondays, so check the official website. The museum is about 3 minutes' walk from Union Street. Step outside to watch supply boats coming and going, then follow the shoreline to Footdee fishing village.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00 (closed Mondays; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Provost Skene's House
- Marischal College
- Kirk of St Nicholas
- Union Street & Castlegate
- Aberdeen Art Gallery
- Duthie Park & David Welch Winter Gardens
- King's College & Old Aberdeen
- Aberdeen Beach