Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum
A decommissioned offshore drilling rig turned museum, where you can walk three decks and learn about oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ocean Star is a self-elevating drilling rig built in 1969 and retired in 1984. It is docked at Pier 19 and was converted into a museum in 1997. The three decks display drill bits, wellhead equipment, diving gear models, and interactive exhibits that explain offshore oil and gas exploration and production in the Gulf of Mexico. From the outer decks you can also see the harbor and cruise terminals. Admission is about US$15. It suits visitors interested in energy and engineering, and families with children. Most visitors finish in about one hour. It is a few minutes' walk from the Seaport Museum.
Opening hours
10:00–17:00 (earlier closing in winter)
Nearby sights
- Texas Seaport Museum & Tall Ship Elissa
- The Strand Historic District
- Galveston Railroad Museum
- East End Historic District
- Bishop's Palace
- Ashton Villa
- Moody Mansion
- The Bryan Museum