Today's Opening Times & Tickets
saturday: 10:00 am - 4:45 pm
Main Rd, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3PY
The Mary Rose Museum
Dive deeper into the extraordinary story of Henry VIII’s favourite ship. From her fateful last battle to her miraculous rediscovery at the bottom of the Solent over 400 years later, the story of the Mary Rose is quite the marvel.
This ship has long been shrouded in mystery. Experience modern storytelling and the cutting-edge engineering of the Mary Rose Museum. This one-of-a-kind attraction will bring you closer to Tudor life than you ever thought possible.
What secrets will you uncover as you explore the ship’s many mysteries?
Today's Opening Times & Tickets
saturday: 10:00 am - 4:45 pm
Main Rd, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth PO1 3PY
The Story of the Mary Rose
From the depths of the Solent to Portsmouth Dockyard, the Mary Rose has had a long and compelling journey.
Built in 1510 and launched in 1511, the iconic Mary Rose served Henry VIII for an impressive 34 years. In 1545, she sank dramatically while protecting England from a French invasion fleet, disappearing into the depths of history until 1971, when the legendary wreck was rediscovered by a team of divers led by the late Alexander McKee.
This discovery sparked an extraordinary underwater archaeology project, with hundreds of divers working relentlessly to recover the Mary Rose and bring her back to the surface. The unforgettable moment when the ship finally emerged from the waters on October 11, 1982, is still etched in the memories of all who witnessed it.
Following her recovery, the Mary Rose was transported to her permanent home at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where intensive conservation work began. For years, the ship was carefully sprayed with water, and later with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), a water-soluble wax. Today, the Mary Rose stands as a lasting testament to Britain’s naval heritage, drawing visitors from around the world to experience her remarkable story.
The conservation process took over 30 years to complete, and today, the Mary Rose is proudly reunited with some of her artefacts. Together, they tell the powerful stories of the people who lived, worked, and perished aboard the ship. The Mary Rose also stands as a tribute to the dedicated individuals who tirelessly worked to bring her back to the surface, preserving a piece of history for future generations to explore and admire.
Dive the Mary Rose 4D
Live and breathe the story of the Mary Rose with our new 4D immersive theatre experience.
Prepare for an exclusive, never-before-seen cinematic experience that takes you on a journey from the tragic sinking of the Mary Rose over 400 years ago to its incredible recovery in modern times.
Dive into the untold stories of the remarkable individuals who played pivotal roles in the ship’s salvage and restoration. Witness the legacy of the hundreds of people behind the world’s largest underwater excavation. whose dedication and expertise brought the Mary Rose back to life.
Archaeology and the Conservation of the Mary Rose
The Mary Rose Museum is a time capsule of Tudor life, with over 19,000 genuine Tudor artefacts – the largest collection on display in the world. Through interactive exhibits and expert guides, you’ll uncover the fascinating lives of the 500 men (and one dog) who sailed aboard the Mary Rose. From their daily routines and meals to the very scents they would have experienced, every detail brings Tudor life to vivid reality.
However, the Mary Rose’s significance goes beyond its own history. We have gained insights that have not only deepened our understanding of the Tudor era but also transformed the practice of underwater archaeology. These waves of progress have influenced the exploration of other historic shipwrecks around the globe.
The Mary Rose 1545 Experience
Re-live the dramatic final moments aboard the Mary Rose as she sinks beneath the waves.
Our Mary Rose 1545 Experience empowers you to travel back to the Tudor era, during the pivotal Battle of the Solent. You can hear from Henry VIII and the courageous crew of Britain’s most famous shipwreck and experience the tension, the heroism, and the heartbreaking tragedy of this fateful day.
Hatch’s History Detectives
Join Hatch, the ship’s loyal dog, on an exciting, multi-sensory adventure through the Mary Rose Museum. As Hatch leads you through the galleries, you’ll explore the fascinating story of the Mary Rose, her crew, and life in the Tudor world.
Pick up your FREE trail sheet at the start of your visit, and let Hatch guide your family through this interactive experience to explore the sights, sounds and even smells of the Mary Rose!
Guided Tours
Why not enhance your visit with a guided tour, led by one of our expert guides, for a deeper look at the Mary Rose’s fascinating collection?
Please note: Tours are an add-on to your attraction ticket. Ensure you have your ticket, as access to the museum and site requires one.
FAQ’s
Click here to discover bite-sized answers to all of your burning questions. Everything from planning your visit, opening times, how to get here and more, we’ve got you covered.