Stavanger maritime museum
Maritime museum in historic merchants’ houses on Strandkaien in Stavanger, with exhibitions on the town and the harbour, marine archaeology and the museum vessels Anna af Sand and Wyvern.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Stavanger maritime museum was established in 1926 and celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. Since its start the museum has conveyed the maritime history of the seafaring town of Stavanger through exhibitions, research and the operation of vessels. The museum is part of Museum Stavanger (MUST).
The museum is housed in historic and conservation-worthy buildings at Strandkaien, including old merchants’ houses with period exhibitions that show the history of the merchants’ houses. In addition, the museum shows the exhibition Hjemmehavn Stavanger (Home Harbour Stavanger) about the town around the harbour over 500 years, Historielaben (the History Lab) about the sea, the sea houses and underwater archaeology, and the activity exhibition Sjauing på kaien for children. Behind the museum, with an entrance from Nedre Strandgate 19, lies Stranden Colonial with a tea room in the summer season, which shows town life and trade as they might have been in Stavanger over 100 years ago.
The museum conducts marine archaeological research, including investigations of a medieval merchant ship in Rossøysundet at Fogn in spring 2026. The vessels Anna af Sand and Wyvern are operated by volunteer crews and can be visited by arrangement or at selected events.
Highlights
- Hjemmehavn Stavanger, the town around the harbour over 500 years
- Historielaben (the History Lab) on the sea, the sea houses and underwater archaeology
- Historic merchants’ houses and period exhibitions
- Stranden Colonial and tea room
- Museum vessels Anna af Sand and Wyvern
- Sjauing på kaien, an activity exhibition for children
Permanent exhibitions
- Hjemmehavn Stavanger – The exhibition tells of the town around the harbour over 500 years.
- Historielaben – Exhibition about the sea, the sea houses and underwater archaeology.
- Miljøutstillinger i kjøpmannsgårdene – Period exhibitions in the historic buildings showing the history of the merchants’ houses.
- Founded
- 1926
- Operated by
- Museum Stavanger (MUST)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | NOK 170 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people up to 18 have free admission; children up to and including primary school age must be accompanied by adults. |
| Students & apprentices | freeStudents and conscripts have free admission on presentation of valid proof. |
| Annual pass adult with one guest (all MUST museums) | NOK 700Valid for one year from the date of purchase, and also gives a discount in the museum shops and at some events. |
One ticket gives admission to all open MUST museums on the same day. 25% discount with Aftenbladet Fordel. Schools and kindergartens have free teaching after advance booking.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is housed in historic and conservation-worthy buildings, which limits full universal design. The ground floor is fully accessible for wheelchairs, while the rest of the museum is only partly adapted. The museum has one accessible (HC) toilet. It is not adapted for reduced sight or hearing.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
Children and young people up to 18 have free admission. The activity exhibition Sjauing på kaien is made for children, and families with children often spend longer than other visitors.
Getting there & parking
By car
Paid parking
Paid parking on Strandkaien, just outside the museum.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Café and museum shop at reception. In the summer season there is Stranden Colonial with a tea room, with entrance from Nedre Strandgate 19.
Events & venue rental
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Most people spend 1.5–2 hours on their visit. Schools and kindergartens must book teaching in writing in advance via formidling.maritime@museumstavanger.no. The museum vessels Anna af Sand and Wyvern can be visited by arrangement or at selected events. |
