Cowes Maritime Museum
Small free museum inside Cowes Library showing the maritime and shipbuilding history of Cowes, including models, plans and photographs.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Cowes Maritime Museum began in the 1970s, when staff at Cowes Library started collecting plans, photographs and models from the shipbuilding firm J. Samuel White. The collection has since grown to cover all aspects of local maritime activity, from shipbuilding to yacht racing.
The museum is part of Cowes Library and is run by the Isle of Wight Council's heritage service. It shows a selection of objects and images that help to tell the story of Cowes and its maritime heritage, including models of vessels built by J. Samuel White and Uffa Fox's dinghy Avenger. Objects related to the powerboat racer Joe Carstairs are also on view.
The library's own Maritime Collection of books, journals and press cuttings on the local maritime industries and yachting is kept on the library gallery next to the museum. A reserve collection, including an extensive photographic and paper archive on yachting and shipbuilding, is held in the museum store and can be seen by appointment.
Highlights
- Models, plans and photographs from the shipbuilders J. Samuel White
- Uffa Fox's dinghy Avenger
- Objects related to powerboat racer Joe Carstairs
- Library Maritime Collection on yachting and local industries
- Free entry
Permanent exhibition
- Maritime heritage of Cowes – A selection of objects and images on shipbuilding and sailing in Cowes, including J. Samuel White models and plans and a dinghy by Uffa Fox.
- Operated by
- Isle of Wight Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The Visit Isle of Wight listing states that all areas are accessible to disabled visitors, with ramp or level access, seating at suitable intervals and an audible alarm system. The information is self-assessed.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
Listed as family friendly, with children welcome.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Southern Vectis buses serve Cowes; see the Southern Vectis website for timetables.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
On-street parking only.
The museum is in Cowes Library on Beckford Road in West Cowes.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The reserve collection and archive are held in the museum store and are available by appointment only; contact the curator of human history via the museum number. |
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