The Maritime Museum of San Diego has announced the opening of a new exhibit, Celebrating the Sea: Exploring the Maritime Museum of San Diego’s Hidden Collections, which will run from October 2024 through July 2025. The exhibit is located in the Compass Gallery aboard the ferryboat Berkeley and features a collection of maritime-themed art and artifacts, many of which are being displayed for the first time.
Kevin Sheehan, Ph.D., the museum’s librarian and curator of the exhibit, noted that less than five percent of museum collections are typically on display at any given time, making this an opportunity for visitors to see rarely exhibited pieces. The exhibit offers a unique view into the museum’s hidden collections, showcasing art that celebrates the nautical world, including coastlines, ships, and other maritime artifacts.
Raymond Ashley, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Maritime Museum, highlighted that while the museum’s largest objects — its historic ships — are regularly on display, this exhibit brings attention to smaller, often unseen items from the collection.
The exhibit is included with general admission, which allows visitors to explore the museum’s fleet of ships and below-deck exhibits. Tickets are available for purchase in advance or on-site, with options for discounted senior, military, and student pricing. Additionally, 45-minute narrated bay tours are offered for an additional $10, based on availability. The Maritime Museum is located on the Star of India Wharf at 1492 N. Harbor Drive in San Diego.
