Deck 4
Combat to Commerce
Dive into the rich history of the Gulf of America and Mobile Bay—a place where empires clashed, World War II battles raged, and modern shipping was born. This dynamic exhibition features finely crafted ship models and firsthand stories from those who sailed them, taking you on a thrilling journey through centuries of maritime legends. Discover why Raphael Semmes was dubbed “Ole Beeswax,” the U.S.S. Constitution’s historic stop in Mobile, and how Alabama Dry Docks helped win WWII. Set sail on Mobile Bay’s captivating maritime past and present!
Offshore Platforms: Dive Into the High-Tech World Beneath the Waves!
Explore the incredible engineering marvels of offshore oil and gas rigs—machines that drill deep beneath the Gulf’s floor at depths once thought unreachable. Discover the different types of towering platforms, and uncover the hidden underwater web of wellheads, pipelines, manifolds, and support vessels that keep this high-stakes operation running smoothly. Experience the cutting-edge technology powering the Gulf’s energy frontier!
Underwater Umbilical: Dive Inside the Lifeline of Offshore Operations!
At the heart of the Offshore Platforms exhibit, explore a stunning cross-section of an underwater umbilical—the vital lifeline that connects surface rigs to the mysterious depths below. Interactive monitors at each end reveal the cutting-edge manufacturing process and the incredible journey that delivers this high-tech cable safely to the seafloor. Get ready to uncover the hidden hero that powers offshore energy!
Coming Soon:
Son of a Son of a Sailor. The Jimmy Buffett Experience (September 2026)
They Come Big. The history and Stories of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (June 2026)
Delta Mosaic. A Confluence of Life (April 2027)