The museum is currently closed. Our hours are Wed - Sat, 10AM - 4PM. General Admission - Only $14!

Deck 5

Sound Signals

Visitors can listen to various sound signals from ships and learn to identify their correct meanings. Sound signals allow ships to let others know what they’re doing at all times.

The Telegraph

A fully-functioning bridge telegraph from World War II invites visitors to give it a try. When they move the lever to any position, the indicator dial will follow suit, indicating their message was received in the container ship’s engine room.

Radio Traffic

Visitors can listen to examples of “live” radio communications from port-related activities, providing a sense of what’s happening from ship to ship (and from ship to shore).

At the Wheel

This exhibit give visitors an up-close look at an actual 19th century ship’s wheel and a World War II binnacle, prime examples of their respective eras in navigational history.

Harbors of the Gulf

This interactive exhibit tests visitor’s knowledge about the Gulf’s major ports by answering 10 questions and getting “ranked” as a result. This exhibit faces the queuing area for the “Take the Helm” Theater and offers opportunities for group viewing/participation.

Bridge Wings
(Observation Decks)

On both sides of this deck, the museum’s observation decks provide awe-inspiring views of downtown Mobile’s working waterfront (on the east side) and downtown Mobile’s historic maritime structures (on the west side). Interpretive panels provide perspectives on the Port of Mobile, commonly-seen ships and other topics.

"Take the Helm" Theater

This simulator is identical to those used to train professional boat pilots. In this theater, visitors will get the chance to navigate vessels around the Port of Mobile, Mobile Bay and the Tombigbee River. During each show, two “captains” will be selected. Each will pick a scenario and select their conditions (daytime/nighttime and fair/foul weather), then take the controls and test their skills with the help of a museum staff member or volunteer. Simulations are based on models of real downtown Mobile, Mobile Bay and river locations.