I’m not a big fan of museums, i much prefer a nice walk in the open air rather than locking myself up within 4 walls.
The Galata Museo del Mare, however, really won me over!
The Galata Museo del Mare in Genoa, is the largest maritime museum dedicated to navigation that tells of the relationship between Genoa and the sea, from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age.
Don’t expect the classic museum where after a while you start to get bored and then take quick glances here and there without dwelling on anything in particular (at least that’s what happens to me).
The visit to the Galata is never boring or dull, and the impression I got is that I am not just a visitor but become an active protagonist of the tour thanks to the faithful reconstructions and attention to detail.
What I liked and was pleasantly surprised by was just the fact that you can actively interact with the exhibits, such as getting on the boats or maneuvering the rudder, which is very useful to involve all visitors and especially children.
For them by the way, you can ask at the entrance for the Geronimo Stilton map and go in search of the various panels placed along the way.
Take your time to visit this museum at your leisure because each room will stimulate your curiosity and the hours will incredibly fly by!
Galata Sea Museum: what to see
The Galata Museo del Mare is spread over 12,000 square meters of exhibition space divided over 4 floors: each room tells a moment in history with interactive elements and faithful reproductions.
The entire naval history of the city of Genoa is recounted in great detail, starting from its origins up to the present day, thanks to the display of precious nautical charts, shipboard instruments, atlases, globes, paintings; the reconstruction of ships and the great explorations of Christopher Columbus.
Also, emigrations and immigrations through photographic evidence and interactive stations, and the permanent exhibition on the Andrea Doria, Genoa’s most famous ship.
To top it off, you can go up to the 5th and top floor to the panoramic terrace where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Old Port and go down again later to visit the Nazario Sauro submarine outside, the first Italian museum that can be visited in the water.
Very fascinating is to realize how the men of the crew, inside the Submarine, lived in close contact: after descending from the ladder, you will be able to visit the mess, the bunks, the captain’s room and the machinery.
Not recommended for those with claustrophobia.
The route inside the Museum is well organized; there are arrows on the floor indicating the direction to follow.
As mentioned earlier, you can climb on replicas of the boats and imagine what life might have been like back then. Such as boarding a 40-meter-long Galea from the 1600s on which to explore how the crew lived on board.
In the emigration section, a facsimile of the boarding ticket, dated September 1922, and passport is also issued. Truly exciting!
Galata Sea Museum: hours and tickets
Hours – open daily 10am-7pm from March to October; 10am-6pm from November to February on weekdays and 10am-7pm on holidays, closed on Mondays.
Ticket – 17.00 euros full, 12.00 euros reduced (7/17 years old), free (0/6).
The ticket includes a visit to the Galata+Submarine.
Tickets can be purchased on the official website or directly at the ticket office.
Genoa City Card
Wanting to visit other Museums in Genoa, it is convenient to purchase the “Genoa Museums Card” where public transportation is also included.
Galata Sea Museum with children: how long to stay and what age to go
The visit to the Galata Museo del Mare, depending on the age of the child, could last from 2h30 to 3h30. With my 3 1/2 year old daughter, we spent a good two hours and she had a great time however to best appreciate the visit I think the child should be at least 7/8 years old.
Access to the Submarine is allowed for ages 4 and up.
It is safe to walk around with a stroller and changing tables for toddlers can be found in the bathrooms.
Galata Museo del Mare: how to get there and where to park
The Galata Museo del Mare is located in the Porto Antico area at Calata De Mari Ansaldo, 1, a short walk from the Genoa Aquarium. Click on the link to see where to park.
Galata Sea Museum: where to sleep
Nh Collection – It is located right next to the Aquarium, in a spectacular location overlooking the marina. Family rooms are available and the child, if sleeping in the same room as the parents, up to 12 years of age is free. Book here.
What to see in Genoa
3. Boccadasse
Genoa travel guide for children
