Custom House Maritime Museum
Explore Newburyport's rich maritime past through ship models, artifacts, and a fun kids' discovery room in an 1835 building.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Custom House Maritime Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Newburyport's rich maritime past through ship models, artifacts, and a fun kids' discovery room in an 1835 building.
"A hidden gem with a friendly staff, offering a fantastic immersion into a shipping world."
Free Winter Admission!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy free entry during winter months and explore two floors of exhibits. :star2:
Scavenger Hunt Fun
:magnifyingglasstilted_left: Participate in scavenger hunts and boat find pages for an interactive experience. :boat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Seaport Immersion
Exhibit Rooms
Explore fascinating ship models, artifacts, and documents detailing the area's rich maritime history.
Engaging Children's Discovery Room
Basement
A fun and educational space with pirate gear, a working lighthouse, and imaginative sea-themed activities.
Architectural Gem
The Building Itself
Appreciate the gorgeous 1835 building, a historic landmark with history in every step.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smooth Visit
Accessibility and Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Winter Admission!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy free entry during winter months and explore two floors of exhibits. :star2:
Scavenger Hunt Fun
:magnifyingglasstilted_left: Participate in scavenger hunts and boat find pages for an interactive experience. :boat:
Kid-Friendly Activities
:child: The basement discovery room offers pirate gear, a lighthouse, and imaginative play. :ship:
Docent-Led Tours Available
:speaking_head: Docents are happy to provide tours, or explore at your own pace. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Winter Admission!
:moneywithwings: Enjoy free entry during winter months and explore two floors of exhibits. :star2:
Scavenger Hunt Fun
:magnifyingglasstilted_left: Participate in scavenger hunts and boat find pages for an interactive experience. :boat:
Kid-Friendly Activities
:child: The basement discovery room offers pirate gear, a lighthouse, and imaginative play. :ship:
Docent-Led Tours Available
:speaking_head: Docents are happy to provide tours, or explore at your own pace. :walking:
Explore Downtown Newburyport
:citysunrise: Located downtown, perfect for combining with a stroll through the best part of town. :shoppingbags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Custom House Maritime Museum for its engaging exhibits, particularly the ship models and historical artifacts, and its well-curated children's discovery room. The reasonable admission price and free winter entry are significant draws, though the lack of an elevator can be a challenge for some.
"We enjoyed meandering around their three floors of exhibit rooms packed with information, memorabilia and art. The basement is a kids space, though none were there when we went in November but it is probably very busy in summer. Fun, educational things for them to do. The ship art and stories were fascinating. The docents were more than happy to do a tour but we preferred to walk around on our own. Navigating the stairs can be a bit difficult and there is no elevator."
L M
"What a great time at the Custom House last Saturday from 10-1!! A bouncy house drew my 3 year old grandson in on the back lawn which also had many child appropriate activities. A water table, fishing pond and and air hocket table turned into a sailboat racing river just to name a few!! Some great imagination went into this event which continues on Saturdays until September. The discovery room in the lower floor of the Custom House was open to explore. There you will find pirate gear, a lighthouse you can go in and operate the light and many other sea worthy adventures! Do not miss out on this hidden gem with a friendly staff."
Phyllis Nolan
"It was the best experience in my life visiting a Maritime Museum. This space is fantastic because you can see different kinds of old fashioned ships. In an immersion visiting a shipping world in the beginning of the foundation of Newburyport, you'll definitely love this experience that brings a fantastic history behind the exhibition."
Elaíne Cavalcante
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located right downtown in Newburyport, making it easily accessible. Parking information may vary, so it's advisable to check local parking options before your visit.
While the museum is downtown, specific parking availability can change. It's recommended to research public parking garages or street parking regulations in Newburyport prior to your arrival.
Yes, its central downtown location makes it easy to walk to from many shops, restaurants, and other points of interest in Newburyport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very reasonable. Notably, the museum offers FREE admission during the winter months, making it an accessible cultural experience year-round. +1
While specific discount programs aren't detailed, the museum's generally reasonable pricing and free winter admission make it a budget-friendly option. +1
Advance booking is generally not required for regular visits. However, for special events or group tours, it's always a good idea to check their website or call ahead.
Operating hours can vary, especially with seasonal events. It's best to check the official Custom House Maritime Museum website or their social media for the most up-to-date hours, particularly for special Saturday events.
The museum has three floors of exhibits, but please note that navigating the stairs can be difficult as there is no elevator. Visitors with mobility concerns should plan their visit accordingly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find three floors packed with exhibit rooms featuring ship models, artifacts, documents, ship art, and memorabilia that trace the area's history as a seaport. +1
Absolutely! The basement features a fantastic discovery room with pirate gear, a lighthouse you can operate, and many other sea-worthy adventures designed for imaginative play. +1
Most visitors find that about 30 minutes is sufficient for a visit, allowing time to explore the exhibits and the children's area.
Yes, docents are available and happy to provide guided tours if you prefer. Alternatively, you can enjoy exploring the exhibits at your own pace.
The museum offers interactive elements like scavenger hunts and boat find pages, which make the exploration even more exciting and engaging for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Custom House Maritime Museum primarily focuses on its exhibits and historical displays. There are no on-site dining facilities mentioned, but its downtown location offers many nearby restaurants.
Being located in downtown Newburyport, you'll find a variety of restaurants and cafes within easy walking distance, offering diverse culinary choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's generally recommended to check with museum staff upon arrival regarding any restrictions on photography, especially flash photography, to protect the artifacts.
The ship models, historical documents, and the building's architecture itself offer great photographic opportunities. The children's discovery room also provides unique, fun shots. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum has multiple floors, be mindful that there's no elevator, so navigating stairs with strollers or very young children might require some planning.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring the charming downtown Newburyport on foot, which is also free, and pack a picnic to enjoy in a nearby park. This allows for a full day of exploration and enjoyment without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Newburyport's Maritime Past
Travelers often rave about the fascinating ship art and stories that bring this history to life. The museum is well-curated, ensuring that each piece contributes to a cohesive narrative of maritime endeavors. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious about the sea, the Custom House Maritime Museum offers an educational and engaging experience that connects you to the past.
Family Fun in the Discovery Room
During summer Saturdays, the museum often hosts special events on the back lawn, featuring activities like a bouncy house, water table, and fishing pond, turning it into a lively hub for family entertainment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit