Where is Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum, Portsmouth, Virginia?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum is located in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA.It lies between the Elizabeth River and downtown Portsmouth, situated in the Hampton Roads area, and is famous for its naval history, shipbuilding exhibits, and maritime artifacts.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum Location Map, Portsmouth, Virginia

Where is Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum Located in Portsmouth, Virginia
About Map: The map showing location of Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum in the Portsmouth, Virginia in the United States.

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Top Attractions Inside Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum

  • Naval History Exhibits – Displays highlighting the shipyard’s 250+ years of maritime heritage.
  • Model Ship Collection – Detailed scale models showcasing historic naval vessels and submarines.
  • Civil War Naval Artifacts – Items and stories from the shipyard’s role during the Civil War era.
  • Shipbuilding Tools & Equipment – Historic tools demonstrating traditional naval construction methods.
  • Interactive Maritime Displays – Hands-on exhibits interpreting life and work at the shipyard.
  • Portsmouth Lightship Exhibit – Artifacts and information about the city’s historic lightship service.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum Facts

Official NamePortsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
LocationPortsmouth, Virginia, USA (Waterfront / Downtown Portsmouth)
Latitude & Longitude36.8352° N, 76.2983° W
Total AreaNot publicly specified (museum building + Lightship Museum + waterfront exhibits)
OpenedOriginally 1949 (as Shipyard Museum), re‑opened as Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum January 27, 1963 at 2 High Street
Founder / OriginsOriginally part of Norfolk Naval Shipyard heritage; preserved by the City of Portsmouth and local civic group Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum
Managed ByCity of Portsmouth (with support from Friends of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum)
RegionCoastal Southeastern Virginia / Hampton Roads
Address2 High Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA
Zip Code23704
Area Code757
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) - UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptNaval & Maritime History, Shipyard Heritage, U.S. Navy, Lightship History, Regional Waterfront History
Sections / AreasShipyard Museum Exhibits - Lightship Portsmouth Museum (historic lightship) - Waterfront Exhibit Area - Artifact & Memorabilia Galleries
Famous Exhibits / HighlightsArtifacts from 250+ years of shipyard / naval history; Historic lightship Lightship Portsmouth (built 1915); Uniforms, ship models, photographs, naval memorabilia, local maritime history
Annual VisitorsNot publicly specified (museum is among historic‐site attractions for Portsmouth residents and visitors)
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission (with occasional free admission) / Donation-based / Included with Lightship Museum
Ticket Price RangeUsually modest — museum notes “Admission to the Naval Shipyard Museum is free” per some sources (but donations encouraged) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Ticket OptionsSingle‑visit Museum Admission (includes Lightship Museum) - Group Visits - Educational & Volunteer Programs via Friends group
Best Time to VisitSpring to Autumn (warmer months, better for waterfront & lightship visit); check museum hours Wednesday–Saturday 10:00–16:00, Sunday 12:00–16:00; closed Monday, Tuesday :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Nearby AirportNorfolk International Airport (ORF) – ~15 miles (about 24 km) from Portsmouth, VA
TransportationCar (Water Street / High Street waterfront access) - Local bus / ferry / public transport (in Hampton Roads) - Walking along waterfront area
Official Websitehttp://www.portsmouthnavalshipyardmuseum.com/

Distances from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Museum to Nearby Landmarks

  • Strawbery Banke Museum – 1.2 km (0.7 mi)
  • Market Square – 1.0 km (0.6 mi)
  • Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse – 3.2 km (2 mi)
  • USS Albacore Museum – 6.5 km (4 mi)
  • Prescott Park – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Wentworth by the Sea Hotel – 2.8 km (1.7 mi)
  • Exeter River – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Pease International Tradeport – 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
  • Odiorne Point State Park – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • New Castle Historic District – 5 km (3.1 mi)