This maritime museum in southeastern Connecticut is a New England cultural legend, and for good reason. It boasts a rich collection of artifacts, a recreated 1800s village and historic whaling ships. Enduring favorites to observe include craftsmen using traditional techniques to restore historic ships in the preservation shipyard, and the intricately carved figureheads that once adorned the majestic vessels of days gone by.
There is, however, more to this classic destination than you might remember. Throughout the summer, a robust calendar of events means the seaport always has something new to offer: ferry trips to Block Island, a marathon 24-hour reading of Moby Dick, a model yacht regatta and more.
Thompson Exhibition Building, complete with flexible new gallery space and striking views of the Mystic River, is opening soon. Designed to bring a modern touch to the museum’s traditional New England architecture, this new building features a contemporary design with a sweeping, curvaceous roof inspired by nautilus shells and swelling waves.
