Nauticus

Nauticus is an attraction located in Norfolk, Virginia, just a short distance away from Virginia Beach. Found on One Waterside Drive, Nauticus is conveniently located and very fun to see in person. It is interesting to children and adults alike. This attraction is an assemblage of science and technology exhibits. Many of the center’s exhibits are interactive. Here, people can learn about the economic and naval power of the sea. Nauticus is also home of the Battleship Wisconsin. Not only does the center collect many exhibits that relate to the original USS Wisconsin, but it also has the BB-64 live and in living color. This was the original ship used in the Pacific Theater of World War II, the Korean War, Navy reserve fleets and Operation Desert Storm. She “retired” in 1991 and earned six battle stars. On April 16, 2010, a formal ceremony took place, showing that the Battleship Wisconsin was now the legal property of the City of Norfolk. Now visitors can enjoy hands-on exhibits of the ship, HD films, sharks and other nice features. The museum is larger than it might appear to be. Visitors are told to plan for at least two hours of visiting, if not more, while touring the center and the third floor of the Nauticus. If you want to explore the entire Battleship Wisconsin then make plans to stay at least 3-4 hours! There are many educational programs on-hand including field trips, outreach programs, science camps and science adventures. Visitors can look forward to watching an HD film at the Nauticus Theater. The screen is 50 x 24 and uses a Christie CP2000 digital High Definition DLP projector. In fact, there is only one such display device in the entire tri-state area! Permanent exhibits at the Nauticus include the Jamestown Exposition, an examination of the period between 1880 and 1907, Secrets of the Deep, which has an actual submersible unit and a robotic arm, and an SOS Station, which simulates being suspended in orbit 22,000 miles above earth. The Horseshoe Crab Cove offers children the chance to touch exotic sea animals. There are many permanent and visiting exhibits at Nauticus.