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Nauticus reopens with new exhibits after $21.5 million project

The grand reopening features new classroom areas, interactive exhibits, reimagined visitor spaces and an enhanced atrium.

NORFOLK, Va. — A reimagined Nauticus opens to the public this weekend, as part of a $21.5 million project.

The grand reopening features new classroom areas, interactive exhibits, reimagined visitor spaces and an enhanced atrium.

Visitor Anna Turner described the new space as “amazing,” telling 13News Now, “[It’s a] wonderful display of water, sailing. I haven’t even gotten to the second half.”

Turner attended with her daughter, Laura Renegar, and granddaughter. Renegar added, “It’s great for all ages."

Cat Taterway, Nauticus associate director of marketing, says the investment in changing the museum is one staff have been excited to share with the community.

“This was a many-year project that took lots of planning and took lots of thought,” Taterway explained. “We’re finally here and saw it come to life.”

The celebration lines up with Veteran’s Day, which Taterway said is a nod to our area’s maritime and military history, as well as those who have served our nation.

“We’re the home to Battleship Wisconsin, so we love to honor our veterans and our military members as much as we can,” she said. “With 'Heart of the Navy' being one of the new exhibits, it was really perfect timing to honor the military this weekend.”

“Heart of the Navy” joins the interactive exhibits “Design, Build, Sail,” and “Our Port,” which explores our area’s maritime connection. The “Aquiticus” and “Norfolk In Time” exhibits opened last year.

The grand opening celebration lasts through the weekend. Tickets are $5 online in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets include admission to the Battleship Wisconsin.

Nauticus hours this weekend are:

Saturday, November 9:10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 10:12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Food pop-ups will also be onsite: 
Saturday, November 9 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.): It Can Be Coffee and O's Donuts
Saturday, November 9 (12 p.m. – 3 p.m.): Cast Iron Catering Co. and Pelican Pizza

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