PLAN YOUR VISIT
Explore sailing through exciting hands-on activities and exhibits that are fun for the whole family!
A personalized journey through six thematic areas begins with the selection of a boat. For sailors, they can select from one of seven on the screen; while those experiencing sailing for the first time will be given the option of a short quiz that will help them select a boat. For all, this boat will become their avatar throughout their museum experience, guiding them through the interactive elements, several of which will be specific to their selected boat.
The exhibit hall of the museum is divided into six thematic areas:
- Wind & Water
- The Making of a Sailor: Mental
- The Making of a Sailor: Physical
- Teamwork
- Competition
- Legends of Sailing: National Sailing Hall of Fame & America’s Cup Hall of Fame
Hours
Visitors should plan on a minimum of 45 to 90 minutes for their journey through the museum. The museum experience is self-guided, but we do offer private tours. Contact us for more information.
Admission
General admission tickets are available for purchase online or in-person. Discounted admission tickets must be purchased in-person. The museum is open 10 am to 5 pm daily. The last admission is 4:15 pm, to ensure visitors have time to enjoy their museum experience.
Ticket Type
Member
Adult
Senior (65+)/Military/College Student
Youth (11-18 years)
Child (10 and under)
Museums for All (purchase in-museum)
Ticket Price
Always Free!
$18.00
$15.00
$12.00
Always Free!
$2.00
Newport's Sporting Ticket
Experience Sailing, Cars and Tennis
Newport’s three sporting museums have a join-access ticket! Visitors and sports fans can visit The Sailing Museum, Audrain Automobile Museum and International Tennis Hall of Fame for the price of just two museum admissions, at $39 per adult.
Groups & Tours
The Sailing Museum and Hall of Fame is a great destination for school and youth groups. We also welcome family reunions, corporate retreats, club rendezvous and tour groups. Groups of 10 or more should contact us for a discounted price on their selected date and to organize the details of their visit. Upgrade your museum experience with a VIP guide or even a meet-and-greet with a Hall of Famer!
Contact us for more information and to make plans for your group!
© Katrina Zoe Norbom
Directions & Parking
The Sailing Museum and Hall of Fame is located on Thames Street, one of Newport's busiest downtown streets. Centrally located, the museum is a 10-minute walk from most of the shops, restaurants and attractions in town.
Street parking is available throughout the city, but be sure to read the signs hours for Resident Parking or Metered Parking is in place. There are also multiple paid lots in and around Newport, including two just across the street from the museum.
Harbor Shuttle
For those looking to avoid the traffic, park at the Newport Transportation Center, walk across the street to Perrotti Park and take the Harbor Shuttle to Ann Street Pier. The Ann Street Pier is located right behind the museum. Make a day of it with a hop-on hop-off ticket that connects several destinations around the Newport Harbor.
Seastreak Ferry
Experience the majesty of Narragansett Bay on your way to the charming New England enclave of Newport, R.I. Offering quick trips from Providence, Boston and more, Seastreak will spare you the traffic-jammed frustration and replace it with a relaxing and enjoyable cruise to Newport.
Jamestown Newport Ferry
The Jamestown Newport Ferry operates from May 21 through October 10 and has five Hop-On Hop-Off stops that include Jamestown, Rose Island Lighthouse, Fort Adams, Ann Street Pier and Perrotti Park. Take a quick one way trip across the bay or get round-trip tickets and beat the crowds in downtown Newport. The Sailing Museum is off Thames Street and the Ann Street drop off is right behind the building.
Accessibility
The museum is located across two floors. Elevator access is available and galleries are wheelchair accessible. Please ask any staff member for assistance.
Respectfully, strollers, bikes, scooters and skateboards are not permitted in the museum. Thank you for your understanding.
© US Sailing / Will Ricketson
Museum Rules & Policies
The museum experience is located across two floors. Elevator access is available and galleries are wheelchair accessible. Please ask any staff member for assistance.
- Strollers, bikes, scooters and skateboards are not permitted in the museum.
- Only service animals as defined under the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are allowed.
- No smoking is permitted in the museum or on the grounds.
- Please be courteous of others and refrain from making calls or using your cell phone on speaker in the museum.
- We encourage you to try all the interactive exhibits, but please do not touch the artifacts, artwork or exhibit cases.
For the security of our visitors, staff and collection of artifacts, the following are not permitted in the museum:
- Food, drink, e-cigarettes, backpacks/oversized bags, strollers and any other objects or possessions the staff deems potentially harmful to artifacts and other guests.
- Tripods and live video are not permitted in the galleries.
COVID-19 Precautions
- The Sailing Museum follows all local and CDC recommendations to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Based on regulatory guidance, we will continue making adjustments, which may change without notice.
- In addition to cleaning and disinfecting routines, the museum is equipped with UVC air purification systems throughout the building.
Photography is welcome, and encouraged! Please turn off your flash, and remember to tag us in your posts.
We could not do this without support!
Thanks to these amazing Founding Members and Donors.
Donors
Legends Circle
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Benefactor
Guardian
Supporter
Join in the Support...
We Can Build Together
Sailing has a long history, and a tradition that prepares and propels us to go forward. Each of us has learned valuable life lessons on the water, made relationships that last a lifetime and experienced the challenges, and joy, that come from sailing. This is a legacy we have the ability, and privilege, to pass on to others. The Sailing Museum will bring incredible people and inspiring stories from across the country into ONE place that is accessible to all.
Quick Links
The Sailing Museum & Hall of Fame
365 Thames Street
Newport, RI 02840
401.324.5761
info@thesailingmuseum.org