In association with the Jules Verne Phantasical Society, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic invites you to explore the mysteries of the sea this March Break in 20,000 Leagues Under the Museum!

Families can explore and take photos in our diorama featuring Captain Nemo’s famous submarine Nautilus. Venture into aquatic stations featuring underwater archaeology and participate in interactive stories of Nova Scotia’s shipwrecks with virtual technology.

Learn how to send messages to far-away places with help from the Halifax Amateur Radio Club as they teach you about Morse code.  Examine curious sea creatures courtesy of the Museum of Natural History collection. Plus, our gigantically popular and huge Kraken is now back!

We’ll also have lots of ocean adventure activities and crafts for you to “sea and do”. Enter our daily draw for best costume and pick up your ballot at the admissions desk. So get ready, check your closets, and put on your favorite diving helmet and flippers for a fantastic journey with us!

Activities daily from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, except Sunday, March 13 and 20 where activities are from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Monday, March 14, we will be open! (please note other times where noted)

Captain Nemo’s Nautilus (Days of Sail Gallery, second floor)

The Jules Verne Phantastical Society presents their Captain Nemo’s famous submarine from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. A fun, interactive diorama that is a terrific photo op for kids of all ages. If you’re not arriving dressed up, try out one of our fantastic underwater costume creations! Members of the Society will be around on various days to discuss Jules Verne’s huge influence on how we understand the World’s oceans (call ahead to confirm).

Curator Christo’s Curio Cabinet (Second Floor link to Days of Sail Gallery)

Roll up, roll up families and children of all ages and feast your eyes on a remarkable collection of curious seas creatures that are part of the collection of the Museum of Natural History. Presentations are on the hour and half hour.
Nearby, you’ll find a famous marine monster from a 3-D horror film from the 50s…can you guess what it is?

Treasures of the Deep (Shipwreck Treasures exhibit, second floor)

Learn about Nova Scotia’s wrecks in a hands-on underwater archaeology program. You’ll also get to see some rare diving gear inspired by Jules Verne’s vivid descriptions.

Stories of the Seven Seas (Small Craft Gallery)

You can literally try your hand (or two) at creating your own tales of the sea using our fun puppet theatre. There are plenty of characters to choose from so you can let your imagination set sail.

Wreck Diving (Temporary Exhibit Gallery, main floor)

Have some fun and play time as you explore the “wreck” of the SS Lunn. There will be some chances for climbing the rigging and sword fights but beware Octavia, the fearsome Kraken and her tentacles that could give you a hug you’ll never forget! Adult supervision required at the play zone.

Exploring the Virtual Sea (Temporary Exhibit Gallery, main floor)

Visit our mini submarine, the SS Gully and use spectacular virtual technology to explore a 3D seascape. You never know what might swim by your periscope so keep a close watch! There will also be an engaging marine mural with plenty of fish to play with by the SS Gully for our younger visitors.

Deep Sea of Imagination: Craft Tables (Small Craft Gallery)

Float on over to the Small Craft Gallery, enjoy Halifax’s Harbour front and create your own submarine view of the deep blue ocean. Between 10:00 and 3:00 craft supplies and paper plates will be provided for children and their families to craft their own submarine porthole. Visitors are welcome to create a wondrous underwater scene from their own imagination and frame within paper plates. 

Merlin’s Mystery Message Daily Draw (ballot drop off box in the Robertson Store)

Merlin, the Museum’s Macaw, was so excited about exploring 20,000 leagues Under the Museum, he has left a secret message to decode! By searching for all 14 hidden clues, marked by a picture of himself, visitors can uncover his mystery message. After the message has been completed, use your answer sheet as a ballot entry for a chance to win a daily prize. Draw occurs each day at 3:30 pm.

Sounds Across the Sea…. (Age of Steam Gallery, second floor)

Join members of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club (HARC) for demonstrations of Morse code, one of the most important scientific developments in marine history. You can even try sending messages using a cool new computer program created by the members of HARC. (call ahead to confirm).

Daily activities from 10 am to 3 pm, except for Sunday, March 13 (remember Daylight Savings Time) and Sunday, March 20 where activities will be from 1 pm to 3 pm. We will be open on Monday, March 14 from 9:30 am to 5 pm for March Break week only!