There are four floors of museum plus a rooftop view of the city and port. The bottom floor was about Christopher Columbus, exploration, models of Genova in the late 15th century and galleys (rowed vessels). There was a feature about Doria, a local Genovese, who became rich hiring out galley crews and vessels. There was a model life-sized galley to walk about in, much appreciated by primary school-aged children. The top floor was devoted to migration, including the mass exodus of Italians between 1861 (the unification of Italy) and post World War 2 to South America, the west Indies, and the US. (Quite a few came to Australia too but that didn't get a mention.) There were life-size examples of rooms on emigrant ships, interactive examples of entry to the US at Elliot Island, and depictions of life for the emigrants in other countries. There was also a section on 21st century immigration.We missed a couple of floors because we were too tired by that stage. We enjoyed this museum as adults but families were obviously enjoying the museum too: something for everyone.
Excellent museum, a very pleasant morning. Four floors, airy exhibits well spaced out and many with English interpretations. Several walk on displays of Ships. Many paintings. Many models. Cafe on first floor good for half time break. Also submarine is extra but definitely worth it. There are less English information plaques in the submarine but it's mostly self explanatory. Small children might not appreciate it it as much as older students but for middle aged couple, lovely morning. This is almost the only part of Genoa we found interesting, the rest was grubby and covered in graffiti. So definitely plan on stopping here but not for days, more like one or two.
In this new, modern museum you can discover more about immigration in the 1800's, Christopher Columbus, navigation, etc. You can also enter into real submarine and the rooftop is amazing for taking pictures of the entire city.
We planned to spend a morning here but there was so much to see and it was such an informative and interesting place it took the most part of a day. Thoroughly enjoyable and I would highly recommend it.
We spent an entire day here with the four kids, and after having seen so many churches in museums in Genoa,this was a welcome break for all of us. As advertised, the place is huge, and has something for everyone of all ages. My only minor complaint is the price, which came out to over €100 for a family of six, but then I realize a place like this must have a lot of running costs.given the price, you do want to allow an entire day here, but then there is plenty to keep you busy. Don't miss the dolphin feeding shows, there are two of them at different times, and you might want to do one from the top floor above water level, and then view the second one from below the water level downstairs. Totally different experiences for the same event… :-)
The obvious glory of this museum is the reconstructed classic Genoese galley on the ground floor but the real star attractions th top floor devoted to the experience of some 2 million Italians who emigrated in the late nineteenth centuries from their harsh live as peasants for a new life in the USA, Argentina and elsewhere in the Americas.
Well worth a visit, nice aquarium but original galleon ship is fantast worth an hour roaming around the galleon and nice view of harbour. Cafe's all along the front near aquarium.
especially as representations that the old ships and objects from the former time are impressive. The best we liked the presentation of the immigrants who fled to America in 1900. Quite simply stunning and really very well done. My daughter is determined to keep this museum for a long time in remembrance. We have rarely seen such a successful museum.
It is huge, you need like 2-3 hours to see everything. It's beautiful, super interesting, very well organized. A very complete museum with a lot of interesting info from the Cristoforo Colombo era. Just pay for the museum, there is a submarine that you have to pay a little more, but it is NOT worth it, it takes less than 4 minutes to see everything.. Museum-worth visiting!Submarine-not worth visiting
I visited this museum in February. This is the best maritime museum that I have ever been too. It is informative and interactive. Everything is in Italian but that doesn't make the experience any less fun. I have been there twice and I plan on going again the first opportunity I get.