TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS
Something For Everyone
NEIL BROOKS & THE CALIFORNIA SEASCAPE
On exhibit through March 24, 2023
THE ART OF MARIE MCKENZIE
On exhibit through May 30, 2023
PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS
SEASCAPE GALLERY
Seascape masterpiece paintings by Dutch, English, and French artists from 1600 to 1850, as well as world-class ship models from the same time period.
EDWARD MARPLE
Edward Marple was one of the finest ship model makers to have ever lived. The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is honored to display Edward Marple's life's work in the form of all nine of the models that he crafted.
NELSON & TRAFALGAR
This exhibit tells the story of Admiral Lord Nelson and the famous Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The ship model of Mars (which played a role in the Battle of Trafalgar) is the Museum's largest model.
SAILORS AND PRISONERS
This exhibit features Prisoner of War Bone Models from the Napoleonic Wars, the era covering 1790 to 1815, created by French sailors who were captured by the British and imprisoned in England. CIMM boasts the second largest collection of this type of model in the United States.
Also on exhibit: woolie (embroidery), scrimshaw, and sailors tools.
ANCIENT ASIA
This gallery celebrates and examines the maritime world of Ancient Asia. It features the Korean Turtle Boat, which was successful in driving away the invading Japanese over 400 years ago; and the Chinese Treasure Ship of Admiral Zheng He, which first sailed in 1405.
NORTH GALLERY
This area features paintings and models during the time of the American Revolution. Also in this gallery is an exhibit of models from the American Civil War and how their innovation had an effect on the future of the Navies, as well as models and paintings of majestic Clipper Ships. This gallery also displays paintings depicting the dramatic adventures of fishermen sailing on the North Atlantic, as well as the sleepy northwest lumber ship docks.
PORT OF HUENEME
A fact-filled and interactive display of the Port of Hueneme, the largest commercial port between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
HISTORY OF NAVIGATION
Travel through the history of maritime navigation in the exhibit Finding Our Way. The exhibit features a touchscreen experience that allows visitors to scroll through advancements and inventions in navigation.
AGE OF EXPLORATION
Learn about explorers from around the globe and throughout history.
WHALES
Immerse yourself in the Museum's Whale Hall and learn about these magnificent creatures that we share the seas with.
LA JENELLE & SHIPWRECKS
SS Borinquen was a passenger liner which was built in the United States in 1931. After being requisitioned for troop transport service by the United States Army for World War II and continued service post war the ship was sold in 1949 and became the Arosa Star. After further sales and change in the cruise ship regulations, the ship was again sold and grounded as La Jenelle on the California coast in 1970. CIMM features many artifacts from the ship its collection.
THE CHUMASH
By 500 B.C., a seafaring civilization, known to us as the Chumash, prospered on the coast of the Santa Barbara Channel. Their villages stretched from present-day Malibu to Pasos Robles and were located on the Santa Barbara Channel coast, in the interior mountains, and on the Channel Island. At one time the nation probably boasted around 150 villages and up to 30,000 members. From birth to death, a reverence and connection with the natural world -- particularly the sea -- tied the many distinct tribes of the Chumash together.
BRENDA & GARY FARR GALLERY
Changing four to six times annually, this gallery highlights fascinating aspects of maritime culture and history and features local and visiting artists and collections in various exhibits. Upcoming exhibitions in 2023 include “Neil Brooks & The California Seascape."