The Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, Maryland, is a free museum inside Preble Hall on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy. Its two floors cover seapower, the development of the U.S. Navy, and the Academy’s role in educating officers; you’ll need to plan for the separate requirements to enter the grounds.
- Location: Preble Hall, on the U.S. Naval Academy grounds.
- Admission: Free; the museum is ADA accessible.
- Collection: More than 50,000 naval-history items.
- Typical hours: Open Wednesday to Monday; closed Tuesday
What does the Naval Academy Museum cover?
The Naval Academy Museum traces naval history through objects that show the development of seapower and the U.S. Navy, alongside the Academy’s work educating officers. The City of Annapolis identifies 1848 as the museum’s founding year.
Its collection includes more than 50,000 items, among them ship models, paintings, prints, uniforms, medals, weapons, manuscripts, flags, rare books, photographs, ship instruments, and personal memorabilia. The Henry H. Rogers Collection features wooden ship models dating from the 17th century as well as bone ship models. More than 6,000 naval prints make up the Beverley R. Robinson Collection.
The museum’s two-floor layout gives the collection room to move from broad themes in naval history to particular objects and crafts. Ship models and prints are especially substantial parts of its holdings, but the range also includes uniforms, swords, firearms, sculptures, and gear.
What are the Naval Academy Museum hours, admission, and entry rules?
The museum is free to visit and ADA accessible. It closes on federal holidays.
Opening hours
- Monday and Wednesday to Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Visitors over 18 must present valid photo identification, and Real ID requirements apply. If you do not have locally prepared DBIDS credentials or a Department of Defense credential, you must park outside the Academy and enter on foot through Gate 1.
Acceptable identification includes a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID, a U.S. passport or passport card, or an Enhanced Driver’s License issued by Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, or Washington. General public access is not permitted for non-U.S. citizens.
Gate 1 pedestrian entry is open 6 a.m.–8 p.m. from March 1 through October 31, and until 6 p.m. from November 1 through February 28. These are gate access hours, not museum opening hours. Since Sunday hours and entry requirements can affect your visit, check the official site before you go. The museum’s front desk number is 410-293-2108.
Where is the Naval Academy Museum?
The Naval Academy Museum is in Preble Hall on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. The Academy’s official visitor map marks the museum and the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center as separate destinations, so don’t assume that reaching the visitor center means you have reached the museum.
The museum is about an 11-minute drive from Village Inn Annapolis MD.
How can you pair the museum with a Naval Academy visit?
The museum’s collections offer a focused look at naval history within the institution associated with officer education. For a broader overview of campus entry and planning, the United States Naval Academy visitor access and planning guide covers the wider visit.
The Academy’s official map places the museum and Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at separate locations on the grounds. Account for the separate entry and access arrangements, and check current Academy visitor guidance before heading to Gate 1.
The museum is also in Annapolis, making it possible to combine a museum visit with time in the city.
The downtown Annapolis guide covers getting around and what to see in the city centre.
FAQs
Is the Naval Academy Museum free?
Yes. Admission is free, and the museum is ADA accessible.
Is the Naval Academy Museum open on Tuesdays?
Open Wednesday to Monday; closed Tuesday. No.
What can you see at the Naval Academy Museum?
The collection includes ship models, naval prints, uniforms, paintings, medals, manuscripts, and other objects. Its exhibits cover seapower, the U.S. Navy’s development, and the Naval Academy’s role in educating officers.
Do you need identification to enter the Naval Academy grounds?
Yes. Visitors over 18 need valid photo identification, and Real ID requirements apply. Check the Academy’s current access guidance for accepted identification and entry arrangements.