Palma's Seafaring Museum Reopens After Renovation

After almost two years of closure, the museum beneath Palma's cathedral has reopened its doors. Modern exhibits, shipwreck finds, and an inclusive concept invite visitors.

Finally, a Look Inside Again: Palma's Seafaring Museum Is Open

Yesterday afternoon, as the sun still blew warm from the sea and a few tourists with cameras wandered through the narrow streets of the old town, Palma's Seafaring Museum reopened its doors. The building sits unmistakably below the cathedral — you notice it when you stroll over the Plaça de la Seu and then descend the stairs.

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What visitors can expect now

From the renovation plans, a calm, modern exhibition has emerged: five rooms with different focuses, short videos, listening stations, and a dedicated education space for school classes. There are display cases with model sailing ships, old navigational instruments and, what is exciting, some rare finds from underwater excavations. Small text panels tell the stories behind them — from sunken merchant ships to everyday objects from seafaring.

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Accessibility appeared to be at the top of the list: wide paths, ramps, tactile guides, and audiovisual offerings for people with visual or hearing impairments. I noticed that this does not just feel added on, but part of the concept — the museum feels open, not like an old-fashioned display case.

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Practical information for visitors

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission is free, so simply drop by — ideal after coffee on Passeig del Born or a stroll along the promenade. Those who prefer it quieter should come in the morning; around midday it becomes a bit livelier when tour groups arrive.

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For families and school groups there is a small, well-used educational area. Guided tours and special programs are expected to be announced in the coming weeks; best to check the museum's website or call beforehand.

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A Place Between History and Everyday Life

The beauty of this museum is that it does not pretend to stage grand seafaring romance. Rather, it shows tools, finds, and stories related to the island's everyday life. You leave the rooms with a sense of having understood a little more — about trade, accidents, and life by the sea.

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So, next time you are in Palma: go downstairs, take a look. It is a nice, quiet discovery beneath the cathedral, fitting into a half-day.