Our busy Learning Department provides learning opportunities for all ages and abilities in the purpose-built Stavros Niarchos Foundation Learning Centre classroom and laboratory. School visits, CPD for teachers, family learning and more!
The Mary Rose Museum houses the wreck of King Henry VIII’s flagship alongside thousands of original Tudor objects reflecting all levels of Tudor life. There are two ways to experience the museum:
This completely teacher-led visit allows schools freedom to explore the museum and discover the story of the Mary Rose. Start with the 1545: When their world ended immersive sinking experience. See thousands of real Tudor artefacts and learn about life on board ship in 1545. STEM links include the excavation and raising of the hull, conservation science and the evidence from human remains found on board.
Enter the Mary Rose Museum through our private school entrance. Our team provides a 10-minute introduction to the Mary Rose Museum with an opportunity to ask questions. Glimpse behind the scenes at our reserve collection of artefacts not on show to the public. This option helps teachers to orientate themselves in the museum and prepares them to lead their class around the galleries with confidence.
A fun practical STEM activity investigating why the Mary Rose sank. Was the ship unstable or overloaded? In small teams, load plastic models with weights to test your theories.
As a class try our tipping ship challenge.
Discover life above and below decks on King Henry VIII’s favourite warship.
Handle a wide range of replica artefacts to investigate how differently the officers and crew lived, worked and played at sea.
Dressing up for all with our replica Tudor clothing – bring the camera for a brilliant photo opportunity for the whole class!
Work with real and replica artefacts to investigate Tudor materials and their properties.
Were they fit for purpose?
How do they compare with modern materials?
Use digital microscopes to compare sample materials and see them in high definition!
Dispel some of those myths about Tudor life using evidence from the Mary Rose skeletons. A series of hands-on activities is designed to answer the question: Are we fitter and healthier than our Tudor ancestors? Pupils will discover the impact of work, diet and exercise on the crew and the officers.
Two-part challenge:
Why did the Mary Rose sink and why is she so significant? Engage in a genuine debate comparing conflicting primary sources on the sinking of the ship before voting for the most likely theory.
Handle mystery replica artefacts. What does this amazing collection reveal about Tudor life?
Why did the Mary Rose sink?
Was the ship unstable or overloaded?
Were there other factors?
Test predictions relating to stability and load-bearing capacity of models. Use the scientific evidence to support or refute the theories.
Discover the evidence from the Mary Rose including artefacts, human remains and the latest scientific research.
Compare medicine in 1545 and today before trying some role play using costumes and props based on jobs on board. Will the Surgeon kill or cure his patients?
Meet a member of the Museum Management Team.
Suitable for students studying:
Entrance to the Mary Rose Museum is through the main gate of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Bags may be searched.
On arrival, make your way to the Mary Rose Museum. You may wish to visit the toilets in Boathouse 7 on route or use the toilets outside the Mary Rose Museum to the right of the main door. The Museum is 10 minutes’ walk from the main visitor entrance. Appropriate clothing should be worn in bad weather.
Please ensure that your pupils are supervised at all times. Teachers and adult helpers are free. Please make museum staff aware of any particular special needs to ensure we can give extra assistance where applicable.
The museum operates a one-way visitor route over three floors. This involves use of lifts and/or stairs. All areas can be accessed by lifts and ramps. A floor plan of the Museum for reference along with key areas to explore is included in this pack.
The aim is that visitors of all ages enjoy the experience of being in the museum:
The museum is a very dark environment. It is lit dramatically to show the artefacts to their best advantage and to ensure that they do not suffer damage from the light.
You may wish to be aware that human remains are displayed on the lower and upper decks of the museum. The content of some displays e.g. the Surgeon may upset particularly sensitive children.
Due to the size and layout of the museum, children are at risk of getting lost if they stray from their group. Please strongly advise children to stay with their group. If they are lost or you realise someone is missing, inform a Museum Team Member who will activate our lost child procedure.
Museum Team Members are in uniform and wear identification badges. Mary Rose lanyards and badges are worn by staff in non-uniform. Approach anyone with any questions or concerns. They will be happy to help you or direct you to the appropriate place for help.
In order to ensure that all our visitors enjoy their visit to the full, please ensure that your pupils:
In the very unusual circumstance of groups or individuals behaving in an offensive or unreasonable manner, the Museum reserves the right to ask you to leave the site.
You will be met on arrival at the museum entrance. For later sessions, please arrive at the door to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Learning Centre (at the back of the Mary Rose Museum) 5 minutes before your workshop begins unless directed otherwise.
Coat and bag storage is available in the Learning Centre for groups who have booked workshops. However, we cannot take any responsibility for loss or damage to personal belongings. Please advise pupils to bring as little as possible and no valuable items.
We are very happy to accommodate SEND pupils. Just let us know how we can help.
Two emergency toilets are available in the Learning Centre for those undertaking workshops. Please make use of the main facilities outside at the front of the museum or in the Upper Deck gallery for whole group toilet breaks.
Toilets are available just outside the main Museum entrance and inside the Museum on the upper floor. Accessible toilets are located in the Learning Centre, in Reception and just outside the Museum.
A shared space for visiting schools in Boathouse 7 is available for children to eat their lunch. Visitors are not permitted to eat their own packed lunch in the Museum Cafe. Please note – this facility is approximately a 5 minute walk from the Museum. Alternatively, there are places to sit outside in fine weather.
The shop stocks pocket-money items. Please encourage pupils to move around the shop in small groups and have their money ready at the till. ‘Goody bags’ are also available to pre-order if time is tight.
We value feedback on visits. You and your pupils may be asked to fill in evaluation forms to help us to monitor our work.
Everything you need to know when planning your visit to the Mary Rose
Get your students some pre-knowledge of the Mary Rose with these downloadable pupil's guides
