There are relics around the world that have served an important purpose in history, one of which being navy vessels. What sets these leviathans apart from other historical relics is the opportunity for hands-on interaction. Said interaction is triggered by every step we take above or below deck that takes us back in time. Museum ships usually have played an important role throughout history, leading people to still dedicate time, money, and labor in keeping their glory alive. These are the floating museums of the world.

H.M.S. Victory – Portsmouth, England

The H.M.S. Victory was laid down in 1759 and launched six years later, but did not gain fame until the turn of the century, as she was Admiral Lord Nelson’s flagship during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Today, it is the oldest active naval ship in the world. Now you can visit her at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard where she has remained on dry dock since 1922. There are other ships to visit there as well.

U.S.S. Constitution – Charleston, Massachusetts

The Charleston Navy Shipyard is where one can find the United States Navy’s oldest active vessel, nicknamed “Old Ironsides” in the aftermath of her infamous victory over British forces on August 19th, 1811. She has since sailed around the world from the Mediterranean to the Panama Canal, was a naval trainer during the American Civil War, and was even re-purposed as a naval barrack.

Today you can step inside the famous ship and learn more about its history through the many hands-on exhibits.

Mikasa – Yokosuka, Japan

The last remaining pre-dreadnought battleship in the world, the Mikasa actually began life in Barrow-in-Furness, England, where she was built and commissioned. Named after a mountain in Japan, her career spans from involvement in the Russo-Japanese War (including the famous Battle of Tsushima), to World War I and the Russian Civil War. Following the signing of the Washington Naval Treaty, which limited naval construction and ship tonnage, she was decommissioned and converted to a museum ship. Despite years of neglect, she has been fully restored to her heyday glory. The ship is situated in Mikasa Park where she is open every day of the year except for the last four days of December.

Aurora – St. Petersburg, Russia

It is said to be the cruiser that sparked a revolution, as a blank shot signaled the workers, soldiers and sailors of St. Petersburg to storm the czar’s palace. It even served in the same battle as the aforementioned Mikasa and in both world wars. Her guns were dismantled during the Siege of Leningrad, during which she sustained heavy damage. Following the war, she had been restored as a monument and later as a museum ship. She is currently anchored on the Neva River where you can visit her from the hours of 11 A.M. to 6 P.M., every day except Mondays and Fridays.

U.S.S. Missouri – Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

The  “Mighty Mo” began life at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in the midst of WWII. The third navy ship to honor the state of Missouri, her career spans from WWII, during which her crew witnessed Japan’s formal declaration of surrender, all the way through to Operation Desert Storm.

Following its service in the Persian Gulf, the ship returned to Hawaii where she was eventually decommissioned and turned into a floating museum. You can now visit its exhibitions, such as the crew’s room and Korean War Exhibit. There are also interesting events for the public, such as the End of WWII Commemoration Ceremony.