This year, make “discovery” your mission. Mobile’s renowned museums are nothing short of phenomenal and captivating. Recently, a few of the city’s museums have opened extraordinary exhibits that transport you across international waters, take you into the past and blast you into the future all while keeping you engaged. Visit these museum exhibits before they leave the Port City and keep your eyes peeled for the openings of new ones.
Mobile Carnival Museum
Reunited and it feels so good! The Mobile Carnival Museum has reopened after closing for renovations earlier this year. Learn all about the origins of America's most vibrant celebration while viewing short films, Mardi Gras decor and regalia from years past. While you're there, pick up a few strands of beads and other souvenirs from Toomey's gift shop inside of the museum.
Mobile Museum of Art
2026 is going to be an amazing year for Mobile Museum of Art. In addition to the museum's newest exhibits, CRYPIC UNDER WING: Glass and Mixed Media by Rachel Wright, JUAN LOGAN: Without Stopping and Apollo’s Vuzumazulu: The Black Solarium, the museum will be showcasing four new exhibitions to kick off the new year. Stay tuned for more details!
History Museum of Mobile
In addition to being the home of countless artifacts detailing the origins of the Port City, the History Museum of Mobile will be featuring the "Sunken Treasures, Ancient Seas: Artifacts from the Deep" exhibit beginning January 23, 2026. Be mesmerized by various artifacts and mementos discovered from shipwrecks around the globe. While you're there, view the museum's newest exhibit, "Mobile in Mourning: Death Practices in the Victorian Era," to learn about traditional funeral and grief traditions that Mobile's previous residents practiced.
National Maritime Museum of the Gulf
Did you know that there's always more to learn about the Gulf Coast? The National Maritime Museum of the Gulf is currently showcasing a fascinating exhibit titled "Combat to Commerce: The History of the Ships that Have Sailed the Gulf of Mexico." This exhibit delves into the stories of 14 important ships that have explored the Gulf's waters. In summer 2026, the museum is opening the “Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo” exhibit, which will showcase the phenomenon that brings thousands of spectators to Dauphin Island. Lastly, NMMOG will be the home an immersive exhibit and statue dedicated to Mobile's very own Jimmy Buffett in September 2026.
Exploreum Science Center
The Exploreum Science Center is always keeping us on our toes! Check out “Tiny Titans: Hatching the Past" before it leaves on February 28, 2026. Learn about the life stages of dinosaurs, from egg to adult. While you’re there, snap a pic with the dinosaurs in the courtyard and check out the short films in the oh-so-amazing PCI Digital Dome Theater. On January 27, 2026, the "Galileo: The Science of Antiquity" exhibit will open. Fall in love with the philosopher's contributions to astronomy, physics and other scientific methods.
