National Museum of the Romanian Navy
About National Museum of the Romanian Navy
The National Museum of the Romanian Navy follows the history of navigation on the lower Danube and the Black Sea, from the Greek ships of Tomis to today's fleet. It was founded in 1969 on the basis of a core of items gathered at Mangalia from 1965, and it comes under the Romanian Naval Forces Staff.
The museum occupies the former Naval School building (Școala de Marină) on Strada Traian, a Category A historic monument. The permanent exhibition covers some 10,000 m² and is arranged chronologically in four eras: ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary.
What you can see
The first rooms have relief maps, casts after the metopes of Trajan's Column, models of Greek and Roman ships, anchors and amphorae, among them one found in the Black Sea at a depth of 40 m. The Middle Ages are represented by a fresco dedicated to Mircea the Elder, a stained-glass window of Stephen the Great and a 10 m dugout boat from the 15th century, a hollowed oak trunk found in the bed of the Crișul Alb.
The modern era begins with the facsimile of the 1793 charter for the ships of Wallachia, with its miniatures, and with the model of the ship "Marița", which sailed from Sulina for Constantinople in 1834. Further on are uniforms, flags, weapons, navigation instruments, lighthouse lenses, marine engines and parts of the submarine Delfinul.
Good to know
The museum has been closed to visitors since 14 July 2025: the building suffered damage to its load-bearing structure, and the general consolidation works are estimated to take 18 months. The large exhibits, such as the dugout boat, the lens of the Tuzla lighthouse and the torpedoes, have been left packed in place. The smaller Mangalia branch receives visitors.
Information verified on 31 October 2026.
- The 10 m dugout boat from the 15th century, a hollowed oak trunk found in the bed of the Crișul Alb.
- The model of the ship "Marița", which sailed from Sulina for Constantinople in 1834, carrying grain and a Romanian crew.
- The hand-made facsimile of the 1793 charter for the ships of Wallachia, framed by miniatures.
- Parts of the submarine Delfinul: the diesel engine and the depth gauges.
- The 2nd-century Roman amphora, raised from the Black Sea at a depth of 40 m, with mutton fat still inside.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Bucharest it is ~225 km on the A2 motorway, about two and a half hours. The museum is in the centre of Constanța, on Strada Traian, ~1.7 km by car from Piața Ovidiu and ~4 km from Constanța railway station.
- Where to park
The museum has no car park of its own; park on the surrounding streets, in the paid zone of the centre. Pay at the meter, by SMS or in the city's parking app.
- Rules
Do not touch the exhibits. Guided visits are also available, in Romanian or English.
- Facilities
guided tours in Romanian and English · audio guide · shop with books and souvenirs · conference hall
Frequently asked questions about National Museum of the Romanian Navy
How long does a visit to National Museum of the Romanian Navy take?
A visit to National Museum of the Romanian Navy takes about 1 – 1½ hours (estimate).
Can you visit National Museum of the Romanian Navy with kids?
Yes, National Museum of the Romanian Navy is suitable for children (models, weapons, anchors).
Where can I park at National Museum of the Romanian Navy?
There is paid parking at National Museum of the Romanian Navy (city centre, paid). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to National Museum of the Romanian Navy?
National Museum of the Romanian Navy is located at Strada Traian 53A, Constanța, Constanța County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit National Museum of the Romanian Navy?
The best season for National Museum of the Romanian Navy: All year round (indoors, all year round).
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