There a number of maritime museums across the world, many of them specialising in a particularly area of maritime or naval history. Maritime museums are frequently located in cities and towns that have had a significant role in maritime history, for example Portsmouth is home to a few maritime museums, most notably Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Many maritime museums located in docks where moored ships and other vessels are then opened up for public viewing, allowing people to see the interior of working vessel, or one with particular historic significance. For example the USS Wisconsin is a ship which saw active service in the Second World War, the Korean War and the Gulf War which has been moored and opened up to the public as a museum. A number of decommissioned battle ships have been converted into maritime museums by the US Navy.
The primary focus of many maritime museums is the preservation of ships, especially those which have played an important historical role. Many ancient ships are preserved in maritime museums and ships in good condition can act as maritime museums themselves. For example HMS Victory, which was Lord Nelson’s flagship during the battle of Trafalgar, acts as a maritime museum and a great deal of time and money is invested to ensure it remains in good condition.
Many maritime museums that are located in docks will organize displays for various ships, and certain famous ships will dock there for a limit amount of time allowing members of the public to view them.