"What we know is a drop, what we don't know is an ocean."
Gifts and Tasting
The International Mermaid Museum's eclectic gift shop has a wide ranging selection of apparel, books, toys, home decor, snacks, kites, cards, and housewares. In addition to many mermaid centric products there is also an area for Bigfoot and a place for pirates.
Perhaps most interesting is that guests over age 21 are allowed to sample Westport Winery's wines and Ocean's Daughter Distillery spirits while in the gift shop. After that visitors are allowed to tour the museum with a glass of wine or a cocktail in hand.
“Every time I slip into the ocean, it's like going home.”
Throne and Theater
From the moment you enter the museum you will have the sense that you are dropping into the sea as the blue walls envelope you. A crab pot chandelier lights the way to the mermaid throne designed for visitors to borrow a tail and pose for photos.
The museum experience begins in this room with the story of how the museum was created. The Seattle Mermaid Pod provided information on modern mermaid culture with a display on how to join the community.
The giant movie screen features five minutes of film of the world's most famous mermaid, Hannah Fraser. Her imagery takes your further into the underwater world where mermaids meet other creatures of the sea.
The difference between a Miracle and a Fact is exactly the difference between a mermaid and a seal.
Dive Into The Shipwreck
A little imagination as you enter our exhibition hall allows you to see the shell of our sunken ship. The anchor on the bow is your first clue as portholes line the hull. As you swim toward the stern you will find the fallen mast complete with tattered sailcloth. Once inside the ship you will find the helm surrounded by ship's trunks revealing the many treasures bestowed upon the museum. There are forty displays in this area linking mermaid mythology to ocean ecology.
Dive deep for the treasure that you seek.
Outdoor Art
From the giant Gray Sea sculpture by Yoseph Adams, made of recycled metal, and its surrounding plaza to the twin mermaid sculpture's by Jamie Walsh at the museum's entrance, art is a focus of both the museum and the winery resort. There is a photo scene for all ages to fit their faces in and a mermaid sculpture who can hold a bottle of wine.
Rainbows and mermaids are proof that imagination and beauty go hand in hand.
