Museum
Mercator (ship)
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The Mercator is a beautifully preserved three-masted barque launched in 1932, serving as Belgium's training ship for merchant navy cadets until 1960. Now permanently moored in Ostend's harbor, this floating museum invites visitors to explore its decks, cabins, and holds. You'll see the captain's quarters, the galley, and the cramped crew quarters, gaining insight into life at sea. The ship also houses temporary exhibitions on maritime themes. Its elegant silhouette against the North Sea makes it a striking landmark. A visit offers a tangible connection to Belgium's seafaring heritage and the chance to imagine the voyages that took this vessel around the world.
Don't miss
- Explore the ship's original living quarters, including the captain's cabin and crew's mess
- See the navigation instruments and charts used on historic voyages
- Climb up to the deck for panoramic views of Ostend's harbor
- Visit the temporary exhibition spaces in the hold
- Learn about the ship's role in training generations of Belgian sailors
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Mercator (ship)
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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