Mallorca’s Maritime Museum reopens its doors in September

The island Council resolves safety issues at the Museum's Palma Site and launches the first ever museographic project to showcase Mallorca’s maritime heritage.

The Council de Mallorca is preparing to reopen the Maritime Museum of Ses Voltes after a year and a half of closure. On Friday, July 25th, the Vice President of the Council de Mallorca and Councillor for Culture and Heritage, Antònia Roca, announced that the refurbishment of this museum space is already underway and is expected to reopen by the end of September. As Roca explained, “We’re putting an end to years of irregularities and safety issues, and for the first time, we’re launching a museographic project to highlight and tell the story of Mallorca’s maritime heritage.”

“It’s been more than three years since the museum was a safe space, but thanks to the work done in recent months, we’ve resolved a situation that endangered thousands of visitors every year,” Roca emphasized. She also noted that, from now on, “the museum will feature a new museographic project that ensures accessibility for everyone, with adapted spaces, inclusive resources, and a presentation of the content designed for all audiences.”

Vice President and Councillor Roca, together with the Director of the Maritime Museum of Mallorca, Albert Forés, visited the site on Friday to see the progress firsthand. This phase, Roca explained, is already the final stretch, as the safety measures have now been implemented: “The new smoke detection system has already been installed, ensuring a quick response in emergencies, and water is now connected to the fire hoses,” she added.

Roca confirmed that the Ses Voltes Maritime Museum is expected to reopen in September, fully equipped with all safety measures and the new museographic project: “The new exhibition project for the Maritime Museum of Mallorca is a firm commitment to innovation, inclusion, and the dissemination of maritime heritage. The exhibition will be spread across five exhibition halls and an educational space, with audiovisual resources offering visitors an immersive and enriching experience,” said the Vice President and Councillor.

The project is structured around three main themes: the preservation of both underwater and terrestrial maritime heritage, marine biodiversity, and the creation of a space for reflection and debate on contemporary issues related to the sea.

The main goal is to showcase Mallorca’s history through its connection to the sea and to create a meaningful link with visitors, helping them understand the maritime legacy as a fundamental part of the island’s identity.

The exhibition will be complemented by a rich collection of items from various fields: previously unseen archaeological pieces from underwater sites, naval models, and more. These materials will be accompanied by audiovisual content illustrating maritime trades and crafts.

The new exhibition project at the Maritime Museum of Mallorca stands out for its strong commitment to accessibility, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.

All written materials have been created using the Easy Reading system to aid comprehension. Moreover, the information panels have been validated by the CLARA Cognitive Accessibility Office, the Balearic coordinator for people with disabilities.

Each of the museum’s rooms is also equipped with Braille systems and QR codes linking to audio and sign language content, as well as hearing systems compatible with cochlear implants to support guided tours.

The physical design of the museum has been adapted with accessible doors to ensure entry for all, within a space declared a Cultural Heritage Site (BIC). Additionally, a new exterior signage project has been developed to clearly mark the museum’s location at Ses Voltes, increase its visibility, and improve accessibility.