Today, we’re exploring the Pirate & Treasure Museum! This unique museum lets you relive the Golden Age of piracy. Owned by Pat Croce, former owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, the museum has the world’s largest collection of authentic pirate artifacts.
Disney Imagineering helped design the exhibits, including an immersive sound experience of Blackbeard’s last battle.
You’ll also see the last remaining pirate chest and one of only three 17th-century Jolly Rogers. Let’s dive into this fascinating adventure!
Address: 12 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, United States
The Entrance and Saint Augustine’s Famous Pirates
As you enter the Pirate & Treasure Museum, you’re greeted with displays showcasing Saint Augustine’s most famous pirates.
The exhibits feature various artifacts collected over the years, providing a glimpse into the lives of these notorious figures.
The entrance fee is around twenty dollars, but it’s worth every penny. Sometimes, there are discounts available, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or check online for tickets.
The first room introduces you to the pirates who roamed the waters around Saint Augustine.
The displays are rich with history and artifacts, giving visitors a sense of the pirate lifestyle. Each exhibit is carefully curated to provide educational and entertaining insights into the world of piracy.
The Captain’s Quarters and the Jolly Roger
Next, you step into the Captain’s Quarters. Here, you can see one of only three authentic Jolly Rogers that were flown on pirate ships.
This flag is different from what we see in movies but is an authentic piece of history. The quarters also feature displays that give you an idea of what life was like for a pirate captain.
The bedding and accommodations, although basic, were luxurious for a pirate.
One fascinating display includes recruitment letters from the King, used to gather crews for privateering and plundering enemy ships.
Another highlight is a section dedicated to pirate literacy, showing that even infamous pirates like Blackbeard read books. It’s a fun reminder for kids that reading is essential, even for pirates!
Interactive Experiences: Firing a Cannon and Blackbeard’s Last Stand
Moving on from the Captain’s Quarters, you reach the deck of a recreated pirate ship.
Here, you can engage with various interactive exhibits. One of the most popular is the cannon-firing experience, where you can simulate firing a cannonball at enemy ships.
The museum also features smell boxes, allowing you to experience the scents of a pirate ship, from gunpowder to rum.
A standout attraction is the below-deck sound experience of Blackbeard’s last battle, designed by Disney Imagineering.
This immersive exhibit lets you feel like you’re part of the dramatic final moments of Blackbeard’s life, complete with sound effects and storytelling.
The Execution Dock and Torture Devices
The museum also takes you through the darker side of piracy at the Execution Dock. Here, you can see documents from various governments detailing their efforts to capture and execute pirates.
The displays include declarations of death sentences and descriptions of the tortures inflicted on captured pirates.
One of the most chilling exhibits is a replica of a gibbet, a cage used to display the rotting bodies of executed pirates as a deterrent.
The dock also features interactive elements, such as drawers with additional information about pirate punishments and a talking head of Blackbeard recounting tales of the Golden Age of piracy.
The Treasure Room and Authentic Artifacts
In the Treasure Room, visitors can touch a 400-year-old treasure chest and view a collection of pirate treasures, including silver, gold, cups, and jewelry.
Each piece is labeled with its origin, providing a global perspective on pirate plunder.
One of the most significant artifacts is the last remaining pirate treasure chest in the world, fully assembled and on display.
The room also features items from various shipwrecks and sunken treasures, offering a glimpse into the riches pirates sought after during their voyages.
Pirates in Pop Culture
The museum also has a section dedicated to pirates in pop culture.
Here, you can see props and costumes from famous pirate movies and TV shows. Highlights include items from “The Goonies,” “Hook,” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.
This section is a fun way to see how the romanticized image of pirates has been portrayed in media over the years.
Visitors can also participate in a treasure hunt, searching for hidden skull and crossbones symbols throughout the museum.
Completing the hunt rewards you with a small prize, making it a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
The Gift Shop and Authentic Pirate Treasures
No visit to the Pirate & Treasure Museum is complete without a stop at the gift shop. Here, you can find a wide range of pirate-themed merchandise, including books, movies, flags, shirts, and hats.
The shop also offers authentic pirate gold and silver for purchase, though these come at a hefty price.
The gift shop is a perfect place to pick up souvenirs to remember your visit.
Whether you’re looking for a small trinket or a unique piece of pirate history, there’s something for everyone.
If you ever find yourself in Saint Augustine, Florida, be sure to visit the Pirate & Treasure Museum.
It’s right across the street from the fort and offers an unforgettable journey into the world of pirates. With its extensive collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and rich history, it’s an experience you won’t regret.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure, and make sure to leave a comment or become a member of our channel if you enjoyed this exploration of pirate history.
CC images by Bartokassualtdude94 and jared422