A museum located in the former fish-market on Harbour Road in Eyemouth, Eyemouth Maritime Centre tells the story of humankind afloat. At its core is a remarkable collection of international significance which comprises 400 boats and more than 300 models, most of which came from the former Exeter Maritime Museum that closed in 1996. These include ethnic, European coastal, day sailing and other historic craft from across the world and spanning many centuries.
Opened in 2007 and laid out in the form of an 18th frigate, the exhibition includes a growing a series of dioramas, including smuggling and smugglers, together with films and slide shows. The centre was visited by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2009.
Many of the craft are unique and are the last known examples of their kind anywhere in the world. Assembled over a period of 50 years, they represent the story of man's need to cross water for reasons of trade, fishing, emigration, war, pleasure and escape. Here the collection will be progressively restored and conserved. Under restoration at the entrance is Isambard Kingdom Brunel's steam-powered iron drag boat, Bertha, dating from 1834 and recorded on the National Historic Ships Register. An increasing number of vessels have been returned to the water along the Centre's own 100-m (328 -foot) pontoon.
The Centre includes a library and archive, which contains books, photographs and plans.
