Page 238 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΣ 2024

MISSION TO GENOA

list at a steep angle, taking on huge amounts of
water. The angle of the list meant that half of the
ocean liner’s lifeboats could not be lowered into
the water, leading to the unfortunate loss of life.
However, the ship would stay afloat for 11 hours
after the collision, before eventually sinking, giving
time to the crew to organise its abandonment in
coordination with other vessels that had rapidly
responded to the distress call. 46 lives were lost
due to the collision, but 1,660 passengers and
crew were rescued, making the accident one of
history’s largest and most remarkable rescue
operations at sea.
The museum’s display underlines the importance
of the “Andrea Doria” to the Genoese maritime
community while also showcasing the heroic
efforts of the ship’s captain and crew during
the accident and the international media atten-
tion the collision garnered. Several displays are
arranged at an angle to simulate the dramatic tilt
of the vessel after its fateful collision.

A maritime museum for all
Admittedly, any attempt to showcase the centu-
ries-long maritime history of such a significant
port city like Genoa would rightfully be consid-
ered a challenging task. However, the Galata
Museo del Mare rises to the challenge: thanks to
its carefully planned exhibition and its impressive
Part of the the economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s, and collections of original material, it does an impres-
exhibition the entrance to a new era of globalisation and a sive job of showcasing the maritime greatness
dedicated to the worldwide economy. As with other parts of the of Genoa throughout the ages. From medieval
ocean liner
“Andrea Doria”. museum, this room includes the reconstruction of times to the Age of Steam and beyond, Genoa’s
a commercial steamship’s bridge and deck, com- Maritime Museum offers visitors an extraordi-
plete with galleries that showcase 20 ship models nary journey through the city’s long and complex
of various types. history, as told through its people: resourceful
After completing the third floor, visitors can access shipowners, daring seafarers, and hopeful emi-
the fourth and final floor of the museum, where 54 grants are part of the rich tapestry of Genoa’s
maritime-themed paintings from the Paolo Clerici maritime heritage.
Foundation are displayed. Due to the building’s Making no distinction between naval (war) history
glass exterior, the visitor can alternate between and commercial shipping, the museum creates
taking in panoramic views of Genoa from above the conditions for visitors to explore and discover
and admiring the collection’s paintings. Genoa’s maritime past and present. With life-size
Last but not least, the area that gives access to reconstructions of vessels or interactive experi-
the museum’s open-air terrace is dedicated to ences in every corner, Genoa’s maritime museum
the story of the famed luxury ocean liner “Andrea manages to make history accessible, appealing,
Doria”. Built by the Ansaldo Shipyards of Genoa, and engaging to every age group. Especially for
the “Andrea Doria” was launched in 1951, with her first-time visitors to Genoa, spending time in the
maiden voyage commencing on 14 January 1953. museum will help them understand the city’s
The ship was considered the largest and fastest unique and centuries-long connection to the sea.
Italian vessel at that time. However, on its 25 July The Galata Museo del Mare is an institution that
1956 New York City–bound route, while approach- continually evolves, hosting numerous temporary
ing the coast of Nantucket, the eastbound passen- exhibitions, events, and initiatives that make the
ger liner “Stockholm” collided with the “Andrea museum a place of gathering, dissemination, and
Doria”, resulting in one of history’s most infamous culture. This Italian port city has its own distinc-
maritime accidents. Due to the collision happening tive story to tell, and it is more than eager to share
on the vessel’s starboard side, the ship began to it with the world.

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