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The museum at the 
end of the world

Welcome to the South Georgia Museum where history, nature and adventure converge.

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WELCOME TO SOUTH GEORGIA MUSEUM

Journey to the polar front to discover 250 years of history and a wildlife spectacular. Here, you’ll embark on a voyage through time, exploring the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible wildlife of this magnificent island.

The museum and collections are owned by the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) and managed by South Georgia Heritage Trust.

Stories

Explore virtual exhibits showcasing the island's fascinating past and learn about the future. Immerse yourself in captivating narratives of adventure and resilience, from the discovery of South Georgia and the whaling industry, to the heroic expeditions of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

250 Years of Discovery: Captain Cook's Antarctic Voyage

Head South with Cook.

Larsen: Visionary of the Southern Seas

Explore Larsen's story

Shackleton’s Last Quest

Head South with Shackleton

Whalers’ Memory Bank

Coming in Summer 2025. Find out more

News & Blogs

Join a Community of Explorers. Connect with fellow adventurers from around the world and follow our Museum Team. Participate in our social media channels to share your thoughts, experiences, and newfound knowledge about South Georgia and its wonders.

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December 2024 Museum Blog – Hellos, goodbyes, and sunrises!
December 2024 Museum Blog – Hellos, goodbyes, and sunrises!

South Georgia never remains the same for long (we know this by looking at a five-day weather forecast). The elements that make up our lives here, who we are surrounded by, and the furry friends we meet, all change with the movement of the seasons.

What was whale oil used for and why?
What was whale oil used for and why?

For centuries, whales have been viewed as valuable commodities, with nearly every part of the animal used. Whale oil was a valuable commodity during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Why is Sir Ernest Shackleton buried in Grytviken and not in Stromness?
Why is Sir Ernest Shackleton buried in Grytviken and not in Stromness?

When Shackleton tragically died of a heart attack aboard Quest in 1922, Leonard Hussey accompanied his body back to Britain while the Quest expedition continued southwards. His body was transported as far as Montevideo when Hussey received a telegram.

What is the weather like in winter on South Georgia island?
What is the weather like in winter on South Georgia island?

It is currently the beginning of summer right now on the island. Winter in South Georgia is roughly from June to August. This is when the sub-Antarctic island experiences long periods of darkness with limited daylight hours.

Did the whalers have alcohol?
Did the whalers have alcohol?

As we get closer to Christmas, you might have a cup of good cheer or raise a toast to the end of 2024 – however, alcohol was not permitted for most whalers working at the whaling stations in South Georgia. The Police/Customs Officer at the

November Museum Blog – Fur Seal Pups & Tidy Ups
November Museum Blog – Fur Seal Pups & Tidy Ups

The refrain from the museum team throughout November was ‘where did October go?!’, and it seems like November has now met the same fate! November was a busy month for the museum team, with us welcoming 22 ships and 2570 passengers to Grytviken!

We saw a lot of dandelions on South Georgia, are they bad?
We saw a lot of dandelions on South Georgia, are they bad?

South Georgia has a unique and fragile ecosystem. Through human intervention, the island has been impacted by the introduction of non-native species, including dandelions. Dandelions, likely introduced unintentionally through Norwegian soil placed on whalers’ graves, have become a common sight on South Georgia. They are

Sledging, Snow-clearing and Shivering: October Blog
Sledging, Snow-clearing and Shivering: October Blog

This October the museum team has been busy getting the museum ready for the busy season ahead. We arrived in late September and greeted their first ship the next day! It’s been an incredibly snowy spring in Grytviken. The first weeks of October, the track

Explore the collection

Discover our collection and unusual objects, from the discovery of South Georgia, the whaling industry, to the heroic expeditions of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Discovery & Exploration

Maritime

Natural History

Sealing

Social History

Whaling

More to Discover

A Window to the Wild. Discover the wonders of South Georgia, an unspoiled paradise filled with dramatic landscape and rich wildlife. Learn about the island's unique ecology and the magnificent creatures that inhabit its shores from king penguins to elephant seals.

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Interactive Grytviken

Take a guided tour around the former whaling station.

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Visiting the Museum

Getting to one of the most remote museums in the world.

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Discover the Museum

Explore the galleries and see what we have on display.

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Support the South Georgia Museum

Help us inspire visitors by connecting them to South Georgia’s rich heritage and preserve it for future generations.

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