Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

Constructed in 1969 at the Bethlehem shipyard in Beaumont, Texas, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum has drilled around 200 wells in the Gulf of Mexico, notably operating in water depths up to 175 feet from 1969 to 1984​. 

Located less than an hour from downtown Houston, the museum is a historical monument and an educational hub. In 1995, the Offshore Energy Center (OEC) recognized the rig's potential beyond its operational life. 

Purchasing it from the brink of being scrapped, the OEC transformed it into a museum that opened in 1997​​​​. Today, the Ocean Star stands moored off the end of 19th Street, transformed into a three-level museum. It serves as a vibrant educational center, offering insights into both the benefits and challenges of offshore oil exploration.

This impressive facility offers a unique blend of history and technology, inviting visitors to step into the world of offshore drilling, an integral part of the global energy landscape. 

Whether you're a history buff, a technology enthusiast, or curious about offshore drilling, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum is a must-visit destination in Bolivar Peninsula.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

The museum's main attraction, "Offshore Drilling: The Promise of Discovery," takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes exploration of the technical intricacies of offshore oil and gas extraction. 

This exhibit provides a comprehensive look at the processes and technologies involved in drilling beneath the ocean floor, offering a rare glimpse into an industry crucial to our modern lifestyle​. 

Outside the museum, the Pipe Deck displays oversized equipment used in drilling, such as a blowout preventer, drill pipe, and a cementing unit. These exhibits provide a tangible sense of the scale and complexity of offshore drilling equipment​​.

The museum showcases the daily life of rig workers through its "Life on a Rig" exhibit. This section includes ship-style cabins, recreational areas, and even kitchens, giving visitors an idea of the living conditions on a drilling rig. 

With interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and detailed scale models, the museum educates visitors about the evolution of offshore drilling. From intricate models of ships and rigs to exhibits on Gulf Coast geology and environmental protection, the museum covers a wide range of topics engagingly​. 

One of the museum's most striking features is its towering derrick. Upon standing on the drill floor, visitors can see the derrick extending 193 feet above them. This impressive structure gives a real sense of the scale of offshore drilling operations​​.

Getting There

Here's how you can reach the museum from Galveston: 

• Start from central Galveston.
• Head southeast on 21st St toward Avenue E.
• Turn right onto Harborside Dr.
• Continue on Harborside Dr until you reach 20th St.
• Turn right onto 20th St.
• The entrance to the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum is located one block from Harborside Drive on 20th Street at the east end of Pier 19.

Cost

Visiting the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum is an affordable and educational experience. Below are various ticket options:

• Adults: $10 per person
• Seniors (55+): $8 per person
• Military Personnel: $8 per person
• Youth (7-18 years): $6 per person
• Children (6 years and under): Free admission
• Active Duty Military and their Families: Free admission with photo ID from Memorial Day through Labor Day as part of the Blue Star Museums program.
• Family Package: includes 2 adults and up to 4 youth for $30.
• Group Rates: The museum offers reduced rates for groups of 25 or more. Contact the museum for more information about these group rates.

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.