Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum
- Syneetra A Williams
- Jun 1, 2022
- 3 min read
By Syneetra A. Williams
Photo credit: Syneetra A. Williams
Have you ever wondered why gas and oil are precious commodities? These natural resources impact every part of our lives, transportation, food, and even cosmetics and toys. It is easy to take gas and oil for granted, but the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum is a friendly reminder to preserve what nature has freely given to humanity.
The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum and Education Center is a retired jack-up drilling rig that offers a fun, hands-on way to learn about the offshore oil and gas industry. Visitors can view specialized oilfield equipment in a comfortable atmosphere and award-winning museum unlike any other. The museum celebrated its 20th birthday in April 2017.
So much of our modern society relies on oil and the things made from it. We all know that oil is an essential ingredient in gasoline, jet, and other fuels. But transportation is not the only role it plays! Oil is also used to build roads and manufacture tires and is a fundamental component in anti-freeze and brake fluids. In addition to helping us get to where we need to go, hydrocarbons play an essential role in producing everything from computers, cell phones, Barbie dolls/action figures, Legos, medicines, and eyeglasses to shampoos, lotions, and makeup. Without a steady flow of oil, our lives would miss a great deal. Luckily, we have an industry with the tools and technologies to meet the world’s ever-increasing demand for this prized product. If you are intrigued by science, this is the place for you! At the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum, you can learn about hydrocarbons and what it takes to extract them from the earth—from people and processes to tools and technologies.
The museum features three floors of education and interactive displays illustrating the offshore oil and gas industry, from seismic technology to exploration and production. Scale models of production platforms, actual drill bits and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and videos and exhibits explain drilling, geology, seismic, well servicing, production, and more. The museum is a self-guided facility with guidebooks available for purchase in the gift shop. An audio package is available for those who want a more in-depth experience. No reservations are needed for individuals or family groups. Tours are available at reduced rates for groups of 25 or more. The museum also rents fully-equipped meeting areas for training. You can bring the kids and a few friends for an overnight stay because they are welcome!
The Hall of Fame exhibit introduces you to the pioneering individuals and technologies who have made outstanding contributions to the offshore energy arena. Visitors may cross the skywalk, experience what it is like to stand on the drill floor of an offshore rig, or visit the exhibits on the pipe deck from the first floor of the museum. Be sure to visit the gift shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, oil-related merchandise, and hard-to-find industry books!
The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum is in Galveston, Texas.
Open daily 10am – 5pm* Admission: $9 per adult, $6 seniors (55 & older), $5 Students (7-18) & children 6 & under are FREE. The museum is wheelchair accessible, with an elevator serving all three levels. *Closed Thanksgiving/Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. The last ticket was sold 1 hour before closing.
Call 409-766-7827 or visit www.oceanstaroec.com for more information.
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