In June 2012, the Volvo Ocean Race Museum opened its doors for the first time. This week, we celebrate its fifth birthday!
An interactive and engaging experience bringing the 43-year history of the race to life, the museum is adjoined to the Race’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Alicante, Spain – the home port of the race, which will host it’s fourth start in 2017-18.
The region is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, and the popularity of the museum continues to grow – even in years when the race isn’t in action.
2016 was the most successful on record, with over 52,000 visitors passing through the doors – and with fans flooding to the region for the stopover in October this year, 2017 is set to achieve even higher numbers.
So far, 23,000 visitors have experienced the museum in 2017. Through interactive displays and immersive installations, the facility offers a real insight into the obsession felt by the world’s best sailors, who return year after year to tackle the toughest race in search of the ultimate prize: the Volvo Ocean Race trophy.
With over 40% of those visits coming from international visitors, the museum continues to be a unique draw to tourists from all over the world, and a key asset to the city of Alicante and the wider region of Valencia. The average rate of international visitors to museums in the region is 14%.
The current exhibition, ‘Zoom In!’, is a collection of spectacular pictures taken by both Onboard Reporters in the heart of the action, and incredible aerial photography by some of the best sailing photographers in the world.
Visitors can also experience the incredible conditions of the Volvo Ocean Race for themselves with a 360° immersive experience and a Volvo Ocean Race simulator.
The museum is free to enter. If you’re in the area, please come and enjoy the facility – we’d be delighted to welcome you!
