A REPLICA Spanish galleon ship that has been transformed into a floating museum is set to visit Southend Pier this month.
The "El Galeon" is a 200ft long ship which is set to be docked at the end of Southend pier between May 24 and May 29.
It will be open to visitors between 10:30am and 7pm where museum staff in costumes will be on the ship to explain more about life of the El Galeon.
The living museum is a full-size replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon, which was designed and built to hold more cargo than previous ship designs.
Because of this, it is often described as the ship that brought the two halves of the world (east and west) together.
The museum is more than 3,400 square feet of deck space and will allow visitors to explore a number of the decks which include fascinating features, exhibits, and displays.
Scott Dolling, director for culture and tourism, said: “This really is an exceptional educational experience to learn more about life on a Spanish Galleon and experience aspects of it first-hand, whilst listening to information from the experts.
“It is a great way to start the half-term holiday or celebrate the late May bank holiday by doing something completely different, as if visiting an award-winning pier isn’t enough of a treat as it is.”
The El Galeon was built between 2009 and 2010 by the Nao Victoria Foundation after years of research, according to Fundacion Nao Victoria.
It has since covered more than tens of thousands of miles, docking at ports across the world.
Tickets to board the ship are on a first come, first served basis.
It will cost £25 for a family ticket (for up to two adults and three children), £10 per adult, £5 per child (aged five to 12 years) and children under five go free.
Visitors will also need to pay the usual pier admission price.
The floating museum visit comes just weeks after Southend Pier won the prestigious Pier of the Year award from the National Piers Society.
The pier has also continued to go from strength to strength with two new eateries opening.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here