Independence Seaport Museum
Independence Seaport Museum
| Type | Maritime museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 211 S Columbus Boulevard |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Penn's Landing |
| Phone | (215) 413-8655 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1961 |
| Collection | Maritime artifacts and historic ships |
| Admission | $18 adults, $14 children |
| Hours | Daily 10am-5pm |
| Transit | 2nd Street Station (MFL), RiverLink Ferry |
The Independence Seaport Museum is a maritime museum at Penn's Landing on the Delaware River waterfront. The museum explores Philadelphia's maritime heritage through exhibits and two National Historic Landmark ships: the cruiser USS Olympia and the submarine USS Becuna.[1]
History
The museum originated as the Philadelphia Maritime Museum in 1961. It moved to its current Penn's Landing location in 1995, becoming the Independence Seaport Museum and incorporating the historic ships at the adjacent pier.
Historic Ships
USS Olympia
The USS Olympia (C-6) is the museum's centerpiece:
- Protected cruiser, launched 1892
- Flagship of Commodore George Dewey
- Led the victory at the Battle of Manila Bay (1898)
- Oldest steel American warship still afloat
- National Historic Landmark
- Visitors can tour multiple decks
USS Becuna
The USS Becuna (SS-319) is a World War II submarine:
- Guppy-class fleet submarine
- Served in Pacific Theater, WWII
- Completed five war patrols
- Cold War service
- National Historic Landmark
- Tours include tight submarine quarters
Museum Exhibits
Permanent Exhibits
- Divers of the Deep*** — History of diving and underwater exploration
- Workshop on the Water — Boat building and maritime crafts
- Home Port Philadelphia*** — City's maritime history
- What Floats Your Boat*** — Hands-on exhibits for children
Collections
- Ship models
- Maritime art
- Navigation instruments
- Photographs and documents
- Small craft collection
Programs
- Boat building workshops
- Youth sailing programs
- Educational tours
- River cruises (seasonal)
- Special exhibitions
Visiting
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10am-5pm |
| Admission | $18 adults, $14 children (includes ships) |
| Address | 211 S Columbus Boulevard |
| Time needed | 2 hours (including ships) |
| Best for | History enthusiasts, families, maritime fans |
Tips
- Ship tours involve ladders and tight spaces
- Olympia and Becuna are highlights—allow time
- Combine with Penn's Landing waterfront walk
- RiverLink Ferry connects to Camden (Adventure Aquarium)
Getting There
- SEPTA Subway — 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
- RiverLink Ferry — From Camden waterfront
- Walking — On Penn's Landing waterfront
- Parking — Penn's Landing garages, some street parking
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Independence Seaport Museum". Independence Seaport Museum. Retrieved December 23, 2025