Step onto the world’s oldest steel warship still afloat, Cruiser OLYMPIA, and delve into top-rated exhibits housed in the Museum’s structure, as well as the Seaport Boat Shop where you have the opportunity to witness time-honored maritime trades in action!
- Independence Seaport Museum - Visit two National Historic Landmark ships, the 1892 Cruiser Olympia and the WWII and Cold War Submarine Becuna. Olympia is known for being Admiral Dewey’s flagship during the Spanish American War and also receiving the honor of bringing the soldier for internment for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery.
Becuna is a more modern day example of the technology and bravery of submariners in WWII and the Cold War. These ships will have ladders, hatches & gangways to navigate. The historic ships are not ADA accessible.
Explore two floors of the museum with exhibits that cover various maritime topics. Galleries include: Disasters on the Delaware: Historic Disasters and Modern Day Heroes, Tides of Freedom: African Presence on the Delaware River, Tattoo Lounge, Titanic Philadelphians, Boat Gallery, Underwater Gallery, and more.
Observe working wooden boats builders in action, in the Workshop on the Water and as they build the schooner Diligence. This gunboat was built in 1797 in Philadelphia to defend this young country from pirates. This new exhibit and ship is inside the museum, making it all the more impressive.
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- Admission to the Museum’s Building
- Access to the Cruiser OLYMPIA
- The listed price does not include parking fees. There are several public parking lots in the area as well as metered spots on the streets. Museum does not own a parking facility.
- Guided tours of Submarine BECUNA are a ticket add-on and must be purchased on-site.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Wheelchair accessible within the museum
- Not wheelchair accessible on two historic ships
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately. Ships will close if extreme weather such as snow, ice or high temperatures.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.