Activity Overview
Philadelphia's only maritime museum offers visitors a rich history of commercial and military use of the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers and many opportunities for hands-on learning.
Stroll through the museum's galleries and watch craftsmen constructing and renovating wooden vessels. Climb aboard the oldest steel warship on water used in the Spanish-American war and a submarine from World War II.
Exhibits include: The U.S. Navy in Philadelphia, Shipbuilding Along the Delaware River, Ship Relics, Commerce and Trade, and much more.
Things to Do
- Take an in-depth tour of the museum's featured, wartime vessels (US Olympia, Bescuna & Diligence) for an additional price.
- View the life-sized boats, maps, passenger journals, gangway planks, and many other objects.
- Fire a mock cannon.
- Behind the Scenes Toursof USS Olympia and Becuna are available on the first Saturday of the Month from April - November. Tours depart at noon, 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 and cost $18. per person. Due to steep steps no children under 12 are allowed on this tour.
Independence Seaport Museum Insider Tips
- Saturdays offer special children's activities from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- River tours also available for an extra cost.
- $2 off with valid AAA Member Card.
- Independence Seaport Museum is located on Philadelphia's Penn's Landing waterfront - a short walk from the historic district and many shops and restaurants.
- In addition to metered street parking (read signs!), parking is also available in Delaware River Waterfront Corporation public parking lot right next to the Museum.
- Present your parking receipt to the Museum's visitor services desk when purchasing admission to receive a discounted parking rebate, which reduces your parking cost to $10 per car.
