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Independence Seaport Museum

Local HistoryMaritimeHistoryOpen until 5pmFrom $232nd Street (SEPTA Market-Frankford Line)

Founded in 1961 by collector J. Welles Henderson and housed on Penn's Landing since 1995, the Independence Seaport Museum tells the story of the Delaware River and the city that grew along it. Galleries cover the founding of the US Navy in Philadelphia, the China trade, immigration, shipbuilding and river ecology, alongside a collection of ship models, rare books and maritime art. Moored outside are two National Historic Landmark vessels: the 1892 cruiser USS Olympia, Dewey's flagship at Manila Bay and the oldest steel warship still afloat, and the WWII submarine USS Becuna. A working boat shop and a hands-on river gallery round out the visit.

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States

Nearest station: 2nd Street (SEPTA Market-Frankford Line), 8th & Market (PATCO), SEPTA bus routes 5, 17, 21, 25, 42, 48

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Hours

Mon10:00–17:00
Tue10:00–17:00
WedClosed
ThuToday10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

From $23

Children 3-17, college students, military and seniors $18; members free. Submarine Package (adds a guided USS Becuna tour) $33 adult / $28 discounted. Olympia Engine Room Tour add-on $15, age 10+.

Nearby

Museum of the American Revolution

Military6 min walk

National Constitution Center

Children13 min walk

African American Museum in Philadelphia

Local History14 min walk

The Fabric Workshop and Museum

DesignFree22 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Independence Seaport Museum cost?
Standard adult admission to Independence Seaport Museum is $23. Children 3-17, college students, military and seniors $18; members free. Submarine Package (adds a guided USS Becuna tour) $33 adult / $28 discounted. Olympia Engine Room Tour add-on $15, age 10+.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Independence Seaport Museum?
Independence Seaport Museum is open Thursday to Tuesday 10:00-17:00, last entry 16:30. Closed Wednesdays. The historic ships may close in bad weather.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Independence Seaport Museum?
Independence Seaport Museum is located at 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States, in the Penn's Landing area of Philadelphia. The nearest stations are 2nd Street (SEPTA Market-Frankford Line), 8th & Market (PATCO), SEPTA bus routes 5, 17, 21, 25, 42, 48.
What can I see at Independence Seaport Museum?
Penn's Landing maritime museum where you climb aboard the world's oldest floating steel warship and a WWII submarine. Current highlights include Cruiser Olympia, River Alive!, Seeking Profit and Power: Philadelphia, China Trade, and the Making of America.
Do I need to book Independence Seaport Museum in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Independence Seaport Museum?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

George100 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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