current exhibits
What's on Exhibit at the museum?
Philadelphia’s history starts at the Delaware River. Our exhibitions tell not only the story of the city’s maritime history but also the cultural and environmental impact of our local waterways from before William Penn’s arrival to today.
Here’s what you can expect to see on your visit to the Independence Seaport Museum:
First Floor
Introductory Exhibition
Our new gallery offers visitors a glimpse into the museum’s collections by displaying over 100 treasures that rarely, if ever, have been on display. Objects on view highlight themes like Philadelphia’s American Revolutionary naval history and the Delaware River’s shipyards, which have been a critical part of our nation’s maritime history.
Patriots & Pirates
Did you know that the United States Navy was founded right here in Philadelphia? It’s true! Learn about our history fighting the Barbary Pirates, why it took so long to create the Navy, and more in this exhibit. Make sure to save time to climb aboard Schooner Diligence, a 1797 replica ship built by Joshua and Samuel Humphreys in Philadelphia that would have significantly contributed to defending American merchant ships once the Navy was created. Fun fact: this replica was built by our very own Seaport Boat Shop staff and volunteers!
River Alive!
15 million people drink water from the Delaware River, equivalent to 5% of the U.S. population! Get your hands wet (literally and figuratively) as you explore the importance of our local waterways, learn how to keep them clean, and most of all, have fun with interactive components, like with a larger-than-life video game!
Small but mighty!
Comprised of nearly 50 rarely seen models, examples will range from U.S. Navy vessels to Pond Yacht models to toy models that would have been sailed on the floor of large Victorian homes in the 19th century. Ship models, in addition to being known for their meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, bring out the child in all of us.
Coming Soon to the Second Floor
seeking profit and power: philadelphia, china trade, and the making of america
The Independence Seaport Museum is opening an exciting new exhibition that celebrates the country’s 250th birthday. Opening on March 20, 2026, Seeking Profit and Power: Philadelphia, China Trade, and the Making of America will examine the immediate aftermath of the Revolutionary War from an economic standpoint, exploring how this new nation had to create new trade protocols while building foreign trade alliances independent of Great Britain to survive. Comprised of roughly 150 objects that have rarely been seen, this exhibition will tell the story of the United States, pointing eastward toward China, and how early trade relationships with them helped build America into the global economic power that it is today.
OLYMPIA
Philippine-American War (1899-1902): Complex Symbols & Conflicting Relationships
This exhibit tells the rarely discussed story of the Philippine-American War and the symbols that arose through the complicated relationship between the United States of America, the Philippines, and the Filipino people. Learn about the impact on the Filipino people as they fought for independence, and the continued relationship between the two countries today. This exhibit is presented by the Independence Seaport Museum in partnership with the Filipino Executive Council of Greater Philadelphia, Inc.
Special Thanks
The Independence Seaport Museum would like to thank the William Penn Foundation for their generous support in funding River Alive!.
The Independence Seaport Museum would like to thank the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, the Richard C. von Hess Foundation, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, the State Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, and WSFS Cares Foundation for their generous support of Seeking Profit and Power: Philadelphia, China Trade, and the Making of America.
visit the seaport museum
Immerse yourself in award-winning exhibitions and climb aboard the Olympia, a nineteenth-century cruiser, and the Becuna, a World War II-era submarine.
