plan your visit

Discovery Awaits at the Seaport!

Dive into River Alive!, an award-winning exhibition that brings the wildlife, science, and wonder of the Delaware River to life. Climb aboard the oldest floating warship in the world on Cruiser Olympia and submerge yourself aboard the World War II-era Submarine Becuna. Immerse yourself in special interactive exhibits while visiting the largest maritime art and artifact collections in North America. In warmer months, join us for a paddle in our boat basin or use your experience to get out onto the river with a kayak excursion. With so much to explore, Independence Seaport Museum is the premier, family-friendly destination on the Penn’s Landing waterfront.

What are you waiting for? Plan your trip today!

Wondering What You’ll Sea?

Cruiser Olympia

Climb aboard the oldest steel floating warship in the world during your visit! Launched in 1892, Olympia is one of only two ships left from World War I (the other being Battleship Texas). History comes alive as guests walk the open-air decks, inspiring a new generation of naval and history enthusiasts.

Submarine Becuna

Learn about this World War II-era submarine including what life was like aboard (did you know potatoes were stored in the showers?) and her service record in both World War II and Cold Wars. Access to “Becky” is provided through guided tour only and is considered an add-on to our current general admission combo ticket.

Patriots & Pirates

Do you know the story about how the United States Navy was founded? OR the role the city of Philadelphia played? Learn all that and more in our exhibit Patriots & Pirates! Uncover the story as you walk through the gallery, seeing rare artifacts and items from our collection that haven’t been on public display previously. Make sure you also save time to climb aboard Schooner Diligence, a replica of an 18th-century ship that would have served in the early United States Navy. Diligence was hand-crafted right here in our very own Boat Shop by staff and volunteers.

The Seaport Boat Shop

Visit the Museum’s The Seaport Boat Shop, where maritime tradition meets creativity and community. Watch as they restore wooden vessels, educate the next generation on boatbuilding, and captivate guests with their craft.

River Alive!

Did you know that 15 million people drink water from the Delaware River? That’s 5% of the United States population! Dive into all things water in this award-winning exhibit to learn what lives in and around the Delaware River Watershed. Visitors can find out what river hero they are by taking an interactive quiz and even use exhibit resources to plan trips to other local outdoor destinations. Come sea how the river is truly alive and how it impacts our daily lives!

Liberty Point

While ISM doesn’t have a café on the premise, adjacent to the building is the brand-new Liberty Point restaurant! Opened in May 2022, Liberty Point is Philadelphia’s largest outdoor restaurant showcasing unobstructed, panoramic, waterfront views. With a capacity of 1,400 people, the restaurant offers three levels of food, drinks, and live entertainment, with a spectacular backdrop.

Diners can make a reservation to dine at the third-floor Sky Bar, or walk into the first-floor bar and dining area.

Keeping it Safe at the Seaport

Museum Policies

Effective Friday, April 22, per the City of Philadelphia’s updated guidance, all visitors entering the building and/or boarding the ships are not required to wear a mask.
Be mindful of social distancing guidelines and remain 6 feet apart from other guests.
Utilize hand sanitizer stations after engaging with interactive exhibit components.
Once you have used the restroom, wash your hands for the recommended 20 seconds.

Additionally, by entering the Museum, you certify, to the best of your ability, that neither yourself nor anyone in your party has been exposed to an individual that has had COVID-19 over the last fourteen (14) days and that currently you nor anyone in your party are experiencing the following symptoms:

Independence Seaport Museum reserves the right to refuse service to any visitor who is not in compliance with the policies/conditions listed above.

visit the seaport museum

Immerse yourself in award-winning and interactive exhibits and climb aboard the oldest floating steel warship in the world on Cruiser Olympia and submerge yourself aboard the World War II-era Submarine Becuna.