Independence Seaport Museum Admission

Recommended by 91% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Philadelphia, USA

1 to 2 hours (approx.)

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Overview

Celebrate the maritime history of Philadelphia and major urban ports along the Delaware River at the Independence Seaport Museum. Located at the Penn's Landing complex in Philadelphia, the museum houses Cruiser *Olympia*, Admiral Dewey's flagship at the Battle of Manila Bay, plus Submarine *Becuna*, and much more.

Visit the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia
Celebrate Philadelphia’s maritime history
See two National Historic Landmark ships
Fun for the entire family

What's Included

Admission to the Museum's Building and 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.

Meeting and Pickup

Operating hours

02/04/2026 - 05/27/2026
Monday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
05/28/2026 - 09/01/2026
Monday - Sunday : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Departure Point

Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3199

What To Expect

The Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia features two National Historic Landmark ships — Cruiser *Olympia* and Submarine *Becuna*.

From the time it launched in 1892, Cruiser *Olympia* was a rare treasure in the US naval fleet. It is the world's oldest floating steel warship and the only surviving naval ship from the Spanish-American War. Cruiser *Olympia *served as Admiral Dewey's flagship at the Battle of Manila Bay, which marked the US emergence as a world naval power.

Submarine *Becuna* launched in 1944 and completed five wartime patrols in the Pacific Ocean. It also served in the Mediterranean and Atlantic during the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold Wars before completing a long and distinguished career as a training submarine.

Both ships provide ladders, hatches, and gangways for easy navigation.

Elsewhere in the 2-floor museum, there are a variety of exhibits and galleries, a vast collection of historical artifacts and records, plus educational programs, resources, and much more, including a workshop where builders construct wooden boats.

Independence Seaport Museum

Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not wheelchair accessible
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.

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.5

based on 33 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Once in a Lifetime

NancyL_P, Sep 2020

It was so so awesome!!! My son and I came to visit the ‘boat’.... Submarines are never called ships. They are boats...... USS Bacuna. My Dad was ‘Cookie’ on the boat during WWII. The Host and his volunteer partner were very very kind to us. They made the boat come alive. What a wonderful experience. Thank you Independence seaport Museum.

Response from Host, Oct 2020

Thank you so much for the review! The Museum is always trying to collect stories from those who have served aboard Becuna. If you are interested in sharing your father's story, please feel free to e-mail us at seaport@phillyseaport.org and we can put you in contact with the correct person.

We really enjoyed touring the 2 ships...

mom2dcb, Aug 2017

We really enjoyed touring the 2 ships. The museum was very informative.

Where do I start? Of all the places...

Pamela H, Apr 2017

Where do I start? Of all the places we went during our stay this was by far our favorite. From the exhibits and hands on exhibits for our grandsons 7 and 9 in the museum, along with watching the boat builders work on boats, having one talk with us about the history of the boats, building of them and answering all our questions to getting to tour the submarine BECUNA and the USS Olympia - Just WOW! Well worth the money. The staff were super nice. We all learned something that day! This was right up my son-in-law's alley! Don't miss it!