The USS Olympia is the oldest floating steel-hulled warship in the world.
USS Becuna served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and conducted later missions during the Cold War.
The museum houses the Workshop on the Water, where artisans demonstrate traditional wooden boat-building techniques.
The museum holds an extensive collection of artifacts from the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition.
During the early 20th century, the Philadelphia Navy Yard was one of the largest and most significant shipbuilding facilities in the United States.
The Independence Seaport Museum preserves the maritime heritage of the Delaware River through interactive exhibits and tours of historic naval vessels. The museum features two primary National Historic Landmark ships: the cruiser USS Olympia and the submarine USS Becuna. Visitors can explore local maritime history, from the origins of the city's port to its significant role in shipbuilding. Interactive workshops often focus on boat building and maritime craft. The facility is situated along Penn's Landing in central Philadelphia. Its collections include maritime art, ship models, and historical navigational instruments. The museum also functions as a community hub for environmental education regarding the Delaware River watershed.
The upper deck of the USS Olympia offers a clear view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as accessing the ship decks requires navigating steep ladders and uneven surfaces.
Check the museum's calendar for specific dates when the historic ships might be closed for maintenance or due to extreme weather.
Bring a light jacket, as temperatures on the ship decks can be significantly lower and windier than inside the museum buildings.
Do not attempt to board the historic ships if you have limited mobility, as the original hatchways and ladders are not ADA compliant.
The historic ships are subject to closure during high winds, thunderstorms, or extreme winter weather conditions.
Maintain caution on historic ship stairways; refrain from touching delicate navigational instruments or artifacts.
