Independence Seaport Museum

This museum serves everyone, educational way and fun way for kids all ages. They have a water play, painting, and Lego wall! It’s not crowded and you can spent here couple hours with kid. Also can walk around the battle ship, unique experience. I would prefer to park on the street, cheaper than parking garage.

A Wonderful Family Experience at Independence Seaport Museum – July 13, 2025 We had a fantastic time visiting the Independence Seaport Museum on July 13th, 2025! It’s a wonderful place for the whole family, with something for everyone to enjoy. The interactive exhibits for kids were a big hit — our little ones were fully engaged and had so much fun learning about maritime history through hands-on activities. The museum does a great job of making history come alive, and the staff were friendly and informative. The setting by the water adds to the charm, and exploring the historic ships was a memorable experience for all of us. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Philadelphia, this is definitely a must-visit spot for families. Educational, entertaining, and very well-maintained — we highly recommend it!

I really enjoyed myself. As a plus size woman I always get a little nervous if I will fit comfortably throughout a submarine. I definitely did. I had plenty of room and felt very comfortable. Our tour guide was great. We went in July so it was hot. Oh yeah it's not air conditioned. They have fans going in the sub it was totally doable. Everything else had air conditioning.

Well, the museum itself is not that interesting. Exploring the battleship Olympia is well worth a visit? Beautiful location right along the river. One to 2 hours.

The Candlelight music event at this place was a truly wonderful experience, simply beautiful. The musicians performed admirably. I do wish it could have lasted longer. It is the kind of experience that truly benefits from being enjoyed in person, as words cannot fully capture its splendor.

Went to Candlelight Concert at the Museum which was amazing btw. After the show you had the chance to walk around and staff was amazing. Don’t miss a walk along the river for iconic photos

By far the best museum I have been to. Definitely do the submarine tour. That's the best part. It's very informative with small parties going into the sub. The museum that they have by the Hilton where the gift shop is also pretty spectacular. If you're in Philly definitely go here.

The museum building is kinda lame, but the WWII submarine and the Spanish-American war battleship are totally worth the price of admission. My wife and I were there after 3:30 on a weekday and we had the Olympia all to ourselves. It's crazy looking across the Deleware at the Battleship New Jersey and seeing how much technology changed between those two ships.

I went to the Seaport museum to see a candlelight theater show. When you enter the building, you get a chance to spend time in the museum before going into the theater area. Everything was pretty interesting and very neatly presented. There was a parking garage that was pretty convenient on the way in. For about two hours, it was $33. Lots of traffic, leaving the garage due to the show ending and a stop light right outside.

My cousins and nephew were visiting from out of town and I was trying to come up with things to do. I have been wanting to visit here ever since I moved to Philly but hadn't made it yet, so I suggested coming here and taking the Becuna tour, and they loved the suggestion. We were not disappointed. We got to the museum early and were able to explore a bit before the tour. The museum is big so we didn't get to explore too much before the tour, so I'll definitely be back just for the museum. The tour guide gathered us up in the lobby and we walked to the Becuna, a beautifully preserved WWII submarine. I had never been on a submarine and didn't know what to expect, but the docent was extremely knowledgeable and informative. She let us know from the beginning that we could ask questions at any point, and people did, and she knew the answer to everything we asked. She obviously loved what she did. I've been to museums and displays where the docents don't always have answers to questions or they fudge answers, but she sure knew what she was talking about! This museum and the Becuna are such a unique and rare asset for Philadelphia, and the staff are obviously very passionate about what they are doing. I recommend this to anyone visiting Philadelphia, as well as anyone who lives here. I will be back again soon!

This was yet another fabulous stop in my Philadelphia and Camden ship tour vacation I took. This museum specifically covers Philadelphia's lengthy history in American naval history. It's real walk into the past and opened its doors in the 1969's. For the twenty dollars or so it cost me to walk through it... I spent several hours reading placards, seeing great photos/artwork and learning a ton about US maritime history. This part of the Philadelphia River walk was amazing and a great way to spend the afternoon. If you love maritime history like I don't miss this stop while in Philly.

Viewed my first candle light concert at the Seaport Museum where all the music was played by cello, and three violinists'. The one hour concert was all music from the band Coldplay. The stage was set up very intimately and beautiful with light up candles surrounding the entire stage and on the walls throughout the venue. The Cello player introduced the songs and relayed some comments that were entertaining and peaceful at the beginning and end of some of the songs. One of my critiques is it would have been nice to actually be able to view the museum however the staff would not allow it. That is not a great set up when you have many, many people waiting for the show to start and you do not offer any refreshments or beverages. My girlfriend and I along with many others waiting to get into the venue had to wait out in the cold. Many layers of improvement can be implemented in making this experience more enjoyable. The show was one hour long with no intermissions. Also, if you need to leave to go to the bathroom I do not believe you are allowed to come back into the show. I enjoyed the experience but just take note that this is not a play or concert you're privy to "great" customer service. As always people SYOY!!!

Went to the Seaport Museum to kill time and was pleasantly surprised! Lots of interactive exhibits for younger folks that we as older folks enjoyed on the bottom floor. Disappointed a few of the things were closed for construction. Second floor had an excellent exhibit that us talking and thinking long after! The super helpful gift store person suggested adding The Columbia tour to our experience. That was really neat! Every level of the ship had something to interact with that wasnt just informational posters. Highly recommend it!

PROS: this was a nice museum that had a few displays of relics from Sunken and decommissioned ships. They even had a model ship for you to go on. The staff was nice as well CONS: the place was small and overpriced for what it brings to the table. Hardly any historic items were displayed. It was more modern and mainly mini ship displays OVERALL: if the price lowers or if they expand the museum or their selection of historic items than I'll come back

When the battleship New Jersey called at the last minute to cancel our tour for today, we thought we were going to have wasted a 3 Hour Dr. and a hotel room. But, Veronica recommended that we tour the independency port, and that was the best idea ever! Hugh was our guide for both The ship as well as the submarine, and he couldn't have been any more informative. Sometimes guides are like robots because they do this day and day out, but he made me feel like a family member was giving me a tour through history. We had such a good time we're gonna come back in June again when the battleship New Jersey is able to be toured again. What a wonderful weekend and thanks for saving the day!

Didn't visit the inside of the museum. Did a kayak tour in the river (obviously) and learned so much about the ships and Penn, etc. Plus we had a great kayak adventure! Highly recommended.

Underrated and often overlooked maritime museum right on the Philadelphia waterfront. The displays are fairly wide-reaching given its size, ranging from the life and risks of a colonial-era sailor up to modern search and rescue and environmental responses that have occurred on the Delaware and covering both military and commercial topics. Many interactive displays for kids and adults, and the staff is great. The Olympia & Becuna are the real stars of the show, and tickets to get on board both of those vessels are available here. If you are at Penn's Landing looking for something to do or are already planning to see the Olympia and Becuna, you'd be remiss if you didn't stop in here for an hour or two.

On its surface its a family friendly museum that's ideal for kids who dream of living the life of a pirate. But from the occasional summer beer garden and adult nights, to theater productions and other special events, Independence Seaport Museum also has some events that make it worthwhile for all ages. The Seaport Museum is one of those spots I forgot about before I saw Philadelphia Artists Collective put on their production of The Sea Voyage during this years Fringe Fest. But once I entered I instantly had memories of living up during the Yelp Event here, and learning to fight like a pirate on a ship during an after hours museum event. Add in the beer garden nights that they have during the better weather occasions, and they really know how to live it up with their special events. For regular museum attractions the bulk of their displays do lean towards being more kid oriented. But as an adult its still cool to wander upon and explore some of the vintage ship displays that they have. They also have cool displays that are dedicated to things like nautical themed tattoos and bad sea weather. So overall its a good visit for everyone.

This museum located on the waterfront contains a building and two ships to tour. I began in the building where I bought my ticket ($16 adult) and visited the two story museum. It depicts Philadelphia and the surrounding area's involvement and history in both military and civilian shipbuilding and ship traffic. There is a performance auditorium on the second floor and a gift shop on the first floor. I gave this part of the museum a 3 and would budget about 75 minutes to go through it. Then I proceeded to the USS Olympia and USS Becuna which are berthed next to each other about 100 yards from the museum. You can also buy your museum tickets at a manned booth at the ships entrance if you would rather start there first. I started with the Becuna, a Balao class WW 2 sub. Starting in the forward torpedo room and moving aft, the ship is well preserved and well documented in the different compartments. I have been on several WW 2 subs before and this one is one of the best. Without a doubt, you will be amazed at the small spaces that the crew had to live and work in. Moving to the Olympia, this 1800's battle cruiser built toward the end of the century, is the exact opposite and is a great study in contrasts to the Becuna. Space is abundant here. The living quarters almost make you feel like you are in a boutique hotel with all of the rich and dark wood in place. This ship fought in the Spanish American War of 1898 along with being part of Teddy Roosevelts' Great White Fleet. Both ships were a pleasure to visit (4). I would budget 75 minutes for both ships (even though technically Becuna is a boat). And finally, across the river about 1/2 mile away is BB62 USS New Jersey in all her splendor. That is a separate tour not affiliated with this one. She is beautiful sitting over there in Camden. I did not actually visit her on this trip, but I have now seen 3 of the 4 Iowa class BB's (Missouri, Wisconsin and New Jersey with Iowa in LA still to go) and there aren't any better looking warships ever made.

I drove up from Atlanta last week specifically to see the USS Olympia. Not at all disappointed, although I'd have liked to go into the engine room. Also, the gun deck was closed off for some reason. The Olympia is just beautiful - a national treasure, even more so than the hulking battleship parked across the river (which I also visited). If you like American history, especially naval history, the Olympia is a must-see. The submarine Becuna is a bonus.

The museum was informative and had several interesting exhibits. We did the self-guided tour of the Olympia as well as the guided tour of the submarine Becuna. I've lived in Philly for years and have always wanted to tour the submarine, and it would have been amazing if not for our tour guide, who almost ruined the whole experience. Our tour guide Morgan was apathetic and condescending, and spoke way too quickly. It was clear that they did not want to be there and they continually belittled past tour groups, including ours for not laughing at their "jokes." Everyone in the group was too uncomfortable to ask questions, except for a young child who the tour guide was incredibly rude to. I would love to return with other visitors but only if I knew I wouldn't have the same guide.

Here's the Scoop: Beautiful museum with great ship artifacts delayed. There are 3 floors and unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to see all 3 floors I did see 2 floors. My family came here to see a play written by James Weldon Johnson's called "Gods Trombone. We've seen this play 2 other times in Harlem directed by Craig Harris a famous Trombone player. Everyone's rendition and interpretation is different. I thought this rendition was "just okay. " I liked Craig Harris's rendition so much better. If you've never seen the play you would not have understood this version directed by Frankie Darrell. However, several actors performances stood out. This particular rendition did not have an intermission either which I think made it feel longer and dragged on. I think also the director needed to add more movement and less talking. It was entirely too many speaking parts and not enough music. I did understand that the theme in this rendition was to utilize the ministers preaching moments as "Gods Trombone" but it should have been broken up even more with music or dance for a better flow.

If you pass by Philly by the river right across from the USS New Jersey on the NJ side, you may notice a trio of ships permanently docked nearby the Spruce Street park: the 19th century cruiser USS Olympia, the submarine USS Becuna, and the 4-masted ship Moshulu. The first two are part of the eye-opening Independence Seaport Museum just a few dozen steps north of the ships (pass a real torpedo used in the sub). The ships are a testament of seafaring life of the last century, and it's truly amazing to visually realize how much ships have evolved through the past century. The museum itself is another gem of the city of Philadelphia. It is packed with nautical artifacts and historical exhibits of the trumphs and tragedies of the national and local seafaring life. Model of ships, including of the ships outside, are available for inspection. Even if you are not exactly a seafaring person, you would still delight at trivial exhibits, such as the box used by Henry Box Brown, a former slave who shipped himself out in a box into freedom, or the first slinky toy created by the docks of Philadelphia, or try your hands at the boring machine to drill a hole through a wooden plank -- necessary skills of a seaman (or woman!) We were there 2 weekends before Christmas (check the schedule for exact date/time...) so we also enjoyed the parade of lights right from the museum's balcony performed by the local boats where they decorate their boats with lights for the competition (or just for fun). Excellent place to bring yourself or your family to enjoy and learn the nautical history of Philly and beyond!

Nice little museum to tour with interesting seafaring facts. Great little museum to take the kids to visit.

Admiral's Tavern, the most historic ship in Philadelphia, has been one of my sister and her (now) fiance's favorite spots since they moved to Philadelphia, frequenting their floating beer garden on the weekends since 2017, and they just got engaged here this summer! The staff there couldn't have been any sweeter in helping arrange the proposal surprise with a stunning Ben Franklin Bridge backdrop.

We were in the Philadelphia area and we decided to check out this museum. It's a hidden gem close by the Seaport Boardwalk behind the Hilton. We didn't find parking by the street so we parked in the Hilton parking garage which was very close but expensive (typical rip-off hotel parking). When we entered the museum, the front desk employee were very kind and helpful. The museum was not busy and very clean. It was so nice to be able to have the museum to ourselves. They had so much information and history about ships throughout ages and even had a full size ship so kids can explore. They even had a game to play as you are reading. Also, they had many hands on and interactive exhibits. The best part was going outside to see actual war ship (USS Olympia) and submarine (USS Becuna). We really enjoyed reading and seeing how our servicemen lived in such tight quarters and conditions. It's was an amazing experience to share with our son. The only down side was that it was very hot (no Ac, very stuffy)...note to self don't come on a hot day during summer! All in all, we recommend this hidden gem!

I love me a good maritime museum. Some excellent displays. The Olympia is worth visiting. Afterwards you can get drinks at Moshulu!

The coolest part of the museum is the outside Navy ship and submarine outside. I walked the overall museum and saw some nicely setup exhibits. You would be surprised to learn about how many tragedies happened in history involving crashed boats and accidents that caused them to sink. It was not just the titanic. They touched base on a little of everything even how the Africans came across the sea and sold off as slavery. We wrapped up with checking out the Navy warship and the submarine on the marina. It was crazy to believe that people had to live in such tight quarters. The museum was not packed at all even going on a Saturday and seems to be a hidden gem. If you have a student id will run you 10$ a person (5$ discount)

I love this place! Here's the thing: I think it would be great for kids, but some of the other reviews say the employees treat kids badly. I didn't go with any children, I went with my dad on 4th of July weekend when it was empty, so we also didn't run into any employees. Anyway, onto the review. The museum is huge, and it has a lot of interactive exhibits and things you can touch, and let's be real here - the best part of any museum is touching things. I'm not a rule-breaker, so I enjoy touching things even more if I'm allowed to touch them, and there is a lot here you're allowed to touch. The first thing my dad and I did was go through a "choose your own adventure"-style room that taught you about the history of shipping in Philadelphia. If we'd just been reading about it I would've been bored, but you got to move through it and use a spinner at various stations to determine what happened to you, and that element made it a lot of fun for us both. Some other things you could do were put your hands in gloves and pretend to be a welder on a ship (which was extra cool because my brother is a welder on an oil rig), sit in a boat and "steer" with the tiller, and write/draw on a whiteboard wall that other people have contributed to. Even the displays you couldn't touch were really neat, and I enjoyed walking around and reading about everything. Next, we went on the submarine (which is included in the price of the ticket). It's very narrow and tight, as you would expect a submarine to be, so I was claustrophobic at first, but I quickly got over it. We took our time checking things out, reading the plaques, and marveling at how so many men could fit all together in one sub. It's pretty dark in the submarine, so if you're going to take pictures, make sure your flash works. After that, we went on the ship (also included). You could sit in the dentist's chair, and touch the guns (not in service any longer, obviously). A few things to note: I really enjoyed getting to take my time through all of the exhibits, appreciate things at my own pace, and not be crowded. I think it would really be worth it to call ahead and see if they're expecting any large groups, or else go on a day like we did when there are bound to be fewer people. Also, we went on a really hot summer day. The museum was nice and cool, but the ship and the submarine were pretty hot. Not uncomfortably so for me (but I'm always cold), and they had big fans going on the ship, but especially with the submarine if you are prone to overheating you should plan ahead.

This is a good place to bring Children because they have a lot of hands on activity. There's some exhibits that invite you to climb into, like a box, a bed, and a boat. I wouldn't suggest coming here on a day when you are on a tight schedule because there is a lot of reading in here. I quickly skimmed everything because I was trying to fit 2 museums in the afternoon. Call ahead to see what time they close so you can pace yourself with other museums if you're a tourist like me, because today they closed at 7pm so I could have came here last since a lot of places close at 5!

We stumbled upon the ships while at the hammock park and decided to check it out. Just the ships costs $8 a person (the museum is $16/ person). It was well worth the $8. You get to walk through these ships and see all the rooms and common areas. We had a lot of fun here and learned a lot with the self guided displays.

**REVIEW FOR A WEDDING VENUE** My dad worked here when I was younger and ever since I attended a 4th of July event on their 4th floor I knew I wanted to get married here. It was such a unique venue with beyond breathtaking views of the city and a great location! The open bar was included in our pricing. Dena was accommodating and we were able to truly cater our day to have the exact experience we were looking for. The staff was great, but it is a place where you have to do setup yourself and reserve vendors on your own. The ceremony took place on the rotunda and we had a cotton candy sunset for cocktail hour on the 4th floor terrace. The venue is a hidden gem that could really provide the wedding of your dreams!

I would recommend getting admission to check out the boat and the submarine in the harbor, which are intensely cool. The museum itself is decent, if a bit sparse in exhibit material.

The building itself is mostly for kids, but even for adults, it had pretty interesting exhibits. The main highlight for my husband and me were the submarine and the cruiser, just a few steps away from the museum. It was really awesome to walk through the submarine and get a feel for how small it actually was for the crew members. The cruiser was also very great, and I really appreciated the blue arrows that guided me on how to get through and see everything. The admission is pretty high but it's worth it to see the submarine and the cruiser.

For the price of ticket you'll get: 1) museum visit 2) ancient ship visit 3) submarine visit 4) free participation in workshops for children Good place, my children were happy)

If you have a tattoo or are thinking about getting a tattoo, you have to see the new Tattoo exhibit at the Seaport Museum. I went last week and our group had a guided tour by the curator, which was awesome. The way he told the story of the exhibit shows the life and death of the sailor and how the tattoo lives on forever. I truly think that if everyone I worked with saw that exhibit, I wouldn't have to hide mine anymore! That's just the most recent exhibit... I went with family to see the museum a few times and if you're in to Philadelphia history, this is the museum to go to. Between the original art work, the stories and actual artifacts, the museum displays how Philadelphia used to prosper, centered between two rivers. Words can't describe how great the museum is for kids and adults.

Oh my goodness, I was so bored. I read all the reviews and have a tattoo so I thought I'd check it out. Some of the tattoo stuff was interesting but not enough to warrant a trip from out of town. I happened to be visiting a friend anyway and he likes sailing so I thought he might enjoy it. He did find some of the boats to be pretty cool but again, nothing spectacular. What makes a trip to the Seaport Museum worth while is the self guided tour of the boat and submarine waiting for you down the promenade. They were so cool and the photos even entertained my ex-Navy step-dad when I went home. If you're really interested in boats or you are looking for a way to kill several hours by strolling around, check out the Seaport Museum.

Wasn't much of a show but was really night to see historic and monumentally exhibits.

Highlight for me was defiantly the ship and sub tours that comes with the entry tickets! The museum is neat with a lot of cool info but the ships were really amazing. The history of them alone is just awesome!

We held the retirement ceremony for my husband's retirement from the Coast Guard in the second floor ballroom. Working with LT to plan the details was a pleasure. He made the process as easy and enjoyable as possible. The venue offers a beautiful view and indoor/outdoor space. We couldn't be happier with our decision to hold our special event at ISM.

Came back one more time - and this time there was a special exhibit on Sugar and Candy Making (how ships brough the sugar to America) by the Berley Brothers (Shane Confectionery/Franklin Fountain). My kid - who by then was 8 -now she's 9 - loved it and she really likes this museum. Don't miss the ship-building shop where they will cheerfully answer your questions and the master craftsmen will stop their work to talk to you. What great (and talented) guys! We also thoroughly hit up the gift shop on this trip and there are lots of over-priced toys and knick knacks that appeal to kids so beware if you have children - they will want one of everything.\ A fun museum - and if they keep roating the exhibits we'll be back for a 3rd go. P.S. The tattooing exhibit is lots of fun as well.

I attended my first Yelp event here and the atmosphere was great! The view of the water and buildings from the outdoor patio was beautiful at night. It was a very nice experience attending my first Yelp event here. This is an awesome place to host a party!

Went here for a Yelp Event. We were on the fourth floor. The view was fantastic. We did not get to see the rest of the museum other then when we walked in-- but all of the ships were very cool. It was a nice place-- the fourth floor has a bunch of decks with tables you can eat at!

Independence is a fun, informative museum which includes a ship and a submarine which you can walk through and explore. The museum itself is interesting with different exhibits showcasing the development of shipping over the years, there is also a section about the many immigrant groups that passed through Philly's ports. There is also a sad but important exhibit on slavery and how it took place locally and it goes into details on the struggle that people made fighting for their rights. The museum is definite a good value for I believe the $10 or $13 a ticket. Note: Check the website about parking - as they have a lot of deals worked out with the local parking lots. When we went the museum pretty much covered our parking fee.

Definitely worth a visit. Great exhibition covering variety of topics - from tattoos to slavery. Best part was visiting the full sized real submarine and ship from WWI. Tickets are 17$ for adults.

This place is pretty cool. You can walk along by the river first, see all the ships, check out the sub, then even see the boats being worked on from the huge glass windows along the exterior of the museum along the museum. Like I said, cool.

We stopped by the beer garden above the Seaport Museum on our night out and it was okay... mediocre at best for trying to be a pop up garden. You might as well walk an extra block to Spruce Street Harbor Park.

Extremely poor customer service and even communication among the staff. I was interested in the pop-up pub aboard the USS Olympia featuring Crooked Eye Brewery on 9/2. The manager of my b & b advised me to call 1st, and I was told that the pop-up was cancelled due to weather, but would be held Sun. Evening. Sun. Eve I showed up after 5 and was told the ships were closed. Another woman told me the pop-up pub was open. However, it was not on the ship, and the pub only served mass-produced American swill. They really need to get their act together.

A really cool place. A really nice musem,the battle cruiser Olympia from the Spainish American war and the submarine USS BECUNA. And you're not too far from Tony Like's.

Very cool. Did not visit the museum, but went on the submarine and the historic gunship. Awesome for all ages. A true glimpse of history.

we have been members and love the museum. We decided to get married here and it was absolutely the best! Janelle made sure our day was perfect and was so accommodating. She let us in prior to the date to see the space and helped plan our big day. I believe they got a liquor license for events, but we did BYOB which was a huge savings for the liquor at our wedding. The views were incredible, and we were able to do the ceremony outside, along with part of the reception.

Came for a brick bar event which was underwhelming but not their fault... Anyway thought at the very least we could see the museum while we were there. Nope. Immediately ushered out, despite the fact I paid $25 to get into the event I couldn't even walk around. Disappointing to say the least..

Ok......so they have this interactive display in the beginning that if you choose to play it, will have you running back and fourth throughout the display playing a game.....but that game gets old after about 10 min.....then the rest of the museum is just a bunch of pics of ships, and random displays of ship recks....not my thing

This a great place to take the family. There are a lot of interactives for children in the museum. The tour of the cruiser is really neat. Staff is on hand and eager to share the history of the Olympia. Be careful going up and down steps! My husband whacked the back of his head on a brass bar. The sub was neat to tour. However, be advised it is a very tight space. For once I was glad I'm a shortie! If you have to chose between the two - the museum and the boats, I recommend the boats. Each exhibit is $10.

The best part is not in the building but the ones floating outside...USS Olympia (late 1800's cruiser) & USS Becuna (WWII submarine). Enjoyed the walk through in leisure pace and learn its history. One of the best things to do in Philadelphia. Don't miss it.

Kicked people out during a pop up summer thunderstorm. Employees laughed at people and tourists who were simply seeking temporary shelter.

Really enjoyed this place, especially since we kind of wandered in by accident and it turned out to be surprisingly cool. The highlights are definitely the big old navy ship and submarine that are included in the price of admission to the museum. We checked those out first... the sub especially is so awesome as it seems that hardly anything has been changed, it and it's been left almost in the same condition it was when it took its last tour. You almost expect to see a sailor in his bellbottoms lying on one of the bunks. The museum itself is actually pretty interesting, with a variety of stuff to do. Looks like it's kid friendly too, with lots of stuff for kids to touch and climb on/into. There are tons of interesting, informative videos to watch as you walk around, and cool interactive exhibits.