Philadelphia: Independence Seaport Museum and USS Olympia
Philadelphia Riverfront, Philadelphia
Grab your ticket and dive into River Alive! Discover hands-on exhibits, raise the sails on the pirate ship Diligence, and climb aboard National Historic Landmark Ship Cruiser USS Olympia.
Independence Seaport Museum and Cruiser Olympia Visit in Philadelphia
The Independence Seaport Museum on Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing waterfront offers a family-friendly experience exploring maritime history and the Delaware River’s impact.
Highlights
- Board the Cruiser Olympia, the oldest steel warship still afloat
- Explore one of the largest maritime art and artifact collections
- Discover the region's waterways and their connection from wilderness to city
- Learn about maritime trades at the Seaport Boat Shop
Description
The museum features permanent exhibitions such as “River Alive!,” “Patriots & Pirates,” and “Seeking Profit and Power: Philadelphia, China Trade, and the Making of America,” focusing on Philadelphia’s history through the Delaware River.
Guests can visit the Seaport Boat Shop inside the museum, where staff and volunteers demonstrate traditional maritime trades and crafts.
Visitors are encouraged to climb aboard the USS Olympia, a 19th-century cruiser known for serving as Admiral Dewey’s flagship during the Battle of Manila Bay and for returning the American Unknown Soldier from World War I to Washington, D.C. Experience how sailors lived and worked during Olympia’s 27 years of service.
Includes
- Access to the museum's award-winning exhibits
- Visit to the Seaport Boat Shop demonstrations
- Entry to Cruiser Olympia, the oldest floating steel warship in the world
Excludes
- Food and beverages
- Access to Submarine Becuna (closed until further notice)
Important Information
- Final entry time for the museum and USS Olympia is 4:30 PM
- Submarine Becuna is currently closed
- Arrival includes assignment of exact entry times for the museum and USS Olympia
- USS Olympia is not wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
Full refund available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
For the best experience, arrive early to allow ample time for both the museum and the ship. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing aboard the USS Olympia.
