On Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront at Penn’s Landing, the Independence Seaport Museum traces the city’s maritime history through interactive exhibits, ship models, artifacts and art. See how boats are built, explore exhibits on the port and its waterways, then go aboard the historic cruiser Olympia or World War II submarine Becuna. Hands-on activities, including water play and a Lego wall, give children ways to engage with the displays. The museum’s ships and riverside setting make this a good stop for families and anyone interested in Philadelphia’s connections to the water.
Philadelphia’s history through its port
The Independence Seaport Museum explores the maritime history of Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. Its exhibits follow the waterways, port and shipping industry that shaped the region, with displays on commercial and naval life, shipbuilding and the people who lived and worked along the river.
The collection includes maritime art and artifacts, archival documents, photographs and ship models. One exhibit addresses the history of the slave trade in Philadelphia. Together, the displays connect the city’s waterfront past with the people and work behind it.
Interactive exhibits and boatbuilding
Hands-on displays let visitors investigate how boats work and how sailors navigated. Children can try activities involving water, painting and building, while ship models and maritime artifacts offer more to explore. The What Floats Your Boat? exhibit focuses on the science, history and art of boats and boatbuilding.
The museum also has a working boat shop where traditional wooden boats are restored. Visitors can watch artisans at work, and the boatbuilding displays give families another way to see how vessels take shape.
Aboard Olympia and Becuna
Two historic vessels are docked outside the museum: the cruiser Olympia and the submarine Becuna. Olympia served as Admiral Dewey’s flagship during the Spanish-American War and is identified as the oldest floating steel warship. Becuna is a World War II-era submarine and a National Historic Landmark.
Tours take visitors through the ships’ interiors. On Becuna, the compact passageways give a close look at life aboard a wartime submarine; guides explain its history and conditions at sea. The submarine is not air-conditioned, and fans are used inside in hot weather.
The waterfront and special events
The museum sits at Penn’s Landing on the Delaware River, with the historic ships just outside. Depending on the season, water activities have included kayak and rowboat rentals in the basin. Candlelight Concerts and other events are also held at the museum, with the riverfront setting as part of the experience.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long should I plan for the Independence Seaport Museum?
Allow one to two hours for the museum and the surrounding riverfront area.
Can you go aboard the Olympia and Becuna?
Yes. The historic cruiser Olympia and World War II submarine Becuna are docked outside the museum and can be explored on tours.
Is the submarine air-conditioned?
No. Becuna is not air-conditioned; fans are used inside during hot weather.
Is the Independence Seaport Museum suitable for children?
Yes. The museum has interactive exhibits and activities for children, including water play and a Lego wall.
