The Independence Seaport Museum is a maritime museum and historic ship site located at Penn’s Landing along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 2026 travel guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, accessibility, and practical tips for visiting the museum galleries and the historic fleet.
To skip the explanation and secure your entry, book tickets here. Entry is also free with the Go City Philadelphia Pass.
This guide was last updated in February 2026 to reflect the current $23.00 adult admission fee and the standard daily operating schedule.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Information |
| Opening hours | Daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Adults: $23.00; Seniors/Students/Military/Children: $18.00 |
| Address | 211 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106 |
| Nearest transport | SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (2nd Street Station) |
| Visit duration | 2 to 3 hours |
Independence Seaport Museum opening hours
The Independence Seaport Museum opening hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily for most of the year, although it is closed on Wednesdays from February 2026 to May 2026. The last admission to the museum and the historic ships is permitted at 4:30 pm. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Independence Seaport Museum ticket prices
Independence Seaport Museum ticket prices are $23.00 for adults and $18.00 for seniors (65+), children (ages 3–12), college students, and active military. Children aged 2 and under receive free admission. Museum members and Pennsylvania ACCESS cardholders (up to four people) can enter for $2.00 per person.
The museum is included in the Go City Philadelphia Pass. This pass also include entry to other nearby attractions such as the Battleship New Jersey, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Eastern State Penitentiary.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Go City Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass?
- 🎟️ 30+ Top Attractions: Gain entry to Philadelphia’s best sites, including the Adventure Aquarium, Philadelphia Zoo, and the Museum of the American Revolution.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save up to 50% on admission costs compared to purchasing individual tickets at each attraction gate.
- 🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Includes a 1-day Big Bus tour, providing a convenient way to navigate between historic landmarks like Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- 📱 Instant Digital Pass: No need to wait for physical tickets; simply scan your digital pass from your smartphone for quick and easy entry.
- ⏱️ See It All at Your Pace: Choose a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day pass and visit as many attractions as you like, giving you total control over your Philly itinerary.
How to get to Independence Seaport Museum
The museum is located at Penn’s Landing. Visitors using public transport should take the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the entrance. SEPTA bus routes 12, 25, and 42 also stop within two blocks of the museum. During the summer, the RiverLink Ferry connects the museum pier to the Camden Waterfront.
5 great things to do in Philadelphia
- 🥖 Taste the best of Philly on a food tour – including historic Reading Market.
- 🏛️ Get to know Philadelphia’s heritage sites – on a guided walking tour.
- 🍻 Go on a pub crawl – but learn the history between beers.
- 🎨 Let a guide show you Philadelphia’s best murals and street art – including Magic Gardens.
- 🌙 Discover Philly’s dark side – on an adults-only night tour.
Parking at Independence Seaport Museum
There is no dedicated car park owned by the museum. Parking at the Independence Seaport Museum is available at nearby commercial facilities, including the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing Garage and the Walnut Street Parking Garage. Limited metered street parking is available along Columbus Boulevard and in the Old City neighbourhood, though it is often subject to strict time limits.
How long to spend at Independence Seaport Museum
Visitors typically spend 2 to 3 hours at the museum. This allows for approximately 60 minutes to explore the indoor galleries and an additional 60 to 90 minutes to tour the Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna. Families participating in hands-on workshops may require more time.
Accessibility at Independence Seaport Museum
The Independence Seaport Museum building is fully accessible to wheelchair users via an elevator located at the north end of the building. However, accessibility on the historic ships is limited. The Cruiser Olympia has a wheelchair-accessible main deck via a ramp, but the lower decks are only reachable by steep stairs. The Submarine Becuna is not wheelchair accessible and requires navigating narrow hatches and vertical ladders.
What to see at Independence Seaport Museum
The Cruiser Olympia is the oldest steel warship afloat in the world. Visitors can tour the bridge, the living quarters, and the engine room of the vessel that served as Admiral Dewey’s flagship during the Spanish-American War.
The Submarine Becuna is a World War II-era vessel. The self-guided tour takes visitors through the torpedo rooms, the control centre, and the cramped crew bunks, providing insight into life under the sea during the 1940s and 1950s.
River Alive! is a permanent, interactive exhibit focused on the ecology of the Delaware River. It features live animals, touch tanks, and large-scale monitors that track the health and wildlife of the local watershed.
The Workshop on the Water is a functioning boat shop where traditional wooden boat-building techniques are demonstrated. Visitors can observe craftsmen at work on various maritime restoration projects and new builds.
Patriots & Pirates explores the early history of the United States Navy. This gallery features a full-size recreation of a section of the schooner Diligent and examines the conflict between the fledgling American fleet and Mediterranean pirates.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Advice |
| Footwear | Wear flat, rubber-soled shoes to safely navigate the metal ladders and decks on the ships. |
| Clothing | The historic ships are not climate-controlled; dress for the outdoor temperature. |
| Security | All large bags and backpacks must be stored in the lockers provided in the lobby. |
| Entry | Enter through the main doors facing the Delaware River at Penn’s Landing. |
| Weather | Access to the ships may be restricted during periods of heavy rain, snow, or high winds. |
Frequently asked questions about Independence Seaport Museum
| Query | Answer |
| Is Independence Seaport Museum suitable for children? | Yes, it features interactive science exhibits and historic ships that appeal to all ages. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Independence Seaport Museum? | No, tickets are available at the front desk, though online purchase is an option. |
| Is Independence Seaport Museum open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every Sunday. |
| Are dogs allowed at Independence Seaport Museum? | Only service animals are permitted inside the museum and on the historic ships. |
Things to do near Independence Seaport Museum
The museum’s location at Penn’s Landing is within walking distance of several other paid attractions:
- Battleship New Jersey: Located directly across the river; accessible via a short ferry ride.
- Museum of the American Revolution: A 10-minute walk west on Chestnut Street.
- National Liberty Museum: Located five blocks away in the Old City district.
- Betsy Ross House: A 15-minute walk north-west through the historic district.
More Philadelphia travel
Other Philadelphia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Discover Benjamin Franklin’s life in the Benjamin Franklin Museum and his resting place in the Christ Church Burial Ground.
- Review of the very weird Mutter Museum in Philadelphia.
- Review of the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
- How Philadelphia’s historic attractions provide an introduction to America’s past.
- Learning how Australia’s highest mountain got its name at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial.
- Tips and practical information for visiting the Liberty Bell Center.
- Guides to Philadelphia’s Parkway attractions – the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation, the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences and the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- What to expect inside the Museum of the American Revolution and the Betsy Ross House.
- Why it’s worth taking a trip over the Delaware River to the Battleship New Jersey.
- 6 great reasons to visit Philadelphia.
