Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia

Name: Independence Seaport Museum
Address: 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, 19106-3199, United States
Telephone: +1 215-413-8655

#10 among attractions in Philadelphia

Museum, Top attraction, History museum, Specialty museum

Gallery (10)

Map

Gallery

Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia

Facts and practical information

Nestled along the Delaware River, the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia is a cultural beacon that celebrates the maritime heritage of the city and the region. Established to preserve and interpret the port's history, the museum offers a dynamic experience through its extensive collections, exhibits, and historic ships.

The museum's galleries are home to a wealth of artifacts and interactive displays. Visitors can delve into Philadelphia's shipbuilding legacy, explore the science of the sea, and learn about the Delaware River's ecological significance. One of the highlights is the chance to board two National Historic Landmark ships: the Olympia, Admiral Dewey's famous flagship from the Spanish-American War, and the World War II submarine Becuna.

In addition to its indoor attractions, the Independence Seaport Museum also provides hands-on activities such as boat-building workshops, and it even operates a working boat shop. Educational programs are designed to engage all ages, from children to adults, in the rich maritime history and the environmental stewardship of the region's waterways.

The museum's location at Penn's Landing makes it a prime destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline. It's not only a place to learn and explore but also a venue for community events and waterfront festivals that celebrate Philadelphia's connection to the river.

Alternative names: Established: 1961 (63 years ago)Visitors per year: 84 thous.Coordinates: 39°56'45"N, 75°8'26"W

Address

211 S Christopher Columbus BlvdCenter City (Penn's Landing)Philadelphia 19106-3199 United States

Contact

+1 215-413-8655

Website

Social media

Facebook Twitter

Philadelphia

Day trips

Independence Seaport Museum – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Museum of the American Revolution, Carpenters' Hall, Merchants' Exchange Building, Franklin Court.

~1740 ftNW
Museum, History museum
Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
9 min walk • The Museum of the American Revolution, nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, stands as a testament to the pivotal events that shaped the United States. A relatively recent addition to the city's rich historical landscape, the museum opened its doors in April 2017...
0.4 miNW
Historic, Georgian-style meeting house
Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia
10 min walk • Carpenters' Hall, nestled in the heart of historic Philadelphia, stands as a monument to American craftsmanship and revolutionary history. This Georgian-style brick building, constructed in 1774, was the meeting place of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and has...
~1680 ftW
Museum, Palladian architecture, Greek Revival architecture
Merchants' Exchange Building, Philadelphia
9 min walk • The Merchants' Exchange Building stands as an architectural treasure in the heart of Philadelphia, a testament to the city’s historical and commercial significance. Completed in 1834, this National Historic Landmark, designed by William Strickland, is a prime example...
0.4 miNW
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Franklin Court, Philadelphia
11 min walk • Nestled within the historic heart of Philadelphia lies Franklin Court, a museum that pays homage to one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin. This unique site, situated at 318 Market Street, offers a window into Franklin's world, where...
~890 ftSW
Memorial
Philadelphia Korean War Memorial, Philadelphia
5 min walk • Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Korean War Memorial at Penn's Landing serves as a poignant tribute to the sacrifices made during a pivotal conflict in modern history. Dedicated to the memory of the 610 servicemen from the Philadelphia area who...
0.4 miNW
Museum, Science museum, Library
Chemical Heritage Foundation, Philadelphia
10 min walk • The Science History Institute is an institution that preserves and promotes understanding of the history of science. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it includes a library, museum, archive, research center and conference center.
0.5 miSW
Music and shows, Nightlife, Music venue
Theatre of Living Arts, Philadelphia
14 min walk • The Theatre of Living Arts is a concert venue located on South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The venue, which opened in 1988, dates back to the early 1900s as a nickelodeon. Over the years, the venue has seen many incarnations ranging from concert hall to movie theatre to theatre.
~890 ftS
Ship, Boat or ferry, Museum
USS Olympia, Philadelphia
5 min walk • USS Olympia is a protected cruiser that saw service in the United States Navy from her commissioning in 1895 until 1922. This vessel became famous as the flagship of Commodore George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish–American War in 1898.
~1990 ftNW
Historic church and Ben Franklin's grave
Christ Church, Philadelphia
10 min walk • Christ Church is an Episcopal church in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia. Founded in 1695 as a parish of the Church of England, it played an integral role in the founding of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.
~1850 ftW
Museum, History museum, Georgian architecture
Powel House, Philadelphia
9 min walk • The Powel House is a historic house museum located at 244 South 3rd Street, between Willings Alley and Spruce Street, in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
~1320 ftS
Ship, Event space
Moshulu, Philadelphia
7 min walk • Moshulu is a four-masted steel barque, built as Kurt by William Hamilton and Company at Port Glasgow in Scotland in 1904. The largest remaining original windjammer, she is currently a floating restaurant docked in Penn's Landing, Philadelphia, adjacent to the museum ships USS Olympia and USS Becuna.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Independence Seaport Museum open?

Independence Seaport Museum is open:

Monday 10 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Independence Seaport Museum?

Nearby attractions include Penn's Landing, Philadelphia (1 min walk), Jupiter, Philadelphia (2 min walk), Spruce Street Harbor Park, Philadelphia (4 min walk), Gazela, Philadelphia (4 min walk).

How to get to Independence Seaport Museum by public transport?

The nearest stations to Independence Seaport Museum:

Metro

2nd Street • Lines: Mfl (9 min walk)
5th Street • Lines: Mfl (14 min walk)

Bus

Spruce St & 6th St • Lines: 12 (15 min walk)
FlixBus Philadelphia Market Street • Lines: 2602, 2680, N2610 (17 min walk)

Light rail

Adventure Aquarium • Lines: River Line (16 min walk)
Entertainment Center • Lines: River Line (19 min walk)

Train

Jefferson Station (27 min walk)

Tram

13th Street • Lines: 10, 11, 13, 34, 36 (32 min walk)