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Independence Seaport Museum

211 S Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-413-8655
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Ranked #44 of 256 attractions in Philadelphia
Type: History Museums, Specialty Museums
Owner description: Philadelphia's maritime museum features interactive exhibits, historic ships (Spanish American war-era cruiser Olympia and WWII-era submarine Becuna)... more » Owner description: Philadelphia's maritime museum features interactive exhibits, historic ships (Spanish American war-era cruiser Olympia and WWII-era submarine Becuna) and changing exhibition galleries. Seasonal river tours of the Delaware River and kayaks /swan boats available adjacent to the Museum. « less
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65 reviews from our community

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    6
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Date Rating
Alexandria, Virginia
Top Contributor
103 reviews 103 reviews
58 attraction reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
97 helpful votes 97 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2013

We visited the museum more because we were interested in seeing the Olympia, which was absolutely worth it. Not only is the ship an important piece of history, but it is just a really beautiful vessel. The wooden common areas and officers quarters were really quite stunning. Although our primary purpose was to visit the Olympia, we enjoyed the chance... More

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See 6 more reviews by nannerp for Philadelphia
Philadelphia
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2013

Great place to learn about the maritime life in Philly. There's a short film not to be missed, esp. if a first-time visitor. Ticket includes a visit to the war ship Olympia, and the submarine Becuna, docked just behind the museum. There's also a workshop where you see people building a boat.

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See 18 more reviews by BMGPhiladelphia for Philadelphia
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
1 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2013

Visited this place years ago and recently revisited with my kids. Its just not a spectacular place yet the prices are obscene. May be good for stealing money from the local schools that participate throughout the year but for the tourists that visit they don't get what they think based on what they pay.

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See 9 more reviews by John V for Philadelphia
NJ
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2013

I'm a native Philadelphian living in NJ...have walked past this numerous times, but it is so non-descript looking from the outside never had much desire to visit. We weren't even sure it was open when we arrived. Don't know anyone who has ever visited, which is a shame. Battleship NJ was closed during kids spring break, so we opted for... More

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See 3 more reviews by rosef79 for Philadelphia
volvo97
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2013

The Seaport Museum is a wonderful place to visit to learn abput the history of the Delaware River and how it affected the nation. The Dewaey Flagship and the submarine are great and interesting attractions

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Washington DC
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 31, 2013 via mobile

Dud not do the museum, just went through the sub and the larger surface ship from 1893. Bott were awesome. Highlight of the trip for me. Im a history buff and was a landlubber in the Navy. The info within the subs was great and you get a solid feel for what kife must have been like on one.

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Philadelphia
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 20, 2013

The seaport is an ok and fun museum but the skating rink outside is a better place to go and look at the city and have som outdoor fun. I would say it is only going to be open another month as spring is coming soon

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See 16 more reviews by Kenneth L for Philadelphia
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 4, 2013

Interesting place for Philadelphia water history. This is definitely not a venue for very young children

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See 2 more reviews by Linda P for Philadelphia
Michigan
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
70 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
90 helpful votes 90 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 3, 2013

We went here on a school field trip! Going inside the boat is very interesting! And the tour guide was very informative. There is also a submarine and that was very neat seeing the inside of a sub. The museum itself on the inside is ok; not the most hands on.

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See 9 more reviews by elizabethw001 for Philadelphia
Seattle, Washington
Top Contributor
63 reviews 63 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 23, 2013

This museum chronicals accidents that have happened on the Delaware River. There is a good section on the War of 1812 and the U.S.S. Olympia, which can be toured, and is worth the time. There is also a submarine and a sailing ship that can be toured. The museum has on-site boat building and it was fascinating to talk to... More

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See 11 more reviews by techteach for Philadelphia

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