Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna at Independence Seaport Museum

Fantastic living history portion of the Seaport Museum embodied in two historic museum ships moored at Spruce St Harbor a short walk from the main museum building. Both ships are open for visitors to explore. Being old vessels, many areas are of course only accessible via somewhat perilous ladders and gangways, so a certain level of agility is required.nnOlympia has a main deck that is mostly explorable on a single level, with only some stepping between bulkhead doors necessary. As for the submarine, be prepared to cast your claustrophobia aside if planning a visit. Although once down below (using an aforementioned ladder), the Becuna is a fascinating look at how truly remarkable submarine warfare was for its time.nnPlan at least an hour to tour both ships; allow more time if you’d like a guided tour or more time to explore (and get photos!) Fantastic experience for curious children, or really any history buff.nnALSO: Remember that as historic vessels, *there are no modern HVAC systems*, so plan accordingly with the weather.

Ive seen this place for years and finally had a chance to go a before the shutdown and im glad we finally checked it out. Great park right around it and you can really make it a day or half a day trip lounging by the river with some beers in hand.

The USS Becuna and USS Olympia are museum ships preserved at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. A single ticket gives you access to both ships and the museum.nnThe Becuna is a WW2 era submarine which saw service in the Pacific towards the end of the war. The Olympia is a turn of the century cruiser which saw service in the Spanish-American War of 1898 and the Great War. It is perhaps best remembered for being the ship which carried the American Unknown Warrior from France to Washington in 1921.nnHistorically, the Olympia is the more interesting of the two ships, but whilst the visit to both is fascinating, the Becuna is perhaps the more interesting of the two, simply because it is a submarine. Highly recommended.

Olympia is an amazing ship to visit, the contrast from the New Jersey is quite interesting. Could have spent hours more here if I had the time. The Becuna is also an interesting ship, much better shape than the one in Charleston!

I purchased tickets to the the ship and sub from the museum on the waterfront. I feel it was a great value for the price. The tickets included the museum and both vessels. I would recommend to those interested in Maritime history and ships in general. There is also a ship right next to the submarine that turned into a floating restaurant/bar for those looking for a unique dining experience on the water.