South Street Seaport Museum
New York City, NY
Dive into Manhattan’s maritime past with a visit to the South Street Seaport Museum, a cultural landmark in the heart of the South Street Seaport Historic District. The museum is known for its vintage ships docked outside, but inside the exhibition halls are full of treasures, from art depicting maritime life to historic photographs and artifacts. This museum provides an extensive look into the founding history of New York City and the role the seaport played in that evolution.
The basics
A fleet of ships dating as far back as 1885 are docked at Pier 16 near the South Street Seaport Museum at the tip of lower Manhattan. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours here, exploring the fleet of ships and going inside the museum to check out a range of exhibitions. Views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline are highlights from the deck of the historic ships, while inside the museum you can browse exhibitions and visit the on-site shop, which sells a thoughtful collection of souvenirs and books.
Things to know before you go
- Families seeking educational experiences and anyone interested in maritime history will enjoy this museum.
- As this museum occupies several ships and landmarked buildings, accessibility ranges throughout; consult the website’s detailed accessibility page for guidance.
- The museum hosts special events year-round, including activities for families, which can be booked in advance online.
- During the spring season, the historic vessels go out for a sail and take bookings; check the museum’s website for details.
How to get there
The South Street Seaport Museum is located at 12 Fulton Street in lower Manhattan. To reach the museum by subway, take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street, or ride buses M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street. Some parking is available in the neighborhood, but expect traffic and expensive rates. When traveling through Manhattan, it’s easiest to use public transportation, bikes, taxis, or rideshares.
When to get there
The South Street Seaport Museum operates seasonal hours: it’s open weekends only from January to early March, while it’s typically open from Wednesday to Sunday between mid-March and December. Opening times are usually from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free when arriving at the museum and visiting the check-in desk, or you can book tickets online from as little as US$1—the museum runs a pay-what-you-wish scheme for ticket pricing. Reservations are required ships; book online ahead of your visit. While you can explore the museum throughout the year, keep in mind that the ships are outside and nice weather can make for a more enjoyable experience.
A 19th-century print shop
More than maritime history is on offer at this museum and one of its most unique attributes is a working 19th-century print shop: Bowne & Co. Stationers. The original was founded in 1775 and today’s letterpress print shop is free and open to the public. Bowne & Co. offers monthly workshops, where visitors can learn about letterpress printing and make their own bespoke stationery.
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