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South Street Seaport Museum: A Journey Through New York's Maritime Past

Explore NYC's maritime history at South Street Seaport Museum: historic ships, artifacts, and interactive exhibits in the heart of the Seaport District.

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Explore New York City's origins as a bustling global port at the South Street Seaport Museum. Located in the heart of the historic Seaport District, the museum offers a blend of historic ships, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that bring the city's maritime past to life.

A brief summary to South Street Seaport Museum

  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for the most up-to-date information on exhibitions, events, and hours of operation.
  • Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing on the ships.
  • Take advantage of the guided tours of the historic ships to learn more about their history and significance.
  • Explore the surrounding Seaport District for dining, shopping, and stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The South Street Seaport Museum is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street. From there, it's a short walk to the museum at 12 Fulton Street. Alternatively, take the M15 or M15 SBS bus to Fulton Street. The NYC Ferry and New York Waterway also provide service to Pier 11, a short walk from the museum. A single subway or bus fare is $2.90.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Lower Manhattan, walking to the South Street Seaport Museum is a great option. From the World Trade Center area, head east towards the East River. Walk along Fulton Street until you reach the Seaport District. The museum is located at 12 Fulton Street. Walking is free, of course!

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in New York City. Simply enter 'South Street Seaport Museum' as your destination. A typical ride from Midtown Manhattan will cost approximately $20-$30, depending on traffic.

  • Parking

    Parking in the South Street Seaport area is limited. Several parking lots are available at Front and John Streets, and at 294 Pearl Street. However, these lots can be expensive, with hourly rates ranging from $25 to $50. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero to find and reserve parking in advance. Some garages offer rates starting from $25 for 2 hours.

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Discover more about South Street Seaport Museum

The South Street Seaport Museum, established in 1967, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of New York City as a major port. Situated in the South Street Seaport Historic District, the museum showcases the city's evolution from a Dutch trading outpost to a global hub of commerce and culture. The museum's collection includes a fleet of historic vessels, such as the 1885 tall ship *Wavertree* and the 1908 lightship *Ambrose*. Visitors can explore these ships to learn about 19th-century maritime life. The museum also features rotating exhibitions that draw from its extensive collection of over 28,000 works of art and historical artifacts, and over 80,000 archival materials. These exhibitions explore New York City's role as a global cultural metropolis through the lens of its maritime origins. Currently on view is the 'Maritime City' exhibition, a three-floor display that highlights how New York City arose from the sea, underscoring how the city's identity as a global capital of culture and finance is rooted in its origins as a seaport. In addition to the ships and exhibitions, the museum includes a working 19th-century print shop, Bowne & Co. Stationers, where visitors can see demonstrations of traditional printing techniques. The museum also comprises historic buildings and businesses that supported the diverse trade of the seaport, including Schermerhorn Row, a row of counting houses that represent the 'first world trade center of New York'. The South Street Seaport Museum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of New York's maritime past.

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