Opening May 27
The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation
Get your tickets today
Be one of the first to experience this newly-opened landmark exhibition!
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, The Promise of Liberty takes you on a journey through the nation’s founding ideas—tracing how they have evolved over time through rare defining documents and pivotal moments in history.
Through rarely-seen documents and ephemera—including the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, as well as remarkable 19th and 20th century treasures—you discover pivotal moments that pushed the nation closer to equality. You also experience how New York played a central role in this history.
Reserve your ticket today to experience the ongoing story of a nation shaped by words—where ideals have been tested, expanded, and reimagined over centuries. When you reserve General Admission and The Promise of Liberty in advance you can get a special discounted combo ticket.
Now On View
Maritime City
Explore the three-floor exhibition Maritime City, which highlights how New York City, as we know it today, arose from the sea.
Throughout the extensive exhibition, 540 deliberately-selected objects from the collections and archives of the Museum are on view to underscore how the city’s identity as a global capital of culture and finance is rooted in its origins as a seaport.
As you walk through the exhibition you discover how the waterways, people, and industries of the Greater New York area led to the creation of a truly diverse city.
Shop at
Bowne & Co.
Wednesday–Sunday
Bowne & Co. weaves together New York’s rich maritime and printing legacy through two distinctive experiences: the Printing Office and Bowne & Co. Stationers. The Printing Office is a workspace that continues the age-old tradition of job (or small-batch) printing using historic presses from the Seaport Museum’s working collection. Next door, Bowne & Co. Stationers is a 19th century-inspired gift emporium selling a carefully curated selection of unique wares.
Stop by Bowne & Co. Stationers to browse house-designed and letterpress-printed paper goods, along with charming books, candles, stationery, home decor, and delightful oddities.
You can also ask our friendly staff about ordering your own custom letterpress printing and joining in seasonal and monthly activities, workshops, and open houses!
Sail New York Harbor
The Season is Now Underway!
Get your ticket today to explore New York Harbor aboard a one-of-a-kind National Register-listed schooner or tugboat! Perfect for history buffs, maritime and sailing enthusiasts, romantics, or anyone who loves the water, sails on the 1885 schooner Pioneer or rides on the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker are unforgettable ways to experience New York City. Check out all the different public options and private charters today. Your on-the-water adventure awaits.
Featured Blog
From Attics to Archives
Preservation tips for your own family memories
Do you have boxes of old family photos and papers and aren’t sure where to start organizing and caring for them them? The Museum’s Archives and Special Collections Specialist, Elena Abou Mrad, has some expert tips!
While processing a fascinating collection that once belonged to Captain Moses W. Collyer (1856–1942)—a Hudson River sloop captain who also worked in lighterage across New York City—she documented the steps you can take to build your own family archive. From opening letters sealed since the late 1800s to removing rusty staples and performing light preservation work, these practical steps help ensure that collections—whether in museums or at home—are safely organized and preserved for the future.
Discover how museums care for historic materials and learn practical ways to assess, organize, and preserve your own family memories in the latest Collections Chronicles blog post.
