The South Street Seaport Museum’s collections consist of over 28,000 works of art and artifacts, and over 55,000 historic records, documenting the rise of New York as a port city, and its role in the development of the economy and business of the United States through social and architectural landscapes. The Museum’s collections trace the history of New York City’s Harbor and Port, from the East River piers and the waterfront areas of Manhattan, to the city’s other boroughs and the New Jersey shoreline. The Museum also documents and interprets New York international trade routes, global cultures, and seafaring, including all aspects of life, art, and work associated with them.
Explore the Collection
Explore the objects and artifacts in the South Street Seaport Museum’s collection
Acquisition Guidelines
Visit our acquisition guidelines page and learn about the criteria for accessioning something into the collection
Research Policies
Visit our research policies page and learn about accessing materials and information for research purposes