Wednesday–Sunday | 11am–5pm | Pier 16 | Included in Admission
From April 30 through June 20, the tall ship Wavertree will open to the public at noon to accommodate K–12 education programs taking place on board in the mornings on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Visitors planning to begin their visit at 11am during these dates are encouraged to kick things off with the engaging new three-floor exhibition Maritime City—a perfect introduction to how New York City, as we know it today, arose from the sea.
Tour this National Register-listed vessel that represents the thousands of ships that docked along New York’s waterfront over the centuries. Come aboard to see how people worked and lived aboard a 19th century cargo sailing ship—from the captain to the ship’s officers, cooks, and crew. In the care of the South Street Seaport Museum, the 1885 tall ship Wavertree has been meticulously restored and has been carefully curated to help tell the story of the rise of New York City as a global metropolis.
On your visit, you will explore the main deck that features the restored forecastle, where the crew bunked; the galley, where meals were prepared; the saloon, which acted as the captain’s living room and the ship’s office in port; and the quarterdeck, where you can man the helm, turn the ship’s wheel, and learn about the capstan. You will also get a look into the vast cargo hold, which stored bulk cargo on Wavertree’s many journeys to distant ports around the globe during her 24-year sailing career.
About Registration
Throughout the cooler months, tours of Wavertree are led every 30 minutes and last approximately 30 minutes. On days when the weather is nicer, tours will be self-guided and guests may explore at their own pace. You may access Wavertree at any time from 11am to 5pm on the day of your visit. Last admission will be 4:45pm. Advance registration to guarantee your space is encouraged. Walkups can be accommodated as space allows.
Guests must check in at the red tent located at the bottom of the Wavertree gangway on Pier 16, or in the introduction galleries at 12 Fulton Street. Please note that storage space is not available on board Wavertree. Strollers can be parked at the base of the gangway when boarding.
Access to Wavertree includes climbing up a few stairs, walking up an angled gangway, and then down a few stairs onto the deck. Access to the lower decks is by stairs; access to the upper deck is by steep ladder-like stairs.
About the 1885 Tall Ship Wavertree
Wavertree was built at Southampton, England, in 1885 and, after a 24-year sailing career and circumnavigating the globe at least three times, is now the last remaining iron-hulled three-masted full-rigged cargo ship. Today, Wavertree is visited by guests of all ages from around the globe and serves as the centerpiece of the “Street of Ships” at the Seaport Museum. She was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 13, 1978 and symbolizes the profound influence of sailing ships, their intrepid sailors, and the bustling waterfront in shaping New York City into a modern metropolis. As a historic vessel with a fascinating past, Wavertree embodies the rich maritime heritage that played a pivotal role in transforming South Street into the vibrant heart of “Where New York Begins.”
Explore Wavertree
Use the map below, to identify some of the things you’ll find as you tour the deck of Wavertree.
Want to learn more about Museum admission tickets? Visit the FAQ page for more details.
Have Your Next Event on Wavertree
Wavertree is the perfect one-of-a-kind setting for your next event. This historic ship provides a breathtaking setting with unparalleled views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
2015-16 Restoration
In recognition of Wavertree‘s symbolism of New York’s History, the Seaport Museum was awarded a 13-million dollar, city-funded grant for her unprecedented restoration in 2015. This provided the necessary means for her restoration including the completion of her masts, yards, and rigging, the installation of her ‘tweendeck, and the refitting of her iron-hull. This restoration marked the beginning of the next chapter of her life as the flagship of the South Street Seaport Museum.
South Street Seaport Museum
By subway: Take the A, C, 2, 3, J, Z, 4, or 5 train to Fulton Street.
By bus: Take the M-15 SBS or M-15 to Fulton Street.
By water: The NYC Ferry, and New York Waterway provide service to Pier 11. The Staten Island Ferry provides services to Whitehall Terminal.
Parking: Parking lots can be found at Front and John Streets, as well as 294 Pearl Street.