Independence Day

​What does the 4th of July mean to you?

Is it about barbecues with family and friends? Watching fireworks?

Do you take a moment to reflect on the audacious, bold, and courageous act that took place on this date in 1776?

At Battleship IOWA, Independence Day means all of those things, but it has an added element that is quite significant to us:

July 4, 2012 was IOWA’s grand opening in Los Angeles.

​That day was the incredible culmination of an extraordinary journey to save the ship that lasted over a decade. Now, another decade later, this organization is still doing extraordinary things.

From innovating ways to maintain the ship without dry docking to unique tour experiences to turning a turret, we continue to push the envelope of how to operate an historic ship as a museum, as well as create a community that connects people from all walks of life.

We think that ethos is a worthy heritage for a ship that spent decades protecting the freedoms sparked in 1776.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, everyone!

Thank you, Iowa!

A massive, heartfelt shout-out to our friends in the state of Iowa, who came through with an incredibly generous donation that has jumpstarted our next phase of deck replacement. Your support of the Battleship IOWA is helping preserve a legacy and community platform that plays a significant role in the lives of so many people across the nation.

To Governor Reynolds, State legislature, and all of our Iowan supporters: your commitment to your ship never ceases to amaze us. We are truly grateful and look forward to showing the world the amazing preservation work you enable.

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Want to join the club and help preserve this phenomenal ship? Find out how you can be part of the process by clicking the button below.

Ciao, Amerigo Vespucci!

Say hello to our gorgeous (temporary) neighbor up the channel. The Italian navy is in town, ready to show off its pride and joy, the storied sail training vessel Amerigo Vespucci.

The ninety-three year old Vespucci will be open for tours July 3-8. These tours are FREE, but reservations are required.

In addition, an expo adjacent to the ship – the Villaggio Italia, featuring nearly 130,000 square feet of exhibition spaces including a restaurant (can you say authentic ITALIAN FOOD!) – will be open every day from 9 AM to 10 PM.

The Villaggio is set up by the pier, but you’ll hardly recognize the parking lot. Look how it’s been transformed.

Note: the Villaggio Italia will open at 4 PM on July 3, and close at 12:30 PM on July 8. Click here for more information on times and schedule.

Not enough Italy-in-LA for you?

​Frecce Tricolori, the Italian air force’s flight demonstration team, will color the skies over San Pedro:

• July 4 at 4 PM
• July 8 at 7 PM

International visits like this one serve to connect cultures and remind us how freedom of the seas enriches lives around the world, so look up and enjoy.

Spend the Night on the Battleship

CAMP BATTLESHIP

Join Battleship IOWA Museum for an exciting night of fun with Camp Battleship.  

This popular youth program is open year-round aboard Battleship IOWA and includes a STEAM oriented tour, chow on the mess decks, evening entertainment, and much more.  

Create life-long memories aboard Los Angeles’s historic naval ship.

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Fun Fact: Did you know… on average every one of our plank owners has contributed $150 to the National Museum of the Surface Navy?