National Museum of the Surface Navy

PBC is a 501(c)3 non-profit
USS Iowa Hours:  10:00am-4:00pm

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Living Blueprint

Every ship begins somewhere.
Now OpenExperiences

Every ship begins somewhere.

Long before Battleship IOWA ever touched water, she existed as lines on paper — a blueprint of compartments, corridors, and decks waiting to become steel. Step into that same real space today, where her original layout is overlaid directly onto the deck around you. Read the labels, trace the rooms, and stand exactly where she was first drawn into being.

From there, the journey continues into an actual ship cutaway, where blueprint gives way to the real thing — showing exactly how sailors lived, worked, and served within these walls.

What You'll Experience

  • Blueprint coming alive.
  • Markings and tracings from historic drawings.
  • Fun immersive experience.
  • Included with admission.

Plan Your Visit

Location

Aft 3rd deck

 

Date Opened

May 31, 2026

 

Open

7 days per week.

 

Included with all admissions.

Self-guided Ship Exploration

  • Explore the Surface Navy’s Life of a Sailor aboard a real battleship.
  • 75+ exhibits and displays.
  • Hear stories from our crew.
  • Vicky the Dog kids scavenger hunt.
  • Stunning views of the Port of Los Angeles.

Guided Ship Exploration

  • Guided tour with themed Sailor career tracks.
  • Access exclusive areas beyond the self-guided tour.
  • Visit President Roosevelt’s famous bathtub.
  • Led by a knowledgeable crewmember.
  • Includes all self-guided experiences.
National Museum of the Surface Navy Plank Owner certificate

Best view in the harbor!

Cars & Stripes Forever is coming to Battleship IOWA. The evening is capped by a huge fireworks show and since our portside is perfectly aligned for it, we’re throwing a VIP party on the ship. Join us for:

  • - Fireworks
  • - A special drink menu (coming soon)
  • - One complimentary drink
  • - 10% off food at Vicky’s Doghouse

(Hey, World Cup fans. We’ll be showing the Uruguay vs Spain game on our LED wall, too.)

Click the button below for more details and to purchase tickets.