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.

National Museum of the Surface Navy Plank Owner certificate

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.

A wooden deck on a ship with a metal hatch open to a corridor presents an updated scene. Reflections are visible on glass windows, and ropes or netting appear on the right side of the image.

Before

The deck of a ship with tan wooden planks, metal railings, pipes, and a partially open door leading inside shows signs of recent update. A staircase and traffic cone are visible near the door.

After

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.

LEARN MORE

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.

A large, ornate sailing ship with tall masts and multiple sails is docked at a pier under a clear blue sky. There are intricate gold details along the hull, showcasing an impressive update to its classic design.

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.

Outdoor event with people dining and mingling under white pergolas by the sea, with white chairs and tables, green grass, and a blue sky. A blue event sign marked “update” is visible in the foreground.

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?

Italian jets fly in formation over Rome’s Altare della Patria, emitting green, white, and red smoke in a stunning aerial display. In an exciting update to the annual celebration, people stand below with Italian flags, cheering and celebrating against a clear blue sky.

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.

MORE INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS

Spend the Night on the Battleship

FAMILY OVERNIGHT

child on educational field trip to Battleship Iowa in San Pedro CA

Bring your family and your sleeping bag!

Date: August 10, 2024 4:30pm to August 11, 2024 9:30am

Price: $120 per person

This family-friendly event allows guests to explore and live like sailors on one the most iconic warships in America.

FAMILY OVERNIGHT TICKETS

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.

INFO & BOOKING

Yellow text DONATE TODAY is centered on a dark blue background, flanked by a yellow star on each side.

NOTE: If you prefer not to donate electronically, please mail your check to:
Attention: Development Department, 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro, CA 90731

Thank you to our 2023 donors for their generosity and support. Want to know how your donations are making a difference? Check out our ANNUAL REPORT here.

Want to see your name on the 2024 donor list? There's still time to make a tax-deductible contribution to our organization.

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

Click below to learn more and join.

LIMITED TIME ONLY! Receive a digital commemorative Plank Owner certificate.

Join Free. Earn Points.

Become a Surface Navy Museum and Battleship IOWA Patron and, for a limited time, receive a free digital commemorative Plank Owner certificate.

Stay connected with special updates and invitations, earn points for your support, and redeem them for experiences, apparel, and more.

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Museum Update: July 4, 2024