South Street Historic District
(212) 732-7678
Ahoy there, maties! If you’re
a seafaring sort of fellow, you may very well be interested in
paying a little visit to the South Street Seaport Museum. This
marine Mecca is conveniently (and quite easily) located within
an eleven-square-block Historic District alongside the East
River. More specifically, confine your search to the area
between South, Pearl, John, and Fulton Streets in lower
Manhattan. Yes, that’s it over there…right by the water.
Once you’re "on
board", pop a few Dramamine and prepare for some good clean
fun. For starters, you’ll notice that the roads are paved with
cobblestones, a very nice touch. Around six ships that date as
far back as 1885 are docked off of Piers 15 and 16 The museum
includes the largest fleet of historic sailing ships anywhere in
the world, which is no small feat. There are scores of vessels
to marvel at, and they are all very well maintained and cared
for. In addition, a gorgeous collection of maritime works of art
is on display. For those of you who enjoy seascapes and scenic
watercolors, search no more.
Not to be overlooked in
the slightest is the care that the South Street Seaport Museum
has put into its Children’s Center. If your child is prone to
nodding off and begging to leave places, a few minutes in front
of one of the several multimedia and interactive displays ought
to keep Junior on his or her toes. It truly is a great system
that the museum’s designers have implemented, and other
museums would do well to follow their lead.
Other items of interest
include an actual working print shop in the spirit of the
eighteenth century and a crafts center, where you can create and
purchase your own sea trinkets. There is also a reference
library with over 20,000 volumes that give a vivid history of
New York as a world port. All in all, the South Seaport Museum
is highly recommended for families and for anyone who’s ever
dreamed of living out there on the ocean. A very picturesque,
very well cared-for place to learn and relax.
For more information on
the South Street Seaport Museum, please call (212) 748-8600.
Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm (8 pm on Thursdays) from April to
September, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm during the rest of the year.
Tickets can be purchased either at the Visitors Center on 12
Fulton Street or at the Pier 16 Ticket Booth at the following
rates: $6, $5 for seniors, $4 for students, and $3 for children
2-11.
