Battleship IOWA Museum is open Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., with last admission at 4 p.m. Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Please check the museum’s website for special-event changes and current admission prices
Located near Long Beach on the Los Angeles waterfront, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a must-visit attraction for those interested in maritime history.
This West Coast battleship, the only one open to the public, boasts a rich history and has hosted three US Presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. Visitors can walk the wood decks and explore areas such as the 16” guns, missile decks, and the famous Captain’s Cabin. The museum's newest attraction, Battleship Flight – A Naval Aviation Experience, offers guests an up-close view of a Korean War-era Piasecki HUP-2 Retriever Helicopter and a simulated ride in a Motion Flight Theater.
The USS Iowa offers four specialized tours for visitors: The Presidents Tour which delves into FDR's secret mission aboard the Iowa, the Guided Tour which offers a more personalized experience, the Gun Tour which takes visitors on a behind-the-scenes journey through the ship's levels and offers a view of the 16-inch guns, and the Engineering Tour which takes visitors below deck to explore most innovative warship of WWII and see the areas of .the anchor windless room, engine room, boiler room, after-steering, and several support facilities that keep the ship moving. All tours require a General Access Pass purchase, and must be booked in advance with tour times reserved prior to the planned arrival date.
The USS Iowa Museum features a variety of fascinating exhibits that explore different aspects of naval history and culture. Visitors can discover the diversity, leadership, and bravery of naval sailors in the Surface Navy Heroes exhibit, or participate in a fun interactive scavenger hunt to find the museum's mascot, Victory "Vicky" the dog. Other exhibits include the Battleship of Presidents, which explores the history of the USS Iowa and the leaders who have been hosted aboard since 1943, and the Surface Ships exhibit, which takes visitors on a journey through time to explore the surface ships of the Navy over the decades. Through Life of a Sailor, visitors become sailor recruits, follow a famous sailor’s story, receive their orders, and hone their skills as they explore seven decks aboard Battleship IOWA, home of the National Museum of the Surface Navy. Families can also join Vicky the Dog’s scavenger hunt.
Additionally, visitors can view the Korean War-era Piasecki HUP retriever helicopter up close, and learn more about the captivating mysteries and the human impact that surround shipwrecks found by Dr. Bob Ballard in the Lost at Sea exhibit. Finally, the Artifact Gallery offers a chance to see a wide variety of items on display, from photographs and books to uniforms and rifles. These exhibits and more are included in admission and many can be explored in person as well as online.
The USS IOWA is not just a museum, but a community platform that fosters camaraderie and support for veterans and civilians alike. Its veterans programs focus on honor, community, and prosperity, and the ship hosts various military ceremonies, retirements, and volunteer service days throughout the year. For more information on hosting an event on board the IOWA, please contact veterans@labattleship.com.
Organize a group outing, tour or reserve space on board for your special event.
The USS Iowa Battleship is available for private events such as weddings, corporate events, and other social events. The ship offers a variety of event spaces, including the Admiral's Cabin, Captain's Quarters, Wardroom, Flight Deck and several other decks and outdoor areas. The ship can accommodate groups of up to 1,500 people and offers a range of catering options. Event organizers can also arrange for guided tours of the ship and access to special exhibits.
The museum offers in-house rentals for events, including 72" round tables, cocktail tables, folding chairs, folding chair covers, an expanded stage, and audio/visual equipment. Vicky's Cafe provides catering and beverage options for small to mid-level events. Event hosts can also bring their own caterer if they prefer. The Battleship IOWA offers VIP tours and exclusive tour guides, as well as a ship's store where guests can purchase souvenirs. During its time as an active Navy vessel, the Battleship IOWA was the spot where sailors could purchase official IOWA stationery for letters home, IOWA ball caps, and new dungarees. Today the ship’s store is an exciting source for all things IOWA! You can arrange a gift package for your meeting attendees or event guests from among the many affordable souvenirs.
