Big Changes Are Coming to Battleship New Jersey and the Camden Waterfront
One of South Jersey’s most recognizable landmarks is getting ready for a major new chapter.
Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial has announced plans for a $24.25 million expansion and improvement project that will transform the visitor experience both on and off the historic ship. The project includes a new three-story visitor center, improvements aboard the Battleship, expanded visitor amenities and upgrades designed to strengthen the attraction’s place along the Camden Waterfront for years to come.
A New Welcome to the Battleship
For visitors, one of the most noticeable changes will happen before they even step aboard.
Plans call for a new three-story visitor center featuring a lobby and ticketing area, artifact displays, a small café, gift shop, administrative spaces and surrounding landscaping improvements. The new facility will replace a visitor experience that has remained largely unchanged since Battleship New Jersey opened as a museum in 2001.
The new visitor center is expected to span approximately 8,700 square feet, more than twice the size of the current facility, and will also include a rooftop deck, according to reporting from The Philadelphia Inquirer.
More Improvements On and Off the Ship
The redevelopment goes well beyond the visitor center.
Plans also include improvements intended to make arriving at and exploring the Battleship easier and more enjoyable. The existing parking area at Wiggins Marina is expected to gain an additional level, expanding capacity to approximately 240 parking spaces.
Aboard the ship, planned improvements include a new private event space on the main deck, accessibility upgrades, exterior lighting, restroom renovations, repairs to the ship’s superstructure and pier, and infrastructure improvements.
Together, the projects represent a major investment in an attraction that already welcomes approximately 80,000 visitors each year, from families and school groups to veterans, history enthusiasts and travelers exploring the Greater Philadelphia region.
Investing in the Camden Waterfront
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is supporting the project through its Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program, with a tax credit award of up to $19.9 million toward eligible project costs. The program supports improvements to cultural destinations across New Jersey while encouraging tourism, economic activity and investment in surrounding communities.
The investment also adds to the continued evolution of Camden’s waterfront, where Battleship New Jersey has become both a landmark and a gateway to discovering the region.
As Battleship New Jersey CEO Marshall Spevak explained in the project announcement, the goal is to build an institution around the historic ship that can thrive for generations while creating a visitor experience worthy of the Battleship itself.
History You Can Experience Right Now
While there are big changes on the horizon, you don’t have to wait to experience Battleship New Jersey.
Visitors can currently step aboard America’s most decorated battleship and explore the ship through self-guided and guided experiences. Across its history, USS New Jersey served from World War II through the 1980s and earned 19 battle and campaign stars. Today, guests can explore historic spaces throughout the ship, discover hands-on exhibits and learn about the sailors who lived and served aboard the “Big J.”
Special experiences range from guided tours of areas like the engine room and Turret II to overnight encampments, educational programs, group tours and special events held right on the Camden Waterfront.
The Battleship is currently open daily, with tours and experiences available throughout the year. Visitors should check Battleship New Jersey’s website for current hours, tickets and upcoming events before planning their trip.
A New Chapter for a South Jersey Landmark
For 25 years, Battleship New Jersey has given visitors the opportunity to walk through living history on the Camden Waterfront. This next investment is about making that experience even stronger — from the moment guests arrive to the moment they step aboard.
And with a new visitor center, expanded amenities and major improvements planned throughout the campus, there will soon be even more to discover aboard the Big J.
Plan your visit to Battleship New Jersey and explore more things to see and do along the Camden Waterfront with Visit South Jersey.