Philadelphia Museums and Attractions
May 19, 2023
Philadelphia is home to museums dedicated to art, science, history, and almost everything in between. Here are some of the many museums worth visiting in Philadelphia.
Art Museums
Barnes Foundation
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Barnes Foundation is one of the gems of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and home to one of the most impressive collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist paintings. Unlike other art museums, the Barnes Foundation is set up with works of art arranged in “ensembles.” So, rather than organizing the art by chronology, style or genre, the works are arranged by symmetry, light, color, or space. Dr. Albert C. Barnes, a Philadelphia native, collected these works between 1912 and 1951. His collection includes one-of-a-kind pieces by Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse.

The Barnes Foundation, collection galleries, 2021. Photo courtesy of the Barnes Foundation.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
At the top of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway – also known as “Philadelphia’s Museum Mile” – is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum’s iconic Main Building houses magnificent collections spread throughout nearly 200 galleries. More than 2,000 years of paintings and sculptures from Europe, Asia, and the Americas are on display, as well as more than 9,000 objects from China, Japan, Korea, and across East Asia. Other impressive works by Black, Indigenous, and Latin American artists are on view to showcase how these talented creators contributed to the development of American art.

© Elizabeth Leitzell. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2020.
Rodin Museum
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Home to one of the largest collections of sculptor Auguste Rodin’s works outside of Paris, the Rodin Museum is dedicated to the artist’s work. “The Thinker” sits in front of the museum greeting guests as they enter the museum along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Rodin Museum. Photo by Paul Loftland for PHLCVB.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 118-128 N Broad St.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the first and oldest art museum and art school in the nation is home to an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century American art. Founded in 1805 by Charles Wilson Peale, PAFA is found in a Victorian Gothic building designed by architect Frank Furness and a National Historic Landmark. Some of the museum’s most esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins, and Louis Kahn.

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Photo by K. Privitera for PHLCVB.
Fabric Workshop and Museum
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1214 Arch St.
The Fabric Workshop and Museum, located across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and just steps from the historic Reading Terminal Market, is a contemporary art museum dedicated to encouraging artists at all stages of their careers to experiment with new materials and new media. This internationally acclaimed museum started out by urging creators to work with fabric and has since expanded to include other innovative materials. The museum’s permanent collection includes works of art, as well as material research, samples, and prototypes.

Fabric Workshop and Museum. Photo by Carlos Avendaño.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
Neighborhood: University City
Address: 118 S 36th St.
Guests are encouraged to “engage and connect with the art of our time” at the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) at the University of Pennsylvania. Founded on a desire to showcase what’s “new and happening” in art and culture, ICA brings modern-day creativity to life. ICA is also one of America’s few kunsthalles – facilities that mount temporary art exhibitions, like an art gallery but without a permanent collection. ICA is also notable for organizing Andy Warhol’s first-ever solo museum exhibition, which helped to launch the artist into stardom.
Museum for Art in Wood
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 141 N 3rd St
The Museum for Art in Wood, formerly The Center for Art in Wood, strives to enhance the public’s understanding and appreciation of design in wood. Located in Old City, this museum is home to one of the most extensive institutional collections of contemporary art in wood.
Woodmere Art Museum
Neighborhood: Chestnut Hill
Address: 9201 Germantown Ave.
Located in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood, Woodmere Art Museum‘s collection highlights Philadelphia art and artists with a collection of over 8,000 works on view in nine galleries.

Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill. Photo by D. Moran.
Brandywine River Museum of Art
Neighborhood: Chadds Ford
Address: 1 Hoffmans Mill Rd
Just 45 minutes southwest of the city, the Brandywine River Museum of Art is an art treasure known internationally for its collections of works by three generations of the Wyeth family — N.C., Andrew and Jamie. The museum has a fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscapes.

Photo courtesy of Brandywine River Museum of Art.
Science Museums
The Franklin Institute
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 222 N 20th St.
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia’s popular, all-ages science museum is is one of the oldest and premier centers of science education and development in the United States. The Franklin Institute was founded in 1824 and was designed to inspire a passion for science in the spirit and honor of American scientist, Benjamin Franklin. When it opened, The Franklin Institute was one of the first museums in the U.S. to offer a hands-on approach to learning about the physical world. The museum continues to offer an array of STEM-focused events and exhibits including Your Brain, the signature walk-through “Giant Heart,” the Fels Planetarium, an IMAX Theater, escape rooms, virtual reality experiences, and much more.
The Franklin Institute is preparing to open its newest core exhibit, an entirely new future-focused “Wondrous Space” exhibit on November 4, 2023. The upgrade cost about $8.5 million dollars. Thanks to a generous gift of $3 million dollars by Boeing, the funds enabled the museum to transform its existing exhibit into an immersive two-story gallery dedicated to space exploration. The museum’s current space exhibit has been expanded by about 7,000 square feet, which is almost three times its previous size. The groundbreaking space exhibit will help usher in a new age of space science at the museum, just in time for the institution’s 200th anniversary in 2024.

Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Founded in 1812, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has played an important role in fostering scientific research as the first natural sciences institution in the Americas. Since its inception, prestigious members have included Thomas Jefferson (whose fossil collection is housed at the Academy), John James Audubon, Charles Darwin and Marie Curie. A leader in biological research, the Academy’s library and archives feature 200,000 books, including some that date back to the 1500s, that document an understanding of the natural world from the very beginning of modern science.

Dinosaur Hall at The Academy of Natural Sciences. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Mütter Museum
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse Square
Address: 19 S. 22nd St.
Home to a collection of over 25,000 medical specimens and instruments, the iconic Mütter Museum is dedicated to displaying fascinating discoveries about the human body. Visitors to this museum also have the chance to explore the Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia – the oldest independent medical library in the U.S. The centuries-old medical library is filled with historic treasures, including rare books from the 14th century, first editions, scrolls, stone tablets, artwork, and so much more.

Mütter Museum. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Science History Institute
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 315 Chestnut St.
The Science History Institute in Old City features multiple permanent galleries featuring objects, stories, and discoveries. Visitors have the chance to learn about key figures throughout the history of science and discover the interesting history of common objects with the museum’s interactive Object Explorer.

Downstream at Science History Institute. Photo courtesy of Science History Institute/Conrad Erb.
Wagner Free Institute of Science of Philadelphia
Neighborhood: North Philadelphia
Address: 1700 W Montgomery Ave.
Tucked away in North Philadelphia just off Temple University’s Main Campus, the Wagner Institute is home to “an extraordinary collection of natural history specimens.” Guests will get an up-close look at animals, insects, fossils, even dinosaur bones (all preserved in glass cases arranged for study), as well as William Wagner’s personal mineral collection – one of the oldest in the U.S. The exhibit is one of the largest systematically arranged collections on display in the country.

Wagner Free Institute of Science Museum in North Philadelphia. Photo by R. Cardillo.
History Museums
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 317 Chestnut St.
Dedicated to exploring the life and legacy of Benjamin Franklin, the National Park Service’s Benjamin Franklin Museum is in Franklin Court, just steps from Independence Hall and the shops and restaurants of Old City. Inside, visitors can interact with exhibits and view rare artifacts throughout the museum, which is divided into five “rooms” representing the Founding Father’s traits. Tickets are available at the door and must be purchased on the day of your visit.

The exterior of the Benjamin Franklin Museum in Franklin Court. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
National Constitution Center
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 525 Arch St.
Found within America’s most historic square mile, the National Constitution Center is dedicated to telling the story of the U.S. Constitution via interactive exhibits and conversations. Visitors are able to explore the museum’s permanent exhibits including, The 19th Amendment: How Women Won the Vote, which opened in 2020 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment.

National Constitution Center. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Museum of the American Revolution
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 101 S 3rd St.
The Museum of the American Revolution in Old City is dedicated to sharing the story of the American Revolution by way of interactive exhibits and stunning artifacts.

Photo courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution.
Penn Museum
Neighborhood: University City
Address: 3260 South St.
The Penn Museum is home to over 10,000 square feet of recently reimagined galleries and the largest sphinx in the Western Hemisphere.

Photo courtesy of J. Whalen for Penn Museum.
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 701 Arch St.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is dedicated to sharing the history and culture of African American people and those of the African Diaspora. The museum features permanent exhibitions including, Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1176-1876.

African American Museum in Philadelphia. Photo by P. Loftland for PHLCVB.
American Swedish Historical Museum
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Address: 1900 Pattison Ave.
American Swedish Historical Museum — the oldest Swedish museum in the United States — is found in South Philadelphia’s FDR Park.

American Swedish Historical Museum. Photo by C. Abbott.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 101 S Independence Mall E
Renamed in honor of benefactor Stuart Weitzman, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is in the heart of Philadelphia’s Historic District. Visitors will be greeted by the historic Statue of Religious Liberty, the 24-foot tall statue standing in front of the museum.

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Photo by Barry Halkin for Halkin Photography.
Betsy Ross House
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 239 Arch St.
Once home to Betsy Ross, the seamstress who had reportedly sewn the first American flag, the Betsy Ross House is open in Philadelphia’s historic district, allowing visitors to navigate the 18th-century home and workshop.

Betsy Ross House. Photo by M. Kennedy.
Carpenters’ Hall
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 320 Chestnut St.
Historic Carpenters’ Hall is the site of the First Continental Congress and once home to the First and Second Banks of the United States.

Photo by J. Fusco for PHLCVB.
Independence National Historical Park
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: Chestnut St. and S. Independence Mall E.
Independence National Historical Park is a collection of Philadelphia’s most historic sites and attractions, including Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell Center. Other sites include Old City Hall, the Portrait Gallery in the Second Bank of the U.S., Merchants’ Exchange Building, and Free Quaker Meeting House.

Independence Hall. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
National Liberty Museum
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 321 Chestnut St.
The National Liberty Museum‘s mission is to reinforce the basic principles for safeguarding liberty, including heroism, empathy, and the appreciation of diversity.

The Flame Gallery at the National Liberty Museum. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Elfreth’s Alley Museum
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 126 Elfreth’s Alley
Learn about the 300-year history of Elfreth’s Alley – the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the nation – at the Elfreth’s Alley Museum in Old City. Surround yourself with history and take a stroll past the 32 18th-century homes that line the famous block, with houses 124 and 126 now serving as the museum and gift shop. Inside of the museum, visitors will learn about the alley’s early beginnings as a cart path for merchants through photos dating back to the early 1900s.

Elfreth’s Alley. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
The Colored Girls Museum
Neighborhood: Germantown
Address: 4613 Newhall St.
The Colored Girls Museum honors the stories, experiences, and history of ordinary Colored Girls. Located in historic Germantown, the museum is the first of its kind, preserving the “herstory” of Colored Girls that has gone uncelebrated for far too long. Guests must purchase their tickets in advance.
Battleship New Jersey
Neighborhood: Camden, NJ
Address: 100 Clinton St.
The historic Battleship New Jersey — the U.S. Navy’s most decorated battleship — is open for tours, allowing visitors to enjoy the comprehensive, self-guided “Fire Power Tour,” with an opportunity to extend their tour with guided tours of the Engine Room and Turret II.

Battleship New Jersey. Photo by R. Bloom for PHLCVB.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Address: 2027 Fairmount Ave.
The nation’s most historic prison, Eastern State Penitentiary, is inviting visitors to navigate the haunting halls and crumbling cell blocks of the national historical landmark. Advance tickets are strongly recommended due to limited capacity and a one-way, linear route must be followed for the main audio tour.

A cellblock at Eastern State Penitentiary. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1 N Broad St.
Standing tall across the street from iconic City Hall in Center City, the beautiful and historic Masonic Temple in Philadelphia is welcoming visitors for tours. Inside, visitors will survey a rich collection of artifacts of Freemasonry while also admiring the many stunning Lodge rooms representing global art and architecture styles.

One of the many elaborate halls inside the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB
Faith and Liberty Discovery Center
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 101 N Independence Mall E.
The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center is located along Independence Mall, just steps from the Independence Visitor Center, Independence Hall, Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, and other attractions throughout Old City. The museum is dedicated to examining how faith helped foster some of the nation’s core values through six immersive galleries that visitors can navigate on an interactive, self-guided tour. Tickets can be reserved in advance online.

The Faith and Liberty Discovery is located at the corner of 5th and Market streets, just steps from Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Visitor Center. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Independence Seaport Museum
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 211 S Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Guests can learn more about the waterways throughout the Philadelphia region at the Independence Seaport Museum. Visitors to the museum can enjoy a series of virtual and in-person events and experiences throughout the year commemorating the Centennial Anniversary of the Return of the Unknown Soldier aboard Cruiser Olympia. The National Historic Landmark ship, which is docked along the Delaware River just outside of the museum, offers tours, as does the neighboring World War II-era Submarine Becuna. The museum’s on-water programming includes the family-friendly Paddle Penn’s Landing and more adventurous kayak excursions along the Delaware River.

Photo courtesy of Independence Seaport Museum.
Fireman’s Hall Museum
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 147 N 2nd St.
Housed in a renovated 1902 firehouse, the Fireman’s Hall Museum highlights Philadelphia’s firefighting history with exhibits and artifacts such as old fire engines, an interactive fire boat experience, and more. Tickets are free, but donations are appreciated.

Fireman’s Hall Museum. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Mummers Museum
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Address: 1100 S. 2nd St.
Learn about the history of the annual Mummers Parade in Philadelphia – the oldest continuous folk parade in the United States – and the many different divisions of Mummers at the New Year’s Shooters and Mummers Museum. Inside of the Mummers Museum, visitors can learn more about the five different divisions of Mummers, as well as some of the Mummers’ unique customs, including the right way to walk or “strut” and the importance of “dem golden slippers.” Colorful costumes worn during past parades will also be on display inside of the Mummers Museum.

Mummers Museum. Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Address: 1020 South St.
The largest work to date by South Philadelphia mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, is a must-visit attraction along South Street. The glittering garden features an array of objects, including bottles, mirrors, and even bicycle wheels held together by colorful grout.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. Photo by K. Huff for PHLCVB.
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Neighborhood: Fairmount
Address: Lansdowne Dr. & Horticultural Dr.
One of the many outdoor experiences that await in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the historic Shofuso Japanese House and Garden with on-site ticketing and admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Once inside, visitors can explore a replica of a traditional 17th-century Japanese home and accompanying pond garden, tea house and tea garden. Also greeting visitors will be an all-new Pebble Beach alongside the central pond, which was created based on newly-discovered 1957 drawings made by Shofuso’s original garden designer.

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden. Photo by Sean Marshall Lin.
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Neighborhood: South Philadelphia
Address: 6825-31 Norwitch Dr.
Home to what is considered the number one car collection in the world by the National Headquarters of the Automobile Club of France, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum is welcoming visitors to explore and admire their over 75 historically significant vehicles, including makes from Ferrari, Bugatti, Porsche, Ford, Alfa Romeo, and others. The museum encourages guests to reserve tickets online in advance of their visit.

The Simeone Museum’s collection includes over 75 historically significant racing sports cars. Photo courtesy of the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.
Wonderspaces
Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 27 N 11th St.
Found inside the Fashion District Philadelphia, Wonderspaces is welcoming visitors to explore their collection of interactive and immersive art exhibitions. Tickets will be available online only, or available for purchase on-site via a cashless ticket kiosk outside of the entrance. Inside, visitors will find three brand new exhibitions, including an all-new VR experience.

Submergence by Squidsoup at Wonderspaces. Photo by J. Ryan for the PHLCVB.
The Rosenbach
Neighborhood: Rittenhouse
Address: 2008-2010 Delancey St.
Affiliated with the Free Library of Philadelphia and found along a charming residential block in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse neighborhood, The Rosenbach is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of literature and rare books. The Rosenbach’s historic house and library can be viewed by scheduling a guided tour.
Interactive
Museum of Illusions Philadelphia
Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 401 Market St.
You won’t believe your eyes at Museum of Illusions Philadelphia in Old City. Guests will be immersed in a world where nothing is quite as it seems. Combining entertainment with education, the museum allows guests to explore and interact with the exhibits while learning the mechanics behind each illusion. Photo spots are also stationed throughout the museum guiding guests to snap the perfect mind-bending shot.

Photo by J. Ryan for PHLCVB.
Please Touch Museum
Neighborhood: West Philadelphia
Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic
The Please Touch Museum encourages learning through play. Visitors can explore a variety of rotating and permanent exhibits, including the popular “Food & Family” exhibit which features a supermarket where children can shop and ring up groceries for customers.

Photo courtesy of the Please Touch Museum.
Animals
Philadelphia Zoo
Neighborhood: West Philadelphia
Address: 3400 W Girard Ave.
The nation’s first zoo invites families to admire and learn about the collection of nearly 1,300 animals. The Philadelphia Zoo requires all guests to reserve advanced, timed tickets online.

Zoo360 allows animals to traverse the grounds of the Philadelphia Zoo through a series of mesh trails. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Zoo.
Adventure Aquarium
Neighborhood: Camden, NJ
Address: 1 Riverside Dr.
Home to the largest collection of sharks on the East Coast, Adventure Aquarium on the Camden waterfront welcomes visitors of all ages into its underwater world. The Aquarium also offers an “underwater” virtual reality experience, where guests are invited “under the sea” to get close to sharks, whales, squids, and even mermaids. Advance ticket purchases or member reservations to the aquarium are strongly recommended.

Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium.