Philadelphia Museums and Attractions

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.

A woman is shown sitting on a bench to the left, while another woman is shown standing off to the right. They are both in a room surrounded by art, admiring the framed, colorful works hanging on the walls around them.

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.

A man stands holding a young child as the two look at works of art hanging in frames against a burgundy wall inside of the museum.

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.

A statue is shown outside of a museum. Green leaves from a nearby tree hang overhead.

Rodin’s The Thinker outside of the Rodin Museum along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Photo by P. 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.

A large historical building is to the left. Cars are parked in front of it. A man is shown walking on the sidewalk. In the center, is a large paint brush sculpture. It is blue, silver and orange. A giant glob of orange paint appears to have fallen on the sidewalk in front of it.

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.

The front of the Fabric Workshop Museum is shown. The letters FWM are shown in bright pink. The front door is light blue. An image of two hands holding a piece of paper with words written on it is shown in the middle of the front.

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.

A rusted iron-colored sculpture is shown off to the left. The grass is bright green and green trees are shown to the left. Off in the right, there is a large structure with a walkway up to the museum. Cars can be seen parked in the parking lot off in the distance.

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.

Four individuals stand looking at art. The woman appears to be looking at the painting on the wall, as the man holds his arm out, pointing to the piece. Two young boys stand in front of them, also looking at the piece on the wall.

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.

A massive display designed to look like the human heart is off to the left. Four individuals are shown off to the right looking at it. Bright lights shine overhead. Other displays of hearts are shown behind them throughout the exhibit space.

The Giant Heart at The Franklin Institute. Photo by E. Cunicelli for PHLCVB.

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.

A wall off to the right reads Dinosaurs and other ancient creatures. To the left, there is a man standing looking up at a massive Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. Other artifacts and dinosaur bones are on display in the space.

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.

Medical specimens and instruments are shown in wooden cabinets with glass panes. The carpet is red. The angle of the photo is taken from the top of a staircase, looking down the steps into the room below it.

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.

A woman wearing a yellow jacket over a black outfit stands looking down at a podium that has Did Philadelphia Succeed? written across it. There is another woman in the background looking at a glass case with an object on display. The exhibit is filled with colorful signage for the exhibit called Downstream.

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.

Preserved animals, artifacts, and objects are shown in rows of wooden and glass cabinets spread throughout the space.

Wagner Free Institute of Science Museum in North Philadelphia. Photo by R. Cardillo.

Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion

Neighborhood: Holmesburg
Address: 8046 Frankford Ave.

Showcasing one of the most diverse living arthropod collections in the U.S., the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion is a delight for science lovers of all ages. Learn more about insects, including tarantulas, scorpions and praying mantises through various educational exhibits throughout the Insectarium. Surround yourself with butterflies as the colorful creatures fly around you inside of the Butterfly Pavilion. If you plan on going inside of the Butterfly Pavilion, wear bright colors so the butterflies land on you!

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.

Raised brick garden boxes filled with flowers are lined up outside of the Benjamin Franklin Museum. The museum's name is written is gold hanging over the entrance to the museum.

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.

Four bright trees are off to the left. A red brick path leads up to the museum. The National Constitution Center is in the center. A lush green lawn is in front of the museum. People are sitting on the benches in front of the museum. The sky is bright blue with few clouds.

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.

The exterior of the Museum of the American Revolution is shown. People are shown sitting to the left of the big brick building, a couple is shown walking on the left, another couple is off to the right, looking at the cannons on display in front of the museum.

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.

A woman is shown looking at a display inside of the Penn Museum. On the wall, it reads Maya Writing.

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.

The African American Museum is shown with its sign on the side of the building and colorful bells hanging outside of the museum.

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.

A staircase is shown in the middle. The American flag is hanging to the left. Sweden's flag is hanging on the right. The interior is mainly white and gold. Natural light is shining through the windows highlighting the high ceilings.

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.

The exterior of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is shown. The sky overhead is bright blue with a few clouds to the right. People are shown walking across both crosswalks. A statue is shown in front of the building.

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.

An American flag is stretched out in front of a woman dressed like Betsy Ross who is talking to four young children shown holding the flag off to the right.

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.

Two men are shown standing off to the right looking down at something in their hands. Carpenters' Hall is shown in the center. there are brick buildings on either side. A cobblestone pathway leads up to Carpenters' Hall.

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 is shown in the center, a lush green lawn is shown in front of it. Trees are shown to the left. The sky above is a bit gray and cloudy.

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.

A bright red glass sculpture of a flame is in the center, surrounded by a wall glowing in red with white writing on it. The red lights around the glass structure illuminate it.

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.

A cobblestone street is lined with historic rowhomes with brightly colored windows and doors. Red poles line the cobblestone path. A couple of yellow flags sway in the wind as they hang off of the homes. Trees, bushes, and planters add greenery to the scene.

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.

Large cannons are pointed upwards toward the sky. The sky is gray over a large ship. A bridge is seen off in the distance.

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 man wearing a red baseball cap, a black hoodie, blue shorts, sneakers, and a backpack, walks down a hallway surrounded by crumbling cellblocks inside of Eastern State Penitentiary.

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.

A room is full of brown wooden benches with red velvet cushions matching the bright red carpeted floor. The walls are bright yellow and gold with ornate architectural details.

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.

Bright green trees line the sidewalk to the left as people are shown walking. The museum is to the right. The sign out front of it is a white circle with a gold rim and gold writing that says Faith and Liberty Discovery Center.

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.

A woman and a man are shown standing next to each other and interacting with a table filled with water and small pieces of colorful plastic designed to resemble parts of bridges inside of the museum.

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.

The side of a brick building is shown. Above a metal gate is sign that reads Fireman's Hall. Flags hang on the side of the building. Two are red, one is blue.

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.

A colorful museum is shown on the corner. Mummers Museum is written out across the front. The museum's exterior is blue, green, and orange.

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.

A mesmerizing maze of colorful mosaics with bright tiles held together with different colored grout. Plants in planters line the wall as lights and bicycle wheels, and bottles hang overhead.

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.

A pond is up front, trees are reflecting onto its surface. Lush green grass surrounds the water. Beyond it, there are beautiful white and pink trees in bloom, a traditional Japanese house is in the background underneath a bright blue sky.

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.

A bright blue car is up front, it has lime green decals on it and a big number 3 written in black against a white circle. Multiple red cars are on display behind the blue car.

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.

A woman in a black and teal long sleeved shirt stands in the middle of an art installation, where colorful lights are hanging from the ceiling above her.

Submergence by Squidsoup at Wonderspaces Philadelphia. Photo by Alison Narro.

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.

A woman is shown demonstrating how an illusion works in the museum. She is standing in front of a blue and white striped wall with a mirror in front of her, she appears to be split in half by the mirror as her reflection is shown.

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.

A young girl wearing a pink and white striped long-sleeved shirt with a heart on it holds a blue rake in each hand as she walks toward another young girl to play. A small porch is shown behidnd them.

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.

Two tigers are shown in a mesh trail overhead at the zoo. One tiger is laying down. One tiger is standing up, looking down at the ground beneath the trail. a green tree is behind.

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.

A black and white penguin is front and center, standing on a blue tail in front of an animal caretaker inside of the aquarium.

Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium.