In today’s edition of American Nomad we’re diving into 20 Amazing Museums in the Philadelphia area. Philadelphia is home to over 100 museums from history to art to science and beyond – museum lovers will fall in love with Philly’s cultural scene.
While it is hard to limit the list to only 20 museums, hopefully this will help you plan your own Philadelphia adventure.
- Independence National Historical Park
Dubbed America’s most historic square mile, this national park service area features over a dozen historic sites in Philadelphia’s Old City tied to the birth of America. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington as you tour Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution were debated, written and signed. See the iconic Liberty Bell, famously rung on July 8th, 1776, to announce the first public reading of The Declaration of Independence. For a full travel breakdown check out our recent blog – Exploring Independence Hall – A Revolutionary Adventure
2. National Constitution Center: Located within Independence National Historical Park, The National Constitution Center is a non-profit institution that is devoted to the study of the Constitution of the United States. Immerse yourself in the history of The Constitution, from its origins in the summer of 1787 to ratification and the story of the Constitution’s evolution throughout American history. Check out our recent blog to learn more
3. Museum of the American Revolution: This groundbreaking museum tells the story of the American Revolution through an interactive timeline, with period artifacts. The highlight is the immersive exhibit featuring the original war tent used by General George Washington. Check out our blog feature on the Museum of the American Revolution here.
4. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Philadelphia Museum of Art: Experience the artistic marvels of over 2000 years of history at The Philadelphia Museum of Art. The collection boasts over 200,000 works of art. This includes masterpieces by artists ranging from Duccio and Fra Angelico to Judith Leyster, Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh, plus countless others. It is also the site of the iconic Rocky steps, where Rocky Balboa trained in the film series. There is a statue of Rocky at the top of the steps paying homage to the film hero. To learn more check out our recent blog on the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
5. Rodin Museum: To be or not to be…The Rodin Museum is home to the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Europe, including the famous ‘Thinker.’ The best part is that entry to The Rodin Museum is included with your Philadelphia Museum of Art ticket. Official website
6. Barnes Foundation: Founded by Philadelphian Dr. Albert Barnes in 1922, The Barnes is one of the premier art and education centers in the world. In fact, the collection is home to 181 Renoirs and 69 Cezanne paintings – more than any other museum in the world. As an artist and art historian, a visit to The Barnes felt like heaven on earth. For the full scoop check out our blog here.
7. Franklin Institute: Founded in honor of scientist and polymath, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest centers of science education and development in the United States. It features a variety of interactive exhibits for all ages. Not to be missed! Official website
8. Academy of Natural Sciences: Enter your Jurassic era at Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences. Founded in 1812, this is the oldest natural sciences museum in the Americas. Learn about natural history in innovative and interactive exhibits, helping you to understand the natural world and inspiring everyone to care for it. Kids and adults will love the dinosaurs. Learn more here.
9. Independence Seaport Museum: The Independence Seaport Museum offers a unique blend of maritime history and cultural exploration. Board historic vessels and interact with engaging exhibits that illuminate Philadelphia’s river history and its global connections. Discover the city’s pivotal role in the creation of the U.S. Navy, and confront the significant story of the Delaware River’s connection to the African American journey through the Middle Passage, enslavement, emancipation, Jim Crow, and the civil rights movement. Don’t miss the chance to tour the Olympia, Admiral Dewey’s celebrated flagship from the Spanish-American War, and the World War II submarine, Becuna, both berthed just outside. Official website
10. Pennsylvania Museum of Fine Arts: Founded by painter and scientist Charles Willson Peale and sculptor William Rush in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts is America’s oldest art museum and fine arts school. Its galleries display some of the world’s best artists including former students like Impressionist Mary Cassatt. In addition to its phenomenal permanent collection, the museum hosts exhibits including works by current students. A must stop for art lovers in Philadelphia! Learn more here
11. National Liberty Museum: This awesome museum challenges you to examine the meaning of liberty. “With over four floors of permanent galleries and ever-changing exhibitions, the National Liberty Museum explores the meaning of liberty today—through contemporary art that captures the spirit of liberty—yesterday—through the stories of real people from around the world who have done extraordinary things in the name of freedom—and tomorrow—by igniting a passion for these ideals in the generations of the future.” Website
12. Penn Museum: Travel through 10,000 years of history from Ancient Egypt and Asia, Mesopotamia and ancient Native American cultures at the extraordinary Penn Museum! From stone tools and household items to architectural monuments and rare art objects the museum illustrates the story of humanity’s history and achievements. Website
13. Longwood Gardens: Just an hour outside Philadelphia in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, lies the breathtaking Longwood Gardens, a sprawling 1,100-acre horticultural paradise showcasing over 10,000 plant species and varieties. This renowned destination features more than two dozen stunning indoor and outdoor gardens, drawing visitors worldwide to experience its spectacular botanical displays, dazzling fountain shows, serene lakes, picturesque meadows, and enchanting woodlands. Website
14. Mutter Museum: The museum was founded in 1863 by College Fellow Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter. America’s finest museum of medical history, the Mütter Museum displays its beautifully preserved collections of anatomical specimens, models, and medical instruments in a 19th-century “cabinet museum” setting. The museum helps the public understand the mysteries and beauty of the human body and to appreciate the history of diagnosis and treatment of disease. Website
15. Eastern State Penitentiary: Opened in 1829, this former prison was considered revolutionary in providing more humane treatment of prisoners. Its fortress-like Gothic-Revival facade is imposing. Infamous inmates included Al Capone. Tours of this site are popular for those looking for a darker piece of Philadelphia’s history. Website
16. The Benjamin Franklin Museum explores the life and legacy of Philadelphia’s most famous citizen. Learn about Franklin’s impacts as a printer and businessman, entrepreneur, scientist and inventor and statesman who helped plant and nurture the growth of American Independence and the founding of our nation. Website *Part of Independence National Historical Park*
17. African American Museum: Marking the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976, the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) stands as a groundbreaking institution – the first major municipally funded and built museum dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the multifaceted heritage of African Americans. AAMP is committed to narrating the complete African American story, encompassing family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law, and technology. Its four galleries and auditorium currently feature exhibitions anchored by three dominant themes: the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story, and the Contemporary Narrative. Website
18. Fireman’s Hall: Did you know that Benjamin Franklin helped start the first volunteer firefighting service in the United States? Housed in an old firehouse, Fireman’s Hall tells the story of the art and science of firefighting through the last three centuries. Displays of firefighting equipment illustrate how firemen control blazes, while mock-ups of recreation areas, dressing rooms and a chief’s room show how firefighters have passed the hours between fighting blazes. Learn more here.
19. United States Mint: Right next to Independence National Historical Park, step into the world of US currency at the United States Mint Museum. Though the building is modern, this location marks the spot of the very first US Mint, and Philadelphia has been producing coins for over two centuries. Don’t miss the free forty-five minute tour to see how our money is made! Website
20. Woodmere Art Museum: Located in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a collection of paintings, prints, sculpture and photographs focusing on artists from the Delaware Valley. Learn more here.
These are just a sampling of the amazing museums in Philly and the surrounding areas. We’ll continue to feature additional Philly focused posts in the future, along with other American Nomad adventures.
Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest posts.
We are on Facebook
American Nomad is written by Adele Lassiter, who balances her passion for travel and exploring scenic places like national parks and museums with her day job. Adele is a singer-songwriter whose Americana EP American Nomad is available on all streaming platforms including Spotify and Bandcamp
