Museums in Philadelphia are known to be vast, focusing on the inclusion of several global cultures, and from so many different domains that you would never get tired of learning from all of them. The historic sites in Philly are like windows into its rich past and cultural heritage, and so many Philly museums highlight just that.
From renowned museums like the Penn Museum, Franklin Institute, the Museum of the American Revolution, the Liberty Bell Center, and the National Liberty Museum, to several lesser-known museums that highlight art, science, and the different cultures of people in the city, there is so much to explore in every Philadelphia museum. Here’s our list of must-visit Philly museums.
The 8 Best Philadelphia Museums
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History was founded in 1976 and displays over 30,000 artifacts right from the Colonial period to the present day. Along with its diverse permanent collection, the museum is also known for hosting several exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs to really bring to light the rich history of Jews in America and how their community has evolved and changed over time, alongside a lot of trauma and difficulty faced by them. It holds the largest collection of significant Jewish American objects in the world. You can learn a lot about American Jewish history here by diving into the life of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, seeing a Hanukkah lamp from Poland from the year 1881, and understanding Leonard Bernstein’s The Power Of Music.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Founded in the year 1928, the Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibits over 240,000 works of art from around the globe. Take in the two most popular tourist attractions in the city here, namely the Rocky steps and the statue. The main building alone has over 200 galleries and the museum also has several annex museums like the Rodin Museum and two houses from the 18th century located in Fairmount Park. We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance for this museum as it does tend to get quite crowded during weekends and holidays.
Mario Lanza Institute & Museum
Located just a few blocks away from the Mario Lanza Mural in the center of South Philadelphia, the Mario Lanza Institute And Museum feature several iconic memorabilia, sculptures, paintings, and photos of Mario Lanza who was the most famous tenor singer and famous Hollywood actor between the 1940s and 1950s. The world was heartbroken by his sudden death at the mere age of 38 in 1959. This is a museum meant to honor his life and several accomplishments.
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
The National Headquarters of the Automobile Club of France considers the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia to have the best car collection in the whole world. Displaying over 75 of the most historically significant and stunning vehicles such as cars from companies such as Bugatti, Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, Bentley, and many others, spread out over 20 exhibits, this museum is a must-visit for any car aficionado. We recommend booking tickets online before visiting.
Science History Institute
This museum is free to visit and hosts several interactive exhibits for visitors to have an amazing learning experience. Understand the rich history behind everyday common objects, do a deep dive into the lives of familiar noteworthy names in science, and learn everything there is to know about water analysis and preservation. The museum also has a library and research center where you can learn a lot about life sciences, chemistry, and chemical engineering.
Independence Seaport Museum
There are so many waterways that run through Philadelphia and you can learn all about them at the Independence Seaport Museum. The National Historic Landmark Ship parked in the Delaware River right outside the museum can be toured by museum visitors along with Submarine Becuna from World War II. Go on a kayak excursion or experience the interactive exhibits that the museum has along with its collections of maritime art and artifacts – there are so many different ways to learn more about waterways at this museum.
African American Museum In Philadelphia
A museum that was founded with the intention of having a dedicated space to exhibit various rich representative artifacts and art of African American culture, the African American Museum was founded in 1976 and is located just a few blocks from the Liberty Bell. It features four different galleries, conducts several conferences and workshops, and exhibits over 750,000 objects, pictures, and documents highlighting the African Diaspora. It truly aims to highlight the way the African American community grew and developed and its uniquely rich culture.
Independence National Historic Landmark Park
The Independence National Park is not a standalone landmark but is a reference to a combination of the most important historic sites of Philadelphia, including Independence Hall, the First Bank of the United States, the Liberty Bell Center, and Old City Hall. It has been rightfully nicknamed ‘America’s Most Historic Square Mile’ owing to this park being home to so many famous historic sites of Philadelphia. You can get tickets for visiting Independence Hall online and it’s open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day.
FAQ
What is the newest museum in Philadelphia?
The Museum of Illusions located near Independence Hall is a new museum that has visitors wowed, and we highly recommend visiting it.
How many museums are in Philly?
There are currently 99 museums in Philadelphia.
What museums in Philly are open?
Most, if not all Philly museums have opened since shutting down during the pandemic. We recommend checking their open hours online before visiting.
What is Philadelphia famous for?
Philadelphia is known to be the birthplace of the USA. It is also known to be the country’s first World Heritage City.
How can I spend a day in Philadelphia?
If you have a day to spend in Philadelphia, we recommend visiting some of the following places:
- Franklin Institute
- Benjamin Franklin Museum
- Independence Hall
- Barnes Foundation
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
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