Location: Philadelphia
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The 6 Best Science Museums in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA)
One of the most historic cities in America, Philadelphia is an ideal place to spend a weekend - preferably a long one. Be sure to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed. Both are part of Independence National Historic Park. Philadelphia also boasts some outstanding art museums, including the Rodin Museum. The Franklin Institute Science Museum is one of many area attractions honoring the life and work of Benjamin Franklin, the city's most famous ambassador. After digesting all of that history, be sure you save room for a classic Philly cheese steak sandwich.
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1. Penn Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
The #PennMuseum is open for world adventure! Timed tickets + live virtual tours, classes & events are available now: www.penn.museum Open to all, the Penn Museum is home to remarkable objects and powerful stories that emerge from its extraordinary expeditions across the world. Discover captivating stories of humankind, from the very first cities of the Middle East to the kings of ancient Egypt; from the vibrant cultures of the Mediterranean to the lives of Native American communities today. Experience the mystery of the ancient past, gain an understanding of our shared humanity, and find your own place in the arc of human history.
Reviewed By europhile105 - Goldens Bridge, United States
This museum delivered! Excellent layout with a comprehensive overview of the ancient world, from Europe to Africa to the Americas. Its redesign is wonderful and easy to follow. Loved the Sphinx.
2. Mutter Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,711 reviews
This museum, located at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, is one of the finest medical history museums in America. The Mütter Museum is a 19th century style cabinet museum displaying medical artifacts such as anatomical specimens and medical instruments. Marvel at the beauty and strangeness of the human body. NOTICE FOR 2017: There will be no elevator access to the Mütter Museum for all of January and February 2017. The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, home of The Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library, will be installing a new elevator from January 1st, 2017. Our new elevator will drastically improve access to our collections and events and visitors will be able to enjoy regular access as of early March, 2017. From January 1st - end of February, anyone unable to navigate stairs will not be able to get into our building. There will not be a ramp. Additionally, due to installation of an exciting new exhibit, access to the gallery currently hosting our Vesalius exhibit will be restricted from mid-January until early March, 2017. More details about this new exhibit will be released shortly. We apologize sincerely for any and all inconvenience that this will inevitably cause, however this vital and important maintenance to our historic building will greatly enhance our visitor experience going forward. Thank you so much for your patience.
Reviewed By kyt2013 - Houston, United States
A visit to the Mutter Museum was recommended by several of my friends, & it was definitely worth the visit. Being in the medical field, I found the exhibits fascinating (it's interesting to think of these exhibits as important to how physicians used to learn in years gone by). The adjoining medicinal plant garden was in bloom when we visited -- very peaceful & beautiful. Because it is a small museum, it can get crowded -- timed entries help with this (i.e., purchasing timed tickets ahead of time). I would also recommend checking the museum's website to ensure that you know that exhibits will include wax models, skeletal specimens, & wet specimens (both normal & pathologic) as these may be disturbing for some.
3. Science History Institute
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
The Science History Institute collects and shares the stories of innovators and of discoveries that shape our lives. We preserve and interpret the history of chemistry, chemical engineering, and the life sciences. Headquartered in Philadelphia, with offices in California and Europe, the Institute houses an archive and a library for historians and researchers, a fellowship program for visiting scholars from around the globe, a community of researchers who examine historical and contemporary issues, an acclaimed museum that is free and open to the public, and a state-of-the-art conference center.
Reviewed By larryderm - Philadelphia, United States
An excellent museum that tells in a succinct and beautiful fashion the development of science and chemistry so that the non-scientist will understand the progress that has been made through chemistry.
4. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 395 reviews
At the Academy of Natural Sciences, you can wander among towering dinosaur skeletons or discover an indoor tropical butterfly garden. Explore ecosystems from around the world through our historic dioramas or be transported to the great outdoors through our hands-on discovery center for children. Visit our Special Exhibits Gallery for our newest exhibit, or watch scientists at work in Science Live or our Fossil Prep Lab.
Reviewed By tandhgoraj - Swedesboro, United States
My husband and I have not been here since we visited as elementary school students on a field trip. Flash forward three decades and it is another Philadelphia museum treasure. We are thirsty for getting out on our day trips and was happy to see this museum open during this pandemic. There are a few things to keep in mind to that end: 1. You must wear a mask in the museum. 2. There are lots of reminders throughout to maintain social distancing. 3. The cafe and gift shop are not open yet. (I was very disappointed. The website did not mention this!) 4. You must buy tickets online. You may use your email to show purchase. You do not have to print them out. 5. The museum and especially restrooms are clean! They also put many hand sanitizer stations through the museum. 6. Part of the butterfly exhibit was closed. The bottom line. We had a very nice day even with the limitations. They have a wildlife photography exhibit beginning in September so I will go back. I also love to but a souvenir and a book from gift shops so I will be back! That aside I also I like to mention accessibility options. I have limited mobility and I require handicap parking and use a walker. First, of you have a stroller, wheelchair, or walker you want to go in the 19th street e trance. We were able to find parking right in front of the door. Check website for varied pricing. Sunday’s are very reasonable. The bathroom was such a good size I was able to go in with my walker. There were also lots of benches to sit on as we enjoyed the museum. I felt very well accommodated with my limited mobility. This is a great stop for all ages. We spent over three hours there and would have been there much longer if those few things were not closed.
5. The Mystery Museum
