Location: Philadelphia
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Things to do in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Museums
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. Eastern State Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,299 reviews
Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of convicts. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone’s Cell, and Death Row.
Reviewed By 527suzyb - Nashua, United States
Our family, including 7 and 11-year old children, visited Eastern State on Monday, August 20. We booked ahead online for a discount, and saved a few additional dollars using a hotel brochure code. The online tickets were scannable from our phones so there was no need to print. We took advantage of the different tour options available: *Main Audio Tour - A perfect starting point for getting oriented and learning the basics *Hands On History Tours - We attended several short talks given by live guides. I especially recommend visiting the Hospital wing which can only be done on a tour. The map lists tour times throughout the day. *Selected Audio Tour Stops - Together we came up with a list of additional sites to visit based on everyone's interests. We took in the sports yard, Al Capone's cell, an escape tunnel and more. Nothing about Eastern State was too scary for the kids. Ahead of our visit we described it to our 7-year old as "a museum about a prison" to emphasize that it was not in active use. That helped him frame it appropriately. Walking out, he declared "that was more fun than I thought it was going to be!" The 11-year old was so taken with this snapshot that it's now the background photo for her phone. Mission accomplished!
2. Rodin Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,443 reviews
With over 140 bronzes, marbles, and plasters - including "The Thinker" - the distinguished collection housed in the Rodin Museum represents every phase of Auguste Rodin’s career. Located on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the elegant Beaux-Arts–style building and garden offer an absorbing experience and the largest collection of Rodin's work outside of Paris.
Reviewed By mininani - Madrid, Spain
A small museum plenty of beatiful sculptures, most from Rodin, in a very nice house sourrounded by a nice garden. The entrance fee is "pay what you wish" all the days, and it's on the way to the Museum of Art.
3. Independence Seaport Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 305 reviews
Philadelphia's maritime museum features interactive exhibits, historic ships (Spanish American war-era cruiser Olympia and WWII-era submarine Becuna) and changing exhibition galleries. Seasonal river tours of the Delaware River and kayaks / rowboat rentals available. Extended evening hours Thursday - Saturday Memorial Day - Labor Day.
Reviewed By A306PHjenniferm - Hughesville, United States
My boys and I really enjoyed this museum. There are a lot of interactive exhibits. Very well done and clean. The ship tours are nice. The submarine is tight in spots. But would definitely recommend a stop at this museum while in Philadelphia.
4. 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.
5. Please Touch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,306 reviews
Hands-on museum where adults and children can learn and explore together. The Museum is open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and children age one and over. Children under one are free.
Reviewed By pookala - Philadelphia, United States
Our family’s 3 year old toddler spent a fully engaged 4 hours at The Please Touch Museum. Her first stop was the large water play area, followed by the Alice in Wonderland play space. We took a break for lunch & I have to say the cafe and its operation were run really well. Staff in the cafe were very kind and helpful. Different dining areas are available & she was enchanted by the Teddy Bears Picnic murals in our room. Also props to Maintenance for keeping the mayhem of families eating under control. Tables were cleaned, floors swept etc. After lunch, more playtime. We did two carousel rides ($3 for one ride, $5 for unlimited), went to the transportation area, the supermarket, the hospital, a building section and a restaurant. The only dud was perhaps the shoe store. Finished with some more time back in the water zone. One of the nice things about Please Touch is it’s housed in a beautiful old building & even though it was an obviously very crowded time (week between Xmas & New Years) you didn’t feel overwhelmed by other guests.
6. 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.
7. National Museum of American Jewish History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,113 reviews
Visit the National Museum of American Jewish History, right on Independence Mall. Explore our collection of interactive exhibitions highlighting the journey of American immigrants and their stories that have helped shape America into the country we know and love. Reserve your tickets now!
Reviewed By flo220 - New York City, United States
A part of the Smithsonian (so all but special exhibits are free) this very interesting and informative museum covers life of Jews in the United State. It has a nice mix of exhibits with historical information (including immigration facts and figures), artifacts, interactive exhibits and film/tv clips. Informative and enjoyable. Worth a trip to Philadelphia for.
8. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
A dazzling museum, as much for its interior design as for its collection.
Reviewed By ArriveWith5 - Philadelphia, United States
Historic art gallery and school steps away from convention center. We were fortunate to see the exhibit ‘FROM THE SCHUYLKILL TO THE HUDSON: LANDSCAPES OF THE EARLY AMERICAN REPUBLIC which chronicled influence of Philadelphia art on Hudson school. The permanent collection features mostly American art from 18th- and 19th century and housed in the beautiful Frank Furness’s Historic Landmark Building which combines a range of architectural details with Moorish, Victorian, and Gothic features. One of our favorite exhibits were once that featured art work from recent and past students and faculty of the school. Perfect sized museum for kids as you can spend 2-3 hours and see majority of exhibits. Also, children under 12 can view museum for free.
9. Fireman's Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 144 reviews
Stop by this small (and free!) museum on your walking tour of Philadelphia. Staffed by actual firemen, Firemans Hall exhibits artifacts, such as leather buckets and fire marks, once and sometimes still used to fight city fires.
10. National Liberty Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Located in the heart of historic Philadelphia, the National Liberty Museum is dedicated to preserving America's heritage of freedom by encouraging people to find their own place in the story of liberty. Visitors to the Museum enjoy an inspiring and entertaining experience, as they interact with incredible stories of heroes and a collection of contemporary art. Come see an exact replica of the Liberty Bell that still rings, life size children made of jellybeans, and our famous "Flame of Liberty" by Dale Chihuly made just for the National Liberty Museum. Also, be sure to check out our gift shop full of Philadelphia souvenirs, unique handmade jewelry, and fashion accessories.
Reviewed By Mcartsy - Forest Hills, United States
My wife and I visited the museum in early March 2018. We spent over an hour at this wonderful museum. It had 3 floors to explore. We found it very engrossing and very interesting exploring the entire museum. A little gem in the historic district. Entry fee was very fair for families.
