Location: Philadelphia
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What to do and see in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA): The Best Specialty 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.
Restaurants in Philadelphia
1. Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
The site of this church, the mother church of the African Methodist Episcopal order, is the oldest tract of land continuously owned by blacks in the U.S. Theres a small museum to A.M.E. founder Richard Allen below the church.
Reviewed By Herstory_62 - Philadelphia, United States
Along with nearby Independence Hall & other historic places of worship in the area, such as Christ Church & the Arch Street Meeting, don't miss the opportunity to visit or worship at this monumental church, the mother church of the AME, the first African-American denomination. Founded in 1787, the congregation worships in a building which sits on the nation's oldest parcel of land owned by African-Americans. The stained glass windows (with Masonic symbols) are magnificent & the crypt museum is a treasure trove of artifacts & significant history.
2. Marian Anderson Historical Residence & Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
3. Woodford Mansion
4. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
5. Shrine of the Miraculous Medal
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
