Museum sights in Philadelphia
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
University Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology
The University Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology is Penn's magical museum, containing archaeological treasures from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Mayan peninsula, Greece, Rome and North America. Its fragments of Sumerian script are among the oldest examples of writing ever found.
The neighborhood of University City, separated from downtown Philly by the Schuylkill River, feels like one big college town. That's because it's home to both Drexel University and the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania (commonly called 'U Penn'), founded in 1740. The leafy, bustling campus makes a pleasant afternoon stroll
reviewed
-
B
Franklin Institute Science Museum
Franklin Institute Science Museum is where hands-on science displays were pioneered; a highlight is the Ben Franklin exhibit.
reviewed
-
C
Independence National Historic Park
This L-shaped park, along with Old City, has been dubbed 'America's most historic square mile.' Once the backbone of the United States government, it has become the backbone of Philadelphia's tourist trade. Stroll around and you'll see storied buildings in which the seeds for the Revolutionary War were planted and the US government came into bloom.
You'll also find beautiful, shaded urban lawns dotted with plenty of squirrels, pigeons and costumed actors. These days, the park looks spiffier then ever. The only downer is the barrier that now surrounds the park's top two sites - Independence Hall and the bell - installed as a security precaution.
Independence Hall is the 'b…
reviewed
-
D
Liberty Bell Center
Liberty Bell Center is Philadelphia's top tourist attraction and was commissioned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Charter of Privileges (Pennsylvania's constitution, enacted in 1701 by William Penn). The 2080lb bronze bell was made in London's East End by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1751. The bell's inscription, from Leviticus 25:10, reads: 'Proclaim liberty through all the land, to all the inhabitants thereof.' The bell was secured in the belfry of the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) and tolled on important occasions, most notably the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence in Independence Sq. The bell became badly cracked …
reviewed
-
E
Second Bank of the Us
Second Bank of the US, modeled after the Greek Parthenon, is an 1824 marble-faced Greek Revival masterpiece that was home to the world's most powerful financial institution until President Andrew Jackson dissolved its charter in 1836. The building then became the Philadelphia Customs House until 1935, when it became a museum. Today it's home to the National Portrait Gallery, housing many paintings by Charles Willson Peale, America's top portrait artist at the time of the American Revolution.
reviewed
-
F
Mummers Museum
In the midst of all the foodie frenzy is the Mummers Museum, celebrating the tradition of disguise and masquerade. It has an integral role in the famed Mummers Parade, which takes place here every New Year's Day.
reviewed
-
G
Elfreth's Alley Museum
Be sure to stop into Elfreth's Alley Museum which was built in 1755 by blacksmith and alley namesake Jeremiah Elfreth; it's been restored and furnished to its 1790 appearance.
reviewed
-
H
African American Museum in Philadelphia
African American Museum in Philadelphia is housed in a foreboding concrete building, it contains excellent collections on African American history and culture.
reviewed
-
I
Independence Seaport Museum
Independence Seaport Museum highlights Philadelphia's role as an immigration hub; its shipyard closed in 1995 after 200 years.
reviewed
