The 21 Best Museums in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [2023]

Philadelphia is known for a lot of things. The city played an important role in U.S. history, and it’s been the setting of huge Hollywood movies. However, most people don’t realize it’s also home to some world-class museums.

The city offers visitors a chance to see artifacts and collections from around the world. Whether you’re an art lover or prefer to brush up on the country’s Revolutionary War period, there’s a museum in the City of Brotherly Love for you. 

The 21 Best Museums in Philadelphia

1. African American Museum in Philadelphia

The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) houses over 750,000 artifacts, including documents and photos, to preserve African-American heritage. When it opened in 1976, it was the first museum of its kind in the country.

Among some of the facility’s most noteworthy collections are objects relating to the Philadelphia Black Panthers organization. The museum also houses records of the first African-American doctor to work in the Army. A series of temporary exhibitions and special events are hosted throughout the year to shine a spotlight on important historical figures and periods.

The museum focuses primarily on history and culture, but it also showcases art, particularly from contemporary Black artists. While not required, reservations are recommended as visits are limited to keep crowd levels manageable. The venue is also available for private events.

Admission is free for children under 4, $10 for kids 4 to 12, students, and seniors, and $14 for adults. The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest transit station is 8th Street Station.

• Address: 701 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

2. Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation was founded in 1922 and has grown to become one of Philadelphia’s highest-esteemed art centers. When it first opened, the museum was located in the small town of Merion but moved to its Philadelphia location in 2012. The museum houses over 4,000 pieces ranging from art to furniture and more.

Though it houses pieces from some of the most important artists throughout history, much of the art was created in Europe in the 19th century. Some of the museum’s highlights are “Still Life” by Vincent Van Gogh, “Le Bateau-atelier” by Claude Monet, and “Le Bonheur de vivre” by Henri Matisse.

In addition, the museum often hosts special events and exhibitions featuring pieces from other collections as well as some of the artwork that’s usually held in the foundation’s archives. Special tours and lectures are also held on the premises.

Admission is free for children 12 and under, $5 for children 13 to 18 and college students, $23 for seniors, and $25 for adults. Call ahead to purchase reduced-rate tickets. The museum is open Thursday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus station is 20th Street and Callowhill Street.

• Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

3. Benjamin Franklin Museum

The Benjamin Franklin Museum is dedicated to preserving the life and accomplishments of one of the country’s most important founders.

The facility’s collection includes documents and artifacts, as well as some of Benjamin Franklin’s personal items. These objects are arranged in 5 rooms, each one symbolizing a different trait embodied by the man. In addition to the artifacts kept in display cases, the museum also uses interactive technology like touch screens and hands-on mechanisms to create an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

To ensure everyone can enjoy the museum experience, the exhibits are fully accessible for visitors, including those with mobility impairments or concerns. The space also hosts family-friendly activities and events throughout the year. One of the most beloved parts of the museum is the “Squirrel Hunt” for squirrel figurines in the museum.

Admission is free for children under 4, $2 for kids 4 to 16, and $5 for adults. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Market Street and 5th Street.

• Address: 317 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

4. The Fabric Workshop and Museum

Since it was founded in 1977, the Fabric Workshop and Museum has been dedicated to showcasing artistic innovations while using fabric as a medium. Today, it’s a renowned gallery for contemporary artists. Though the central pillar of the museum is art relating to fabric, the facility has grown to embrace other forms of expression, like sculpture, photography, and more.

The museum isn’t just a museum but an operational workshop for its resident artists. It also hosts events and classes for aspiring artists. This has resulted in the space housing over 5,500 different works of art from over 400 local and international artists.

Some of the pieces that comprise the collection are “Anti-lamp” by Jene Highstein, “American Flag Ball #2” by Donald Lipski, and “Calico Bunny” by Claes Oldenburg. However, there are many more pieces in the museum’s galleries and archival spaces.

Admission is free for all visitors, though donations are welcome. The museum is open Wednesday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is 12th Street and Arch Street.

• Address: 214 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107

5. Fireman’s Hall Museum

Located in one of Philadelphia’s 19th-century firehouses, the Fireman’s Hall Museum is one of the best in the history of fire safety. Starting with the very first fire companies organized by Benjamin Franklin in the 1730s, the museum uses artifacts and documents to recount the history of the department.

In addition to the historical exhibits designed to educate visitors about the field’s evolution, the museum also aims to teach about current fire safety methods. The museum even houses some of the oldest fire engines used in the city, which have all been restored for display.

The space is also available to rent for private parties and offers guided tours for field trips and virtual tours. There’s also a memorial wall to honor past firefighters who have worked for Philadelphia’s fire departments throughout history.

Admission is free, but donations are always welcome. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is 5th Street and Market Street.

• Address: 147 N. 2nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

6. The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest structures in the country dedicated to science. It initially opened in 1824, but it’s grown tremendously since then and today consists of 3 floors of exhibit space. Using interactive displays, the museum’s 13 exhibits tackle topics from anatomy to engineering appropriately for all ages.

Since science is constantly advancing, the museum is always changing or adding exhibits to remain up-to-date. Notably, the museum is also home to the Benjamin Franklin Memorial to honor him as a man of science and innovation in his own right.

The museum is designed to educate its visitors, and events are frequently hosted to dive deeper into scientific topics. In addition to single-day events, the museum sponsors STEM programs for local students and often posts about scientific concepts on its website.

General admission is free for members and children under 3, $21 for kids 3 to 11, and $25 for adults. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is 20th Street and Arch Street.

• Address: 222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

7. Independence Seaport Museum

The Independence Seaport Museum houses a collection of 10,000 artifacts and documents about the Olympia ship and the Becuna submarine. While much of the museum focuses on ships, the facility also educates its visitors on Philadelphia’s river and port history in general. Currently, there are 9 different exhibits, each covering a different topic. However, other temporary galleries are occasionally hosted.

The Olympia, one of the museum’s highlights, is famous for being one of the oldest steel ships still floating and was an essential ship in World War I. Additionally, the Becuna represents America’s naval participation in World War II.

Events for visitors of all ages are also hosted for those interested in taking a deeper look at the city’s history with ships and river transportation. The space’s archived documents and artifacts can also be viewed for research purposes upon request.

General admission is free for members and children under 3, $13 for children 3 to 17, college students, military personnel, and seniors 65+, and $18 for adults. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest transit stop is 8th and Market.

• Address: 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106

“Where else in Philadelphia do you get to connect with the Delaware River and its deep history? And, where else in Philly do you get to step aboard historic ships? We reel visitors in with these unique opportunities. But, when they’re here, they build connections to make big stories (and big objects!) personal. The hooks for sailors’ hammocks on Cruiser Olympia, staff crafting a boat in The Seaport Boat Shop, and the world-class objects in our exhibits are the real bait!” 

Michael Madeja, Director of Education, Independence Seaport Museum

8. Mummers Museum

Mummering is a holiday tradition that’s really only done in 5 places: Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, Ireland, parts of the U.K., and Philadelphia.

It consists of dressing up in costumes and going to the houses of people in one’s community to do performances, play games, dance, and have a fun time. At the same time, the hosts of the houses try to guess the actual identity of the so-called “mummer.” To educate out-of-towners about this tradition and celebrate it at the same time, the Mummers Museum was created.

The facility houses numerous costumes worn during past mummering events, along with photos from parades and get-togethers. In addition to the self-guided exhibits in the museum, the space is also available for private occasions. It also hosts special events throughout the year, which often serve as fundraisers.

Admission is granted with a “pay what you wish” donation. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Washington Avenue and Moyamensing Avenue.

• Address: 1100 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

9. Museum for Art in Wood

First opened in 1986, the Museum for Art in Wood is part museum and part educational center. With over 1,000 pieces of wooden artwork, as well as a wide variety of reference texts and records, the museum aims to show visitors that masterpieces can be created from carving. The museum teaches multiple workshops throughout the year to help aspiring artists hone their skills. It also offers a residency program where artists can work on their wooden pieces.

The museum spotlights contemporary artists, so the collection constantly changes as pieces are rotated. It also hosts temporary exhibits with work loaned to the facility. In addition to its exhibition space, the facility serves as a research center. Detailed records are kept on the artists featured in the museum, as well as records of their work and books about artistic technique.

Admission is free for all visitors, though donations are appreciated. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The closest transit stop is 2nd and Market.

• Address: 141 N. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

10. Museum of Illusions Philadelphia

The Museum of Illusions Philadelphia uses illusion rooms, installations, and images to create an immersive experience that plays with the perspective of its visitors. There are currently 3 rooms that use forced perspective and careful set design to make visitors feel like they’re upside down or standing at a tilted angle.

The installations, instead, offer an even more hands-on experience that entertains and intrigues visitors of all ages. The images on the museum’s walls, instead, provide more traditional optical illusions guests are likely more used to. 

Altogether, the museum takes between 45 and 75 minutes to complete, though there are no time limits. However, since light, colors, and perspectives are all used to create the visitation experience, the museum may not be suited for people with sensory sensitivities. It’s also encouraged to reserve tickets in advance as walk-up tickets are limited.

Admission is free for children 4 and under, $20 for kids 5 to 12, $23 for military personnel and seniors 60+, and $25 for adults when purchased online. The museum is open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Market Street and 3rd Street.

• Address: 401 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

11. Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution first opened in 2017 in commemoration of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, arguably the inciting battle of the American Revolutionary War. It houses thousands of artifacts, from battle gear to documents.

One of the most treasured items in the collection is a book of correspondence that belonged to George Washington himself. However, other items include a copy of the “Pennsylvania Evening Post,” which published the text of the “Declaration of Independence” in 1976, and the British battle plan for the conflict that occurred around Brandywine Creek in 1977.

The museum’s exhibits are laid out to take visitors on a chronological journey leading to U.S. independence. There are even full-scale replicas of significant locations from the period. The museum’s exterior also displays Revolutionary War artifacts and inspired sculptures, which are viewable to the public.

If purchased online, admission tickets are free for children 5 and under, $13 for kids 6 to 17, $19 for seniors 65+, military personnel, students, and teachers, and $21 for adults. Prices are up to $4 if purchased at the museum. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Walnut Street and 3rd Street.

• Address: 101 S. 3rd St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

12. Mütter Museum at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

With over 30,000 specimens in its collection, the Mütter Museum is one of the most comprehensive in the field of medical history and science.

While many of the pieces in the museum are anatomical, it also houses medical equipment that was once on the cutting edge of the field and wax models, which were essential for medical students. However, since the collection is so extensive, only 10% of it can be displayed at any given time, with displays rotating occasionally to showcase items from the archives.

Notably, the museum doesn’t just showcase the evolution of medicine in the U.S. but worldwide. In the over 150 years since it first opened, the facility has acquired pieces from around the globe. Some highlights of the museum are Josef Hyrtl’s collection of 139 skulls and the tallest human skeleton in a North American museum, dubbed the “Mütter American Giant.”

Admission is free for children 5 and under and members, $15 for kids 6 to 17 and students, $18 for military personnel and seniors 65+, and $20 for adults. The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is 22nd Street and Market Street.

• Address: 19 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

13. National Liberty Museum

The National Liberty Museum sets itself apart from other exhibition spaces in Philadelphia because rather than focus on a concrete theme, it takes a more abstract approach.

The central pillar of the museum is to showcase all meanings of liberty through various mediums. The museum has 4 gallery floors. Among its permanent displays are the “Welcome to Liberty” exhibit, which takes a historical approach to liberty by showcasing a replica of the Liberty Bell.

However, there are also exhibits dedicated to important figures from around the world who devoted their lives to fighting for or preserving freedom. One of the most famous sculptures in this wing is the “Flame of Liberty” glass sculpture. Additionally, the museum hosts numerous temporary exhibits during the year, as well as special educational events for people of all ages.

Admission is free for members and children 5 and under, $6 for kids 6 to 17, $8 for students, $10 for seniors 65+, and $12 for adults. The museum is open Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest subway station is 5th Street/Independence Hall.

• Address: 321 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

14. Penn Museum

Operated by the University of Pennsylvania, the Penn Museum is dedicated to archaeology and anthropology. Since 1887, the museum has acquired a massive collection of over 1 million artifacts from around the world. In particular, its wing dedicated to Middle Eastern art is considered one of the best worldwide.

Since the Penn Museum’s collection is so large, only a portion of its pieces can be displayed at any time. The rest are kept in the archives. However, even these items can be accessed digitally via the facility’s online catalog.

Some of the museum’s currently displayed highlights are coins from ancient Greece, a statue of Ramses from the 13th century BCE, and a child’s learning slab from Mesopotamia. The museum also hosts special exhibits that dive deeper into specific ancient cultures, geographic areas, or time periods.

Admission is free for Penn University staff, professors, students, members, and children 5 and under, $13 for kids 6 to 17, $16 for seniors 65+, and $18 for adults. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Spruce Street and 33rd Street.

• Address: 3260 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19104

“The Penn Museum is a ‘must-see’ cultural gem in the City of Philadelphia. Through its research, collections stewardship, learning opportunities, story sharing, and experiences that expand access to archaeology and anthropology to everyone, the Museum builds empathy and connections across diverse cultures.”

Jill DiSanto, Public Relations Director, Penn Museum

15. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is one of the city’s best sites off the beaten path. Opened by the mosaic artist Isaiah Zaga as a space to show his work, the museum has since grown to take up 3 lots, with indoor and outdoor exhibit spaces.

The museum is often considered to be a single continuous piece of art. However, it’s made up of multiple exhibits set against the backdrop of the mosaic. It features Latin-American art, kitchen tiles, and even bike wheels to create one of the best examples of folk art in the city.

The space’s outdoor labyrinth is one of its main features, but it’s also known for its regularly hosted workshops and exhibitions from international artists. While the museum is self-guided, tours are also available upon request. It’s also recommended to make reservations as visitor numbers are limited to control crowd levels.

Admission is free for members and children 5 and under, $8 for kids 8 to 12, $12 for seniors 65+ and students, and $15 for adults. The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The nearest bus stop is 12th Street and Locust Street.

• Address: 1020 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19147

“My top tip when visiting is to take a close look at all the figurines and ceramic pieces embedded in the walls. Many of these pieces were created by folk artists in Mexico. You can read more about these artists on-site or on our website!”

Allison Boyle, Events and Marketing Manager, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

16. Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, or the PMoA, is one of the city’s most important cultural centers. With over 240,000 pieces of artwork in its collection from around the world, it gives a comprehensive overview of the evolution of art styles in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The museum doesn’t focus on a particular type of art and, instead, houses paintings, sculptures, textiles, and more. It also doesn’t focus on a specific period, with ancient and contemporary cultures represented in the exhibits. However, it’s worth noting that due to the large size of the collection, most pieces are kept in the archives.

Some highlights from the museum are a noh robe from Japan, a Videosphere television, and a sculpture of the deity Ganesha. The museum also serves as an important research center for finding the provenance of its items.

Admission is free for members and children 18 and under, $14 for member guests who are 65+ and students, $15 for other member guests, $28 for general seniors 65+, and $30 for adults. The museum is open Saturday to Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Spring Garden Street and Kelly Drive.

• Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

17. Please Touch Museum

The Please Touch Museum is Philadelphia’s premier children’s museum, which uses hands-on exhibits to teach children about topics ranging from math to nature. While aimed primarily at children under 8, the museum still provides a fun experience for older visitors, so it’s a popular choice among families.

The museum is divided into 2 floors and contains 18 different exhibit spaces. Some of these areas even host activities like storytime hours and rides on the Dentzel Carousel. In addition to the already educational permanent exhibits, the museum has a full event calendar full of classes, workshops, and programs.

The museum also understands the different needs children might have, so it’s been designed to be an accessible space to accommodate all sorts of visitors. The staff is also trained to help if any assistance is needed.

Admission is free for members and children under 1. Tickets for everyone else are $22. The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Parkside Avenue and Belmont Avenue.

• Address: 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 19131

“One of our most popular exhibits is Food & Family, a miniature GIANT supermarket. Kids can go grocery shopping, work as cashiers, cook in a wood-fired pizza oven, decorate cakes, and more! Plus, don’t miss our Alice in Wonderland maze, space-themed Rocket Room, and historic carousel, all of which are longtime visitor favorites.”

Olivia Thomas, Chief Learning Officer, Please Touch Museum

18. Rodin Museum

The Rodin Museum opened in Philadelphia in 1929 when a local businessman donated his collection of Auguste Rodin artwork to the city.

Containing 180 different sculptures by the French artist, it’s the largest collection outside of Paris. These works are showcased both inside the museum structure and outside in its Garden exhibition space. Some highlights from the museum are “The Vase of the Titans,” “Thought,” and “Eternal Springtime.”

Though the facility focuses on Rodin’s work, it also hosts exhibits and events in collaboration with other museums, often including pieces from other artists. The artist Franklin C. Watkins is also highlighted through his murals on the walls. In addition to events hosted by the board, the space is also available as a venue for private occasions. Photo permits can also be obtained to take videos and pictures during your visit.

Admission is free for members and visitors aged 0 to 18, $7 for students, $14 for seniors 65+, and $15 for adults. The museum is open Friday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is 22nd Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

• Address: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130

19. Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

The Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum aims to preserve the history of the automotive industry, with a particular focus on racing vehicles. At any given time, between 75 and 100 cars are housed in the facility, but the collection is constantly changing as new models are acquired and others are sold.

The permanent collection of 70 cards can be seen across the museum’s 21 different exhibit rooms. The exhibits are all arranged in chronological order to show how the industry has changed since the early 1900s.

Some of the museum’s most beloved cars are the 1929 DuPont Model G, a 1926 Bugatti Type 35, and a 1958 Aston Martin DBR1. To be considered for the museum, a car must have its lights, fenders, and original components, have been used in racing, and be a winning model.

Admission is free for visitors 18 and under, military personnel, teachers, AACA members, and museum members, $12 for seniors 65+, and $15 for adults. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The nearest bus stop is 70th Street and Norwitch Drive.

• Address: 6825-31 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19153

20. Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

With over 30,000 items, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History tracks the story of Jewish culture as it came to the U.S. The oldest artifacts in the collection have been traced back to the country’s colonial period, but it also has more contemporary pieces and even utilizes interactive displays.

In addition to the records, photos, and other physical objects in the museum, the facility also has a Hall of Fame that features notable Jewish men and women. Some of the most notable inductees have been Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Golda Meir, and Albert Einstein.

The museum also presents special exhibits that often honor the lives of specific figures but can also delve deeper into Jewish culture and how it’s been adapted in the U.S. The museum is so beloved that it even won an award in 2020 as the best cultural experience in Philadelphia.

Admission is free for all visitors, but donations are appreciated. The main portion of the museum is open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Market Street and 5th Street.

• Address: 101 S. Independence Mall E., Philadelphia, PA 19106

21. Woodmere Art Museum

The Woodmere Art Museum houses over 8,000 pieces, all created by artists from Philadelphia and the rest of the Delaware Valley. The original collection belonged to the museum’s founder, Charles Knox Smith, but over the years, new paintings and sculptures have been added. These pieces can be found adorning the interior and exterior of the building.

Some of the facility’s highlights are “A Dream of Italy” by William Louis Sonntag and “The Pink Sash” by Mary Cassatt. The entire collection can be browsed online, including archived pieces. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts special events during the year.

These events don’t just focus on traditional art but other mediums as well. In particular, films and jazz music are played and celebrated seasonally. To help inspire future artists, workshops and classes are also offered to people of all ages.

Admission is free for members, children, and students, $7 for seniors 55+, and $10 for adults. Ticket costs are waived for everyone on Sundays. The museum is open Wednesday to Friday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The nearest bus stop is Germantown Avenue and Bells Mill Road.

• Address: 9201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118

How To Get Free or Reduced Admission to Philadelphia Museums

We’ve indicated with each museum whether or not children, students, or seniors receive free or reduced admission. Several other programs offer similar concessions.

The Museums for All program offers free or reduced admission to museums through the U.S. for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Participating attractions in the greater Philadelphia area include the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Penn Museum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Please Touch Museum, Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, and Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.

Bank of America’s Museums on Us program offers cardholders free general admission on the first full weekend of every month to the following Philadelphia museums: African American Museum in Philadelphia, Museum of the American Revolution, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Participation is subject to change; please verify participating museums and entry conditions before your visit.

Final Thoughts

Philadelphia has no shortage of museums worth checking out if you find yourself on the East Coast. From history to textiles, there’s an option for even the pickiest traveler. This list has hopefully shown you the sorts of world-class exhibits Philly has to offer. Now, all you have to do is pick which ones deserve a spot on your itinerary.