Best Museums in Philadelphia

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Philadelphia is steeped in history. The museum culture in Pennsylvania’s largest city is vibrant and large, with plenty to offer whether you’re a history buff or an art lover.

Barnes Foundation

The Barnes Foundation is approaching 100 years and has a collection that extends much further than that. Inside you’ll find Post-Impressionist works and modern art, ranging from Picasso to Matisse. The museum also houses African sculptures and Native American ceramics. Entrance is free the first Sunday of every month.

The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute is dedicated to scientific discovery and contains some of Philly’s most interactive exhibits. Inside resides a 3D movie theater for documentaries, a Benjamin Franklin Memorial and a functioning planetarium. In the evenings they hold science events with free cocktails.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and the third-largest museum in the United States. Exhibitions feature Impressionist, Modern, American and Renaissance art. The upper floors pay homage to the architecture and décor of ancient Rome, Japan and Germany.

Please Touch Museum

The Please Touch Museum was designed with kids in mind, but it’s the adults who usually end up enjoying the exhibits. Replicas of famous landmarks, including the arm of the Statue of Liberty, are made almost entirely of toys. The museum is highly interactive and a fun way to spend an afternoon.

National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center was the first museum dedicated entirely to the U.S. Constitution. Exhibits include a permanent recreation of Signer’s Hall, where 42 life-sized bronze statues of the Founding Fathers sign the Constitution, along with the original copy of the first printing.