Location: City Center East
Top Things to do in City Center East
The 9 Best Specialty Museums in City Center East, Pennsylvania (PA)
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. National Constitution Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,594 reviews
The National Constitution Center is the first and only nonprofit, nonpartisan institution devoted to the U.S. Constitution and its legacy of freedom. Located two blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Historic Philadelphia, the Center illuminates constitutional ideals and inspires active citizenship as a state-of-the-art museum, a civic education hub and America's Town Hall.
Reviewed By flo220 - New York City, United States
A museum devoted to the US constitution -- how it was established, signed and ratified; all of the amendments to it and how it has been applied throughout US history. A combination of timeline and commentary, historical artifacts, films and interactive exhibits really drives home what a powerful and flexible document it is. Don't miss the introductory performance (which is really a monologue by an actor rather than a film) which is very powerful; the signers hall filled with statues of the signers and the various authentic documents. There is also an exhibit on (and other references to) Alexander Hamilton. A great place to visit especially for this interested in history.
5. USS Becuna
6. Philadelphia History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 99 reviews
Just steps from the Liberty Bell the new Philadelphia History Museum showcases an array of historical objects, art, and artifacts that tell the story of Philadelphia, from its founding in 1680 to present day. The Museum features eight renovated galleries, containing stunning items from its vast holdings of over 100,000 objects, and provides various interactive elements to enhance the visitor experience. On view are items ranging from George Washington’s 1790s writing desk to Joe Frasier’s 1970s Championship boxing gloves. Visitors can also take a tour of the city by walking on the world’s largest map of Philadelphia.
7. Betsy Ross House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,164 reviews
The well-known and loved story of Betsy Ross sewing the first Stars & Stripes is tightly woven into the colorful fabric of America's rich history. The Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag, is alive with the sights and sounds of the 18th century. Tour the house and then stay a while longer to learn more about Betsy and her exciting life and times through our interactive, historical programming. The Betsy Ross House will be open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents' Day.
Reviewed By Osy7 - Cuernavaca, Mexico
A really nice place to visit, they show you the place where the first american flag was made, but not only that, you can take the audio tour, they show you the manners of that time, the kind of work, food, the cost of things, and then realize how they lived. It's a quick tour, and at the end you can shop some souvenirs.
8. Center for Architecture and Design
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 9 reviews
The Center provides the public with a place to explore architecture, urban planning, and design, allowing them to understand how these disciplines affect us all in our daily lives. Using Philadelphia's distinctive breadth of architecture, pioneering urban design, and manufacturing heritage as the foundation for conversation, we educate the public through walking tours, guest speakers, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, design competitions, festivals, and children’s programming. The Center brings together architects, designers, developers, thought leaders, and the public under one roof and also provides office space for AIA Philadelphia, the Community Design Collaborative, and the AIA Bookstore. The Center is open to the public seven days a week.
9. Fabric Workshop and Museum
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