Top 10 Museums in City Center West, Pennsylvania (PA)

January 10, 2022 Janean Rudisill

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

333 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5839 +1 215-717-6480
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

University of the Arts Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery

2. Rosenbach Museum and Library

2008 Delancey St # 2010, Philadelphia, PA 19103-6510 +1 215-732-1600 [email protected] http://www.rosenbach.org/
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4.5 based on 80 reviews

Rosenbach Museum and Library

The Rosenbach Museum & Library seeks to inspire curiosity, inquiry, and creativity by engaging broad audiences in exhibitions, programs and research based on its remarkable and expanding collections. With an outstanding collection of rare books, manuscripts, furniture, and art, the Rosenbach is a museum and world-renowned research library, set within two historic 1865 townhouses, that reflects an age when great collectors lived among their treasures.

Reviewed By AlecPlotkin - West Chester, United States

Museum was a book lovers heaven. Admission was inexpensive and included a tour and Dracula and Frankenstein exhibit. The tour was of the library of the Rosenbachs which included many rare and interesting books. Handicapped accessible.

3. Mutter Museum

19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3001 +1 215-560-8564 [email protected] http://muttermuseum.org
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4.5 based on 1,711 reviews

Mutter Museum

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.

4. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

118 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1510 +1 215-972-7600 http://www.pafa.org/
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4.5 based on 402 reviews

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

A dazzling museum, as much for its interior design as for its collection.

Reviewed By ArriveWith5 - Philadelphia, United States

Historic art gallery and school steps away from convention center. We were fortunate to see the exhibit ‘FROM THE SCHUYLKILL TO THE HUDSON: LANDSCAPES OF THE EARLY AMERICAN REPUBLIC which chronicled influence of Philadelphia art on Hudson school. The permanent collection features mostly American art from 18th- and 19th century and housed in the beautiful Frank Furness’s Historic Landmark Building which combines a range of architectural details with Moorish, Victorian, and Gothic features. One of our favorite exhibits were once that featured art work from recent and past students and faculty of the school. Perfect sized museum for kids as you can spend 2-3 hours and see majority of exhibits. Also, children under 12 can view museum for free.

5. The Franklin Institute

222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1115 +1 215-448-1200 [email protected] http://www.fi.edu
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4.5 based on 3,112 reviews

The Franklin Institute

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest and premier centers of science education. The museum is known for blockbuster exhibits, a bevy of interactive ongoing exhibitions, and one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences. Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology in ways that would dazzle and delight its namesake. Discover something new at The Franklin Institute, where kids and parents can explore the fun side of science through twelve cutting-edge, hands-on exhibitions. Every day The Franklin Institute provides resources that help people to connect with science and technology in creative ways that resonate with learners of all ages and backgrounds

Reviewed By IanWright_Philly - Philadelphia, United States

Whether it is a walk through the giant heart, standing on the footplate of the last great steam engine, exploring the inner workings of the brain or visiting one of the many world class visiting exhibitions, the Franklin Institite has something for everyone with a curious mind. It also houses Franklin Hall, the national memorial to Ben Franklin. This is a must see for kids of all ages!

6. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1101 +1 215-299-1000 http://www.ansp.org/
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4.0 based on 395 reviews

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

At the Academy of Natural Sciences, you can wander among towering dinosaur skeletons or discover an indoor tropical butterfly garden. Explore ecosystems from around the world through our historic dioramas or be transported to the great outdoors through our hands-on discovery center for children. Visit our Special Exhibits Gallery for our newest exhibit, or watch scientists at work in Science Live or our Fossil Prep Lab.

Reviewed By tandhgoraj - Swedesboro, United States

My husband and I have not been here since we visited as elementary school students on a field trip. Flash forward three decades and it is another Philadelphia museum treasure. We are thirsty for getting out on our day trips and was happy to see this museum open during this pandemic. There are a few things to keep in mind to that end: 1. You must wear a mask in the museum. 2. There are lots of reminders throughout to maintain social distancing. 3. The cafe and gift shop are not open yet. (I was very disappointed. The website did not mention this!) 4. You must buy tickets online. You may use your email to show purchase. You do not have to print them out. 5. The museum and especially restrooms are clean! They also put many hand sanitizer stations through the museum. 6. Part of the butterfly exhibit was closed. The bottom line. We had a very nice day even with the limitations. They have a wildlife photography exhibit beginning in September so I will go back. I also love to but a souvenir and a book from gift shops so I will be back! That aside I also I like to mention accessibility options. I have limited mobility and I require handicap parking and use a walker. First, of you have a stroller, wheelchair, or walker you want to go in the 19th street e trance. We were able to find parking right in front of the door. Check website for varied pricing. Sunday’s are very reasonable. The bathroom was such a good size I was able to go in with my walker. There were also lots of benches to sit on as we enjoyed the museum. I felt very well accommodated with my limited mobility. This is a great stop for all ages. We spent over three hours there and would have been there much longer if those few things were not closed.

7. Civil War Library and Museum

The First Bank of the United States 3rd & Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103 +1 215-405-8719 http://civilwarmuseumphila.org/
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4.0 based on 3 reviews

Temporarily Closed to Public; Museum is moving to new location.

339 S. 21st Street19103, Philadelphia, PA 19103-6537 +1 215-731-1530 [email protected]

Gallery 339 is currently the only Fine Art Photography Gallery in Philadelphia and is well worth the few-blocks walk from Rittenhouse Square. Whether exhibiting little-known talents or established artists from Philadelphia and around the world, Martin McNamara consistently brings innovative contemporary exhibitions to this beautiful space.

20th St and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103 +1 215-568-4515 [email protected]
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

10. Moore College of Art & Design

20th Street and the Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103 +1 215-568-4515 [email protected] http://www.moore.edu
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4.5 based on 9 reviews

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