List of museums in Philadelphia Facts for Kids

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a city full of history and culture, and it has many amazing museums! These places are like treasure chests, collecting and taking care of cool objects related to art, science, history, and different cultures. They let everyone come and see these collections or special exhibits. Think of them as places where you can learn, explore, and have fun discovering new things.

Awesome Museums to Explore
Museums That Are No Longer Open
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Awesome Museums to Explore

Philadelphia has a huge variety of museums, from places where you can learn about dinosaurs to historic homes where important people once lived. Here are some of the most exciting ones for you to visit!

Science and Nature Adventures

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University: Get ready to meet dinosaurs, see huge mineral crystals, and explore nature dioramas that show animals in their natural homes. They even have live animals!
Franklin Institute: This is a super fun place with tons of hands-on exhibits. You can learn all about science by doing experiments and seeing how things work. You can even explore some of Benjamin Franklin's inventions.
Mütter Museum: If you're curious about the human body and medical history, this museum is fascinating. It has a collection of medical oddities, anatomical specimens, and old medical tools. It's unique and a bit spooky!
Science History Institute: This museum explores the history of science, especially chemistry. It shows how science has shaped our modern world.
Wagner Free Institute of Science: Step back in time in this museum! It has Victorian-era display cases filled with hand-labeled natural history specimens, just as they were arranged in the 1880s.

Journey Through History

Betsy Ross House: Visit the possible home of Betsy Ross, who is famous for sewing flags for the U.S. Navy and might have sewn the very first American flag.
Eastern State Penitentiary: This historic prison was used until 1971. You can take tours and see exhibits about what life was like inside this famous 19th-century prison.
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site: Explore the home where the famous author Edgar Allan Poe once lived. You can learn about his life and the stories he wrote.
Fort Mifflin: This fort was a key part of the British takeover of Philadelphia during the American Revolution. You can explore its 18th and 19th-century buildings.
Independence Hall: This is a super important place! Both the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were discussed and approved here. It's part of Independence National Historical Park.
Liberty Bell Center: See the famous Liberty Bell and learn about its history. It's a powerful symbol of freedom around the world. This is also part of Independence National Historical Park.
Museum of the American Revolution: Discover the exciting story of the American Revolution through amazing exhibits and artifacts.
National Constitution Center: Learn all about the United States Constitution and why it's still important today. It's an interactive and engaging museum.
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History: This museum tells the story of Jewish people in America, celebrating their history and contributions.
Wells Fargo History Museum: See a real stagecoach, old telegraph equipment, historic clothing, and currency from the past.

Amazing Art and Culture

Barnes Foundation: This museum has an incredible collection of art, including famous Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings. You'll also see African sculptures, Native American ceramics, and more.
Mummers Museum: Ever heard of the Mummers Parade? This museum showcases the colorful and elaborate costumes from this unique Philadelphia tradition.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: This is the oldest art museum and school in the United States. It features beautiful 19th and 20th-century American paintings, sculptures, and drawings.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: One of the largest art museums in the country, it has a vast collection of European, Asian, and American fine art, furniture, and decorative items. You can even see arms and armor!
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens: This is a truly unique outdoor and indoor art space. It's covered in colorful mosaics made from tiles, mirrors, and found objects. It's like stepping into a dream!
Rodin Museum: This museum has the largest collection of sculptor Auguste Rodin's works outside of Paris. You can see many of his famous sculptures here.
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden: Experience a traditional 17th-century-style Japanese house and garden right here in Philadelphia. It's a peaceful and beautiful place.

Fun for Younger Kids (and Everyone!)

Please Touch Museum: This interactive museum is designed to help children learn through play. It's full of hands-on exhibits that encourage curiosity and discovery.

Historic Homes and Estates

Many historic homes in Philadelphia offer a glimpse into the past:

Bartram's Garden: A beautiful botanical garden with a historic house you can tour.
Cliveden: A mid-18th-century mansion that was the site of a major battle during the American Revolutionary War.
Germantown White House: This 18th-century house once sheltered George Washington and his family.
Powel House: An elegant 18th-century Georgian townhouse mansion.
Wyck House: The oldest house in Germantown, offering a look at centuries of history.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Sometimes museums close their doors. Here are a few that were once part of Philadelphia's museum scene:

Peale's Philadelphia Museum opened in 1784 and closed in 1849.
The Curtis Center Museum of Norman Rockwell Art closed in 1997.
The National Philatelic Museum, which focused on stamps, opened in 1948 and closed in 1959.
The Philadelphia Commercial Museum closed in 1994.
Sweetbriar Mansion, a late 18th-century house, closed in 2014.
The Neon Museum of Philadelphia closed in 2022 after being open for two years.
The Insectarium, a museum dedicated to insects, closed in 2023.

List of museums in Philadelphia facts for kids

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