The 10 Museums You Must Visit in Philadelphia

The 10 Museums You Must Visit in Philadelphia

Let’s face it, visiting museums are a must when exploring a city. Whether you’re into history museums, or art museums, there’s always a museum to visit when you’re exploring a larger city. When it comes to museums, Philadelphia isn’t just any city. It’s a city with some of the best museums in the country. If you’re interested in where the Constitution was written, or where the Declaration of Independence was signed, then you’re at the right place.

Philadelphia not only has the best history museums, but also some of the finest art museums. So if you’re in Philadelphia for the next week, and you’re looking for museums to visit, read along. Or, perhaps, maybe you’ve lived in Philadelphia for a year already, and haven’t done much exploring. If this is you, take a Saturday off, and go museum hopping. It’s well worth it! To start, here’s a list of 10 must-see museums in Philadelphia:

1)  Independence Hall.  Begin your tour of Philadelphia by visiting the Independence Hall.  If you’re interested in where the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence were signed, then get your tickets and take a guided tour.

2)  Philadelphia Museum of Art.  From world-class collections, to exhibitions, and some of the finest programs, Philadelphia Museum of Art is the cultural heart of a great city. View some of history’s most beautiful Asian, European, and American art. Get the most out of your experience and schedule to take a tour.

3)  The Barnes Foundation.  This museum holds some of the most beautiful collections of the nineteenth and twentieth-century French paintings in the world. View some of the finest masterpieces by Cezanne, Matisse, and Renoir. The Barnes Foundation is also an educational institution, teaching classes in its Arboretum and beautiful galleries.

4)  Eastern State Penitentiary.  This historic site was once a very famous prison. Empty guard towers and falling apart cellblocks is all that is left of the Eastern State Penitentiary. This former prison was known for its impressive architecture, and design of discipline. This prison was designed to instill true regret in the many hearts of the convicts that lived here. Take a tour of the many cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, the Death Row, and even Al Capone’s Cell!

5)  National Museum of American Jewish History.  This museum offers very impressive exhibits. Beginning in the Colonial times, these exhibits display the evolution and history of the American Jewish community.

6)  Rodin Museum.  This beautiful Beaux-Arts style building offers an intriguing experience of Auguste Rodin’s largest collection outside of Paris. Rodin Museum holds over 140 bronzes, marbles, and plasters, including “The Thinker”, which represents every phase of Rodin’s career.

7)  Please Touch Museum.  This Philadelphia museum is perfect for the kids! This is a hands-on museum designed for both adults and kids to explore. The very interactive exhibits will keep the whole family busy.

8)  The Franklin Institute.  This institute was founded by Benjamin Franklin, and is one of America’s oldest institutes for science education. The Franklin Institute offers public education, as well as the access to science and technology exhibits.

9)  National Constitution Center.  This is a great spot to bring the family, and learn more about the history of the Constitution. This museum explains in detail every part of the Constitution. The bottom line is that you won’t leave empty-handed.

10)  Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens.  This breath-taking art environment and gallery preserves some of Isaiah Zagar’s mosaic art and public murals. Spanning across half a block on Philadelphia’s South Street is Zagar’s largest artwork. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens has some of the most aesthetic indoor and outdoor galleries around.

With just about everything from hands-on experiences, to art and historical museum exhibits, Philadelphia has it all. With so many educational opportunities and public access to unique exhibits, there is no reason why you wouldn’t want to visit these museums.  So get out there and see them all!