Visiting museums is a great way to get to know a city. They encompass its distinct culture and socio-political aspects. However, do not worry if this is not your cup of tea! You can ogle many artworks from well-renowned artists as well! So, if you’re out on a much-needed vacation, go through this list of museums in Philly!
The City of Brotherly Love, or Philadelphia, is known for its different kinds of museums! If you’re visiting the city for longer than a week, then do not turn your back on these. As a cosmopolitan, Philly is proud to house a diverse culture. So, let’s know about all the go-to museums in Philly!
1. About the Museums in Philly: Types of Museums
Before learning about the museums that might render you in awe of their beauty, you must know your taste. What makes you like museums? Is it their homage to the country’s leaders or their display of science and technological innovations? Perhaps you simply love gazing at paintings and murals!
Below is a list of 3 basic museums that you usually come across.
1.1 Museums Presenting History
This goes without saying, but there is a plethora of museums out there that evince history. What could be more magical than the fact that museums place a country’s history before you? The very purpose of such museums is to display historical artifacts. These artifacts mark an important historical event.
Museums that present history have one aim– to wake up the slouching nationalism. In addition to this, a glorified history of the past is offered to tourists. Sometimes, such museums boast of imperialism, keeping artifacts from other nations hostage.
The perfect examples of historical museums are The National Liberty Museum and the Penn Museum in Philly!
1.2 Art Museums
While history is important, it is art that makes you lose yourself in it! Be it resonating deeply with artwork or simply gazing at its beauty, art is essential for life. Thus, museums that display artwork give subtle hints at this. Moreover, such museums evince that art talks through metaphors by displaying fine art!
For instance, if you find yourself traversing through the streets of Philly, then you can visit some art museums. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art are great examples!
1.3 Museums Dedicated to Science and Technology
History and Art are not the only fields to which museums dedicate themselves. Besides this, there are Science and Technology museums. These showcase the spectacular innovations in the field of Science and Technology. It is only due to such innovations that the human race has advanced!
If this interests you, then you should certainly visit such museums in Philly. The Science History Museum and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University warrant your presence!
2. 10 Phenomenal Museums in Philly
Now that you know the types of museums, you can easily decide which ones intrigue you the most! To get an immersive and detailed experience of the city, go through the following museums.
2.1 National Constitution Center
History and Politics are often entwined. Wherever there is history, politics is not far behind! This is what the National Constitution Center evinces. Thus, if you wish to know more about the US Constitution and the people involved in drafting it, then visit this museum.
Some benefits of going here involve learning more about your rights and knowing all about the 42 Founding Fathers! Moreover, you get to grasp how the Constitution was drafted. The museum marries history and politics with technology so that the visitors get an immersive experience!
2.2 Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Situated on South Street, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a great place that leaves you in awe! Leading a life bound by a routine resembles living in black and white. And you cannot live a monotonous life for long. And so, this is the perfect place for you if you wish to add some colors to your life!
Isaiah Zagar, the mastermind behind the Museum, has used his creativity to its full potential. You can find exceptional artwork made from broken and colorful mirrors. Thus, the museum lets you appreciate the beauty found in broken things!
2.3 Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
So, a dinosaur is all your kid talks about the whole day. Worry not, for this museum is the perfect fit for you! The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University portrays the specimens of different animals.
This goes without saying, but the Museum is a favorite among kids! Moreover, if Natural Science is your forte, then who’s stopping you from going there?
The museum is a magnet for people who wish to learn more about the planet. Thus, an additional interest in flora and fauna will make you grateful for the museum even more!
2.4 Mutter Museum
Now that you have seen all things bright and beautiful, it’s time to go to a peculiar museum! The Mutter Museum houses oddities that can either scare you or make you gag. Be it gory details that will make you squirm or floating organs in containers– the museum has it all.
One of the strangest museums in Philly, it seeks to inform visitors regarding medical oddities. Thus, if you have a detached and disoriented vibe, chances are you will love this. Moreover, it can be a great scary surprise for your kids!
2.5 African American Museum in Philadelphia
The US stands tall today, encompassing a diverse culture. However, not all contributions were received solely from the Founding Fathers. African Americans played a key role in legitimizing many rights!
So, if you’re a history geek looking for museums in Philly, the African American Museum in Philadelphia should be on your list! The museum presents a historical narrative, keeping the visitors on their toes.
2.6 Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philly
A free-of-cost experience, who wouldn’t want to gaze at artwork made from fabric? With various exhibitions, events, and classes to inform visitors, the museum is a godsend! Moreover, the Fabric Workshop and Museum holds many workshops and events where you can get your hands dirty.
While visiting the museum is free, there are tickets if you wish to be informed more! The museum displays art made from various materials. This constitutes one of the most creative museums in Philly!
2.7 Fireman’s Hall Museum in Philly: Fire Safety and Prevention
It is pretty clear what the museum presents to its visitors. As the name suggests, the Fireman’s Hall Museum informs about some well-known fire incidents. Moreover, the museum keeps souvenirs from such incidents. And these are put on display!
More interestingly, the museum is set up in an ancient 1898 firehouse itself! What more do you need? Grace your steps to the museum without delay! The museum further informs you about fire safety and prevention.
2.8 Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
If history is what intrigues you the most, then this will be an informative experience for you! The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History houses and maps the history of the American Jews.
The Jews form a major aspect of history. You must be aware of the adversities they had to tread through. However, knowing how they came out of the abyss is also imperative!
You might be a fan of Anne Frank’s ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ or merely want to know more to expand your knowledge. Seeking out this museum in Philly will aid you in brushing up on your history!
2.9 The Franklin Institute
If there’s a museum in Philly where history and science come together, this is it! The Franklin Institute is home to a 20-foot-high statue of Benjamin Franklin. Made of marble, the figure is a familiar site in many selfies.
The museum highlights the benefits of science and research. Undoubtedly, these are also the two proponents that Franklin stood for! Moreover, some exhibitions at the museum include learning all about Electricity and Your Brain!
Not just this, the museum is also proud to present its podcasts. The fun does not end here. You can even watch many informative videos– all presented by The Franklin Institute!
2.10 United States Mint
No, the United States Mint is not responsible for printing those crisp dollars! However, if you’re an avid coin collector, then this museum will be no less than heaven for you. The museum stamps more than 10 million coins in a single day!
If you have a curious kid, then make sure to take him to the United States Mint. You will not only get to see the process behind coin stamping. Moreover, kids are often invited to create virtual coins of their own! Now, what could be better than this?
Besides this, the museum is also known to keep pace with technological innovations! For instance, it offers a Virtual Reality tour. It is through this tour that visitors can see the production process! This provides transparency and knowledge without people meddling in the actual coin-stamping process.
3. Final Words
So, the next time you go on a vacation, do not forget to pay a visit to the museums! There is a plethora of museums in Philly dedicated to the vibrant culture of the city! These warrant your undivided attention.
You can go to museums that present artwork, retell history, or talk about science and technology! Nevertheless, make sure to book tickets online and maintain discipline. Following the rules and gazing at the artifacts from a distance is judicious.
