Historic District Museums
A History Making Collection of Museums
Philadelphia is home to some of the premier museums in the United States, including a number of significant museums that provide an experience that cannot be found anyplace else. Here’s a list of institutions in and around the Historic District where you will find inspiration, enlightenment, and entertainment.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia is committed to telling the story of African Americans in all its permutations: family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law, and technology. The museum houses four galleries that offer exhibitions anchored by one of our three dominant themes: the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story, and the Contemporary Narrative.
The American Philosophical Society, the oldest learned society in the United States, was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin for the purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.” After almost three hundred years of knowledge sharing, the Society’s collections have grown to include 2.5 miles of manuscript pages and approximately one million rare books, prints, photographs, paintings, scientific instruments, Native American language recordings, and other objects.
Explore Benjamin Franklin’s life and legacy through his character traits at the Benjamin Franklin Museum. The exhibit area is divided into five “rooms” with each room focusing on a particular trait: ardent and dutiful, ambitious and rebellious, motivated to improve, curious and full of wonder, and strategic and persuasive. There are videos, touch screen interactives, mechanical interactives, and artifacts in each “room.” An additional area called the “Library” presents a video with excerpts from Franklin’s Autobiography.
The Independence Seaport Museum tells critical elements of Philadelphia’s waterfront story. Climb aboard the oldest floating steel warship in the world on Cruiser Olympia and submerge yourself aboard the World War II-era Submarine Becuna. In warmer months, join us for a paddle in our boat basin or use your experience to get out onto the river with a kayak excursion.
The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures.
The National Constitution Center is the first and only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. Through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and live theater, we bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages.
Through a compelling lineup of programs and exhibitions, the National Liberty Museum illuminates both the strength and fragility of liberty as well as the inspirational stories of people whose positive actions protect and expand the boundaries of freedom for all.
Situated on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The museum presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America.
Find more museums at VisitPhilly.com.