Your Family Will Learn and Love the Art, History, and Science of Philadelphia

Throughout all of the United States, there are plenty of cities that are popular with travelers thanks to a combination of entertainment, history, culture, and more. Pennsylvania is home to the beautiful Philadelphia where visitors can enjoy modern amenities and entertainment mixed perfectly with some of the most important history of the country.

Founded by William Penn in 1682, Philadelphia became one of the epicenters of the American Revolution and subsequent years when the country was just beginning to govern itself. Thanks to its important location, Philadelphia was the home of many significant events in history, many of which are still celebrated today. The city is also home to a number of amazing museums that visitors will absolutely love. While there are a wide variety of museums to explore, it is no surprise that many of them focus on historical events and figures from the revolutionary period. Here are four museums in Philadelphia that visitors of all ages should enjoy on any vacation in Pennsylvania!

Philadelphia Museum of Art

A major historical event that occurred in Philadelphia was the great Centennial Exhibition of 1876 which was held in the city’s Fairmount Park. Upon the conclusion of the Centennial Exhibition, the main building called Memorial Hall was reconfigured to be the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art. Over the following years, the location continued to be focused on art and saw expansions, additions, and acquisitions of amazing works of art, eventually turning into the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

With countless pieces of art spanning different eras, styles, and global origins, visitors to the museum can enjoy collections such as sculptures by Cy Twombly, works by video artist Bruce Nauman, paintings by Cezanne, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, and Duchamp, the Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection of Contemporary Art, and the Paul Strand Collection. With plenty of different collections and beautiful works to explore, the Philadelphia Art Museum is one location that visitors simply have to enjoy in Philadelphia.

Museum of the American Revolution

Since the American Revolution was greatly centered around the wonderful city of Philadelphia, it should be no surprise that there is a museum dedicated entirely to the important moment in American history.

The Museum of the America Revolution is a relatively new museum which opened in 2017 and focuses on the many different aspects of the revolution including weapons, documents, artwork, and more. Despite its young age, the museum is home to an impressive collection that brings the American Revolution to life with focal pieces including the tent that George Washington used as a command center during the revolution. Visitors can also enjoy the popular Read the Revolution Speaker Series where different guests come in to share their knowledge and information about the American Revolution.   

Independence Hall

Two of the most important documents of the American Revolution were penned and perfected in the heart of Philadelphia, and their birthplace continues to exist today welcoming in visitors who wish to learn more about their history. Independence Hall was the location where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were created and eventually the location was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and became part of the U.S. National Park Service. Now a functioning museum, visitors who enjoy a trip to Independence Hall can purchase tickets for a guided tour which brings them into the historic building and showcases locations such as the courtroom where many historical documents were proposed, argued, and ultimately set in stone. With highlights such as an original draft of the Constitution and other historic items on display, every visit to Philadelphia should also include a tour of Independence Hall.

The Franklin Institute

While there are many names that are associated with the American Revolution and the subsequent period of independence, one name in particular immediately conjures up images of important moments in history. Benjamin Franklin was an absolutely remarkable figure who resided in Philadelphia during the American Revolution and is honored today in the Franklin Institute. Since Franklin was primarily a scientist, the Franklin Institute focuses on celebrating science education and exploration through exhibits and hands on experiences that are fun for visitors of all ages. Located inside of the museum are experiences such as escape rooms, live shows, 3D printing demonstrations, The Giant Heart, the Ben Franklin Memorial, and Fels Planetarium. With so much to do and see, the Franklin Institute is a wonderful location for visitors of all ages to enjoy while in Philadelphia.