If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

credit: babasteve

Philadelphia is a city which often gets overlooked by travelers. That’s due in part to the fact that it is in such close proximity to the huge tourist draw of New York City. It’s also due to the fact that Philadelphia just doesn’t get the media attention by travel writers that it deserves. But those people who do take the time to visit Philadelphia find that there’s a great mixture of modern and historic charm to the city. And there is no better way to experience that great merging of both past and present than to check out the museums that are devoted to highlighting these different parts.

Philadelphia: Past and Present

Philadelphia has played an important role in the history of the United States. It was crucial to the early development of the country and contains many important historic and political landmarks. It also contains several different history museums which share the importance of the city’s past with visitors to the area. However, Philadelphia is not all about “the way it once was”.

credit: basykes

It is also a highly modern city, one of the largest in the nation in fact, and it’s a place where many innovative things are in the works. For example, it is recognized as a leader in bringing public mural art (which other city’s call graffiti) into the limelight as an acceptable modern art form. It’s also working on becoming one of the largest cities to establish a free wireless network for its residents. Some of the greatest modern innovations of Philadelphia can be seen in the art museums and science museums here.

Philadelphia’s History and Cultural Museums

For those people who are interested in the history of Philadelphia, some of the best museums to visit in the area are as follows:

• African American Museum in Philadelphia – Philadelphia is a city which is very culturally diverse and there are several different museums which honor specific cultures. This one provides information about the important African Americans who have influenced the development of Philadelphia over time.
• American Helicopter Museum and Education Center – You may think of most transportation museums as being highly modern. However, there’s a lot of history to the way that we have traveled. This unique museum provides an interesting look at that history.
• American Swedish Historical Museum – It’s not uncommon to find museums representing large cultural groups such as African Americans but how often do you come across a history museum for people of Swedish ancestry? Philadelphia has one.
• Atwater Kent Museum – This is a small history museum that caters to people who are interested in getting a basic Philadelphia history lesson at a low cost.
• Civil War Library and Museum – Do you have an interest in learning about how Philadelphia’s residents experienced the Civil War? If so, this is a museum that can satisfy your curiosity with its wealth of information about that particularly topic.

credit: vic15

• Eastern State Penitentiary – Just like the name suggests, this is a historic prison in Philadelphia. A tour through this decaying building will give you a type of historic insight into Philadelphia that you simply can’t get at any other museum.
• Germantown Historical Society – If you’re really interested in historic Philadelphia then you will almost certainly check out the historic Germantown section of the city. Walking the streets here is like stepping into the past. You can learn more about what you’re seeing by visiting the historical society museum which provides information such as profiles of famous Germantown residents.
• Independence Seaport Museum – Philadelphia has many different aspects to its history and one of those is the maritime aspect. Learn all about it at this museum which focuses on the ship history of the area.
• Mummers Museum – Many history museums are all alike, different only in the city that they are displaying. However, Mummers is unique. It is committed to a highly specific aspect of Philadelphia history: the city’s New Year celebrations. Go through the decades of the city by enjoying the displays available here.
• National Liberty Museum – One of the most famous attractions in Philadelphia is the Liberty Bell and that is just one reason that the city is known as a place where the important trait of liberty is recognized in the United States. The National Liberty Museum brings that old notion up to date by profiling important liberty leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology – If you really want to delve into the past then you might find yourself drawn to the archaeological exhibits at this museum.
• United States Mint – What is the one thing that every one in the country seems to have in common? An interest in money. Learn all about the history of it and the role its played in our society by checking out the place where it’s made and distributed from.

Philadelphia’s Arts and Science Museums

People who are interested in modern times in Philadelphia may gain more information by checking out the exhibits on display at the following museums:

• The Franklin Institute Science Museum – In case you hadn’t guessed, this set of museums is named after one of the most creative inventors of all time: Benjamin Franklin. He played an important role in the history of Philadelphia but the institute itself is a paean to modern science and technology. There are multiple museums in the complex with hands-on and display exhibits. An IMAX theater makes this place even more cutting edge.
• Institute of Contemporary Art – There are many different art museums in Philadelphia. However, those people that are specifically interested in modern art typically tend to favor this museum.
• Philadelphia Insectarium – Have you ever wanted to check out a museum devoted entirely to bugs? Philadelphia has one that you can enjoy. Just be forewarned that you might get the creepy crawlies!
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – This is one of those museums that could fall as easily under the “historic” category as under the “modern” one. Established in the nineteenth century, it showcases art from around the world and emphasizes different periods with both static and changing exhibitions. Whatever you want to call it, it’s a place where Philadelphia’s appreciation for the arts gets recognized.
• Please Touch Museum – As the name suggests, this is a hands-on museum. It’s designed for kids but loved by all ages. Families that are traveling to Philadelphia with young children will find that this modern museum is the most welcoming of all of them.
• Woodmere Art Museum – Unlike the other art museums in Philadelphia, this one is committed solely to the showing of local artists. This makes it a great place to go to get an understanding of what art is like in Philadelphia.

credit: j.reed

Philadelphia’s Landmarks

The museums of Philadelphia will provide you with a wealth of information about the city – whether it’s the past or the present that you want to know more about. However, you should make sure to schedule some time to check out both modern and historic landmarks in the city as well. This will give you a new dimension of experience to add to the education you gain at Philadelphia’s museums.

Tags: Franklin Institute | North America | Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | United States