Philadelphia History Museum

Local history museum · Old City

Philadelphia History Museum

Local history museum · Old City

15 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Highlights

The Philadelphia History Museum takes you on a captivating journey through 330 years of the city’s past, featuring intriguing artifacts and a vibrant craft brewing exhibit.

15 S 7th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Get directions

philadelphiahistory.org

@afar

"A Blast from the Past in Philly The recently renovated and reopened Philadelphia History Museum showcases an impressive collection of art, objects, and artifacts spanning 330 years of the city's history. Dating back to 1826, the building itself plays into the journey through the past. The biggest draw for me, however, is the rotating Made in Philadelphia exhibit which looks at the city's contributions in craftsmanship and manufacturing throughout history (particular nod to the 'Craft Brewing' feature which focuses on brewing from the days of William Pen right up through the revival of microbreweries in the 20th century). And if you're keen on vintage Philly, I highly recommend the much-lauded Facebook page Old Images of Philadelphia. It isn't associated with the museum but offers a heartwarming virtual walk through the city's storied past."

The Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

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Marie Jakosalem

Google

For tourist like us there's a $10 fee, student discount available. It's small 2 floors but house different and interesting artifacts and is a great source of all things Philly.

X5kullKrush3R Gamer

Google

I had a great time. I enjoyed seeing the history of Philadelphia it was really cool.

Mike Klubok

Google

The day after Thanksgiving was "Pay What You Wish" This was my 3rd time here. The 1st was before they renovated it about 20 years ago and it had quite a few informative exhibits. I looked forward to them reopening after they closed for renovations and was disappointed. It seemed a lot smaller and a lot of the old exhibits were gone. The other day I went again and nothing much changed from a few years back after the renovation. I will add that the large street map of Philadelphia was a nice part of the museum. It was worth the $1 "Pay what you wish" but not the normal $10.

Timothy Yeung

Google

The only nice thing was the staff was courteous. The large room on the first floor is a complete waste of space- it has a big map of Philadelphia on the floor and undescribed pictures on the wall. The first room on the right was nice in that it gave a decent timeline. Upstairs, they have random artifacts all over but they had minimal descriptions. They state that they have 100 artifacts on display out of their 1000. They could have used the entire first floor map room for the other 900. The big room upstairs is full of portraits of people, but this wasn't supposed to be an art museum. I was excited to see what kind of Philadelphia history I could learn, and instead I was sorely disappointed with a map and an art gallery. Definitely not worth the amount I paid.

Teresa Noel

Google

Very nice place. There were no tours but it was pretty much self explanatory. It is not a huge museum but is packed full of interesting things. Philly the famous military mascot dog is on display there. My husband enjoyed the map room. He is originally from Philly and on the map I have pictures of him standing on the spot that would of been his home when he was a boy.

Andrew Main

Google

As relatively new Philadelphian, I really enjoyed this museum. It's organized well and the staff is extremely friendly and helpful. The two floors offer a lot of early history, artwork and artifacts. My favorite parts were huge map of Philly and George Washington's desk. You can do the whole thing in about an hour and it costs about $10 / adult. It closes at 4:30 or 5 on Saturdays. I'd suggest doing it before dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants around Center City / Old City.

Siani Fairy

Google

Went to visit as part of the Art-Reach Program, which allows a reduced admission with your Access card and photo ID. The front desk staff looked blank when I explained this and had to do some searching to look it up. The Art Reach Program has advertising in mailings, Facebook, and entire sides of buses and trolleys, so it was odd that the front desk didn't already know. History artifacts from many eras and multifaceted presentation was great. Highlighted Women's, Native, and African American history as all part of US history- more than most museums, but lots more to be said. We saw most of the museum in about an hour.

Gary Coldren

Google

Very nice museum giving excellent history of Philadelphia. One of our best stops as first-time visitors to the city. Lisa, the young lady at the front desk was very helpful. Don't miss the video.

@afar

The Best Things to Do in Philadelphia

test

Marie Jakosalem

Google

For tourist like us there's a $10 fee, student discount available. It's small 2 floors but house different and interesting artifacts and is a great source of all things Philly.

X5kullKrush3R Gamer

Google

I had a great time. I enjoyed seeing the history of Philadelphia it was really cool.

Mike Klubok

Google

Timothy Yeung

Google

Teresa Noel

Google

Andrew Main

Google

Siani Fairy

Google

Gary Coldren

Google

Very nice museum giving excellent history of Philadelphia. One of our best stops as first-time visitors to the city. Lisa, the young lady at the front desk was very helpful. Don't miss the video.