American cities are always bursting with colour and fascinating history – but none of them competes with the footprints of history that have been silently marked onto the pavements of Philadelphia. Birthplace of the Constitution and the American flag (plus the Rocky films) this is where the United States of America truly began and is a city that any self-proclaimed history buff needs to visit. In order to soak up the most knowledge from your trip to this historic city, we recommend these 10 museums.
Benjamin Franklin Museum
Benjamin Franklin is famous for being a founding father of the United States but many people don’t know that he lived in Philadelphia for most of life and fulfilled many different roles from printer to scientist. Inside his name-sake museum, visitors will discover personal artefacts, computer animations and hands-on displays exploring Franklin’s life as a private citizen and statesman. In the courtyard outside the museum stands the iconic ghost house that traces the outlines of Franklin’s now demolished house and print shop.
The Liberty Bell Center
The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of Philadelphia and American Freedom, and this centre explores the myths and legends that surround it. Exhibitions show the bell being used as a symbol for many liberation campaigns – from suffragettes to abolitionists – and organisations using it as part of their branding and advertising.
Carpenter’s Hall
Before America became its own independent nation, and before Washington DC was built, there was the First Continental Congress. It was here that independence was debated for the first time and a vote to support a trade embargo to England was passed unanimously – helping Carpenter’s Hall cement itself in the American history textbooks.
Museum of the American Revolution
In 2017, Philadelphia’s Historic District became home to this all-encompassing museum exploring every facet of the American Revolution. Inside this 118,000 square feet building, history buffs will find art, manuscripts and printed works from America’s Revolutionary Period, as well as artefacts from the Revolutionary War such as American and British weapons.
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Founded in 1812, this is the oldest continually operating natural history museum in the western hemisphere, and helped fund some of the biggest fossil digs in North America and worldwide. Between the four floors, visitors will a find fully constructed Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and large game animals from the 1920s and 1930s showcased in a 3-D painted dioramas that replicate their natural habitats.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
If it’s art you’re after, the third largest art museum in the USA is a must-visit. Renaissance, American, Impressionist and Modern art are all present throughout, plus in the upper level there are 80 rooms dedicated to period art, and there’s a whole other room dedicated to Philadelphia’s own Thomas Eakins.
The Betsy Ross House
The American Flag is one of the most recognisable and iconic flags in the world – but do you know how it originated? The stars and stripes was sewn together by Betsy Ross in her Philadelphia home that you can visit. On a self-guided tour, you can wander through the bedroom, basement and living area and spot Ross family memorabilia.
National Liberty Museum
Feel inspired by the stories of real-life heroes at this emotional museum. Jackie Robinson, Nelson Mandela, Jim Henson and 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai are all featured in this interactive museum. There is also a three-floor exhibit that plays tribute to the heroes of 9/11.
City Hall and City Hall Tower
Aside from being historical significant, City Hall and its adjacent tower is also architecturally beautiful. The largest municipal building in the United States, the exterior is adorned with sculptures representing the seasons and continents, as well as allegorical figures, heads and masks. And obviously you can’t miss the statue of William Penn looking over the city from the top of the tower.
Independence National Historical Park
Not technically a museum, but still an important part of Philadelphia – and USA – history. This is the location of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall, the New Hall Military Museum, Franklin Court, the Bishop White House and the Graff House – and many events took place here that moved America towards the country it is today.
