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Article last updated on July 8, 2019

The 36 Most Popular Attractions in Philadelphia

A guide to the most visited sites in the area...

Barnes Foundation Photo by Visit Philadelphia
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With 46 million visitors in 2019, Philadelphia’s top attractions get a lot of well-warranted attention — and it’s not hard to see why.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors chow down on delicious food at Reading Terminal Market, snap selfies with the Liberty Bell, explore the halls of the Philadelphia Museum of Art or head to outside-the-city hot spots like Peddler’s Village and Longwood Gardens.

Below is a guide to the most popular spots in Philadelphia and the Countryside to put on — and check off — those must-see lists. Data is based on 2018 attendance numbers provided to the Philadelphia Business Journal and from the National Park Service as well as attendance info self-reported by some attractions.

Read on for our guide to the most visited attractions in Philadelphia and the surrounding region.

01

Reading Terminal Market

One of the oldest and largest public markets in America...

The interior of a busy Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia The interior of a busy Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

The most visited attraction in Philadelphia? Reading Terminal Market, the city’s famous indoor food paradise that’s a one-stop shop for local produce, delicious sandwiches, fresh-baked pastries and artisanal cheeses available from dozens of vendors. More than 7.7 million people visited the market in 2018, and for good reason — it’s amazing. Pro tip: Check out our guide on 10 great things to eat at the market before you go.

Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street

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02

Rivers Casino

Fun and games and stays on the Delaware River...

Rivers Casino in Fishtown, Philadelphia Rivers Casino in Fishtown, Philadelphia
— Photo courtesy Rivers Casino

This popular casino on the Delaware River waterfront has 1,891 slots, over 100 table games, a 28-table poker room, seven restaurants and bars, a multipurpose event space and a seven-story parking garage. The attraction stands out as one of Philadelphia’s premier entertainment destinations, attracting 4 million visitors in 2018.

Where: SugarHouse Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue

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03

Independence Visitor Center

All-in-one center for info, tips from experts, souvenirs and more...

Exterior of Independence Visitor Center Exterior of Independence Visitor Center
— Photo by J. Fusco for Independence Visitor Center Corporation

The Independence Visitor Center supplies visitors to Philadelphia with useful information about where to go, what to see and how to get there. The popular starting point for many visitors (and the place to secure tickets to visit Independence Hall) welcomed more than 2.5 million people in 2018.

Where: Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street

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04

The Liberty Bell Center

Dramatic home of the internationally known symbol of freedom...

People admiring the Liberty Bell in The Libery Bell Center in Philadelphia People admiring the Liberty Bell in The Libery Bell Center in Philadelphia
— Photo by A. Ricketts for Visit Philadelphia

Many of the visitors to Independence National Historical Park line up to see the Liberty Bell, one of the park’s — and the country’s — most iconic attractions. In 2018, the famously fractured bronze bell drew over to 2.1 million visitors.

Where: The Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street

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05

Peddler's Village

Charming countryside village just one hour from Philadelphia...

Peddler's Village Strawberry Festival Peddler's Village Strawberry Festival
— Photo by M. Edlow

Peddler’s Village offers small-town colonial charm just one hour from Center City Philadelphia. With festivals for every season, 60-plus stores for shopping and the just-for-kids Giggleberry Fair area, it’s no wonder the Bucks County attraction welcomed 2 million visitors in 2018.

Where: Peddler's Village, 2400 Street Road, New Hope

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06

Valley Forge National Historical Park

An essential American Revolution site and a haven for outdoor fun...

Runner and walkers in Valley Forge National Historical Park Runner and walkers in Valley Forge National Historical Park
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

No battles were fought in Valley Forge, but the time the Continental Army spent here went down as one of their most trying periods. Exhibits, artifacts, replicated huts and the original headquarters tell the story of the pivotal winter that George Washington and his troops endured at the site. The 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park — a magnet for runners, bicyclists and picnickers as well as history buffs — attracted more than 2 million visitors in 2018.

Where: Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive

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07

Longwood Gardens

One of the world’s premier horticultural display gardens...

Longwood Gardens Longwood Gardens
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Longwood Gardens attracts visitors — more than 1.4 million in 2018 — from around the globe to its 1,100 acres in Kennett Square that are filled with stunning gardens, woodlands, meadows and fountains. The horticultural haven also hosts hundreds of events each year, including fountain shows, gardening demonstrations, educational programs, activities for kids, concerts and musical theater.

Where: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square

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08

Philadelphia Zoo

Animals and plants thrive at America’s first zoo...

— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

At the Philadelphia Zoo, visitors discover Zoo360, the world’s first system of see-through mesh trails that cross over pathways, connect habitats and encourage animals to travel and explore throughout the campus. Other wild highlights of America’s first zoo: Key Bank Big Cat Falls, PECO Primate Reserve and KidZooU, a wildlife academy of dynamic displays, rare breeds and hands-on experiences. In 2018, the attraction drew more than 1 million visitors.

Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue

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09

Franklin Square

Carousel rides, mini-golf, burgers and more...

Franklin Square Franklin Square
— Photo by J. Fusco for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

One of the original five squares in William Penn’s plan for the city, Franklin Square, which drew more than 815,000 visitors in 2018, is now a modern and fun family park, with a Philly-themed miniature golf course, a dazzling fountain, playgrounds and an old-fashioned carousel featuring famous Philly horses. When hunger strikes, SquareBurger (open seasonally) delivers with awesome burgers, fries and shakes — including the Cake Shake, made with Philadelphia’s own Tastykakes.

Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street

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10

The Franklin Institute

One of the oldest and most beloved science museums in the country...

Visitors at The Franklin Institute Visitors at The Franklin Institute
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The Franklin Institute, one of the leading science centers in the country, showcases the science involved in every aspect of life. In addition to the 11 hands-on permanent exhibits like the highly interactive Your Brain, the newly reimagined SportsZone and the Giant Heart, a rotating roster of special exhibitions add to the museum’s appeal. Attracting more than 760,000 visitors in 2018, the educational space is also home to the Fels Planetarium, the Tuttleman IMAX Theater and the Joel N. Bloom Observatory.

Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th Street

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11

Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the largest art museums in the country and a must-see attraction...

Great Stair Hall at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Great Stair Hall at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Museum of Art  and its the “Rocky Steps” may have been immortalized in the classic Rocky film franchise, but the cultural institution is even more impressive inside. The astounding collection here comprises art from across the globe and through the ages — including Renaissance, American, Asian, impressionist and contemporary masterpieces —to make the museum one of the most important art destinations in the country. In 2018, more than 730,000 visitors came to take in the museum’s seemingly endless body of work.

Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

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12

Elmwood Park Zoo

A community zoo dedicated to habitat conservation...

Elmwood Park Zoo guest feeding a giraffe Elmwood Park Zoo guest feeding a giraffe
— Photo courtesy Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

Attracting 650,000 people in 2018, the Elmwood Park Zoo features animals from around the globe, including bison, red pandas, jaguars, giraffes and zebras. Visitors buy tickets to hand feed some awesome animals like giraffes and bison. Treetop Adventures, a park inside the zoo that includes more than 50 challenging games and zip lines high in the trees, also offers thrills.

Where: Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Boulevard, Norristown

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13

Independence Hall

Birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution...

People admiring Independence Hall People admiring Independence Hall
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Another popular spot in Independence National Historical Park is Independence Hall, birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. A national treasure, the building is one of only 24 World Heritage sites in the nation. More than 560,000 people visited in 2018.

Where: Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

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14

Please Touch Museum

Where kids ages 1-7 are boss...

Families playing at the Please Touch Museum Families playing at the Please Touch Museum
— Photo courtesy J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Recognized as one of the nation’s top children’s museums, the Please Touch Museum offers children and families play-based learning experiences across more than 60,000 square feet of interactive exhibits in Fairmount Park’s National Historic Landmark Memorial Hall. Special temporary exhibitions, hands-on daily programming, original theatrical performances, art-making creative spaces and more are all included with general admission, helping to bring over 535,000 visitors to the museum in 2018.

Where: Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

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15

Eastern State Penitentiary

The radical nineteenth-century prison designed to create social change...

Exterior of Eastern State Penitentiary Exterior of Eastern State Penitentiary
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

This former prison introduced Americans to a new form of housing inmates: solitary confinement. Al Capone and Willie Sutton were among the 75,000 inmates who spent time at Eastern State Penitentiary, which drew more than 415,000 people in 2018 to explore its gorgeous Gothic architecture. Self-guided tours and a Halloween haunted house, along with exhibitions and special events, make the massive prison a favorite among those who dare to enter.

Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue

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16

The West Wing of Independence Hall

Home to original printed copies of the Constitution and more...

West Wing of Independence Hall exhibit of 18th century documents West Wing of Independence Hall exhibit of 18th century documents
— Photo courtesy National Park Service

Adjacent to Independence Hall, the Great Essentials exhibit in the West Wing showcases original printed copies of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. Also on display is the silver Syng inkstand, believed to be the actual inkstand used to sign the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. More than 415,000 visitors strolled through the building in 2018.

Where: West Wing of Independence Hall, Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th streets

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17

Museum of the American Revolution

An expansive collection of art and artifacts from the nation’s Revolutionary Period...

Guests exploring the Museum of the American Revolution Guests exploring the Museum of the American Revolution
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The Museum of the American Revolution has quickly become one of the most popular museums in the city, attracting more than 310,000 visitors in 2018, its first full year following its opening in April 2017. This museum tells of the dramatic founding of the United States through historic artifacts, immersive galleries, theaters and re-created historic environments. Although several hundred Revolutionary-era artifacts are on display, one of the most significant is George Washington’s Headquarters Tent, which served as Washington’s office and sleeping quarters throughout the war.

Where: Museum of the American Revolution, 101 S. 3rd Street

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18

Congress Hall

Home of the U.S. Congress from 1790-1800...

Exterior of Congress Hall Exterior of Congress Hall
— Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia

This historic building housed U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, during the time when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States. Originally built as the Philadelphia County Courthouse, Congress Hall welcomed more than 270,000 visitors in 2018.

Where: Congress Hall, 6th and Chestnut streets

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19

National Constitution Center

The world’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution...

Signers Hall at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia Signers Hall at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia
— Photo courtesy the National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center suggests its visitors begin their exploration with Freedom Rising, a 17-minute, live theatrical production about the American quest for freedom. Next up: the interactive main exhibit The Story of We the People and Signers’ Hall, featuring 42 life-size statues of the delegates present for the signing of the Constitution. And don’t miss the attraction’s new-for-2019 permanent exhibit, Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality, the first in the country to explore the amendments to the U.S. Constitution that ended slavery and promised equality to all Americans in the years after the Civil War. The only museum dedicated to America’s most important document brought in 260,000 visitors in 2018.

Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street

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20

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Dinosaurs, butterflies and more inhabit America’s oldest natural history museum...

Dinosaur Hall at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University Dinosaur Hall at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
— Photo courtesy The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

At more than 200 years old, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is America’s oldest natural history museum. Those of all ages — and there were more than 255,000 of them who visited in 2018 — can get face-to-face with towering dinosaurs, wander through a tropical garden filled with live butterflies, meet live animals and see three continents of wildlife in their natural habitats.

Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

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21

Barnes Foundation

One of the world’s foremost collections of French impressionist and post-impressionist paintings...

Visitors at the Barnes Foundation Visitors at the Barnes Foundation
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Located on Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Barnes Foundation houses one of the finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings in the world, with a jaw-dropping 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes, 59 Matisses and 46 Picassos, along with works by Van Gogh, Seurat, Modigliani and more. The captivating collection also includes American paintings and decorative arts, metalwork, African sculpture and Native American textiles, jewelry and ceramics — all presented in Albert C. Barnes’ distinctive arrangements. The impressive collection brought more than 240,000 visitors to the museum in 2018.

Where: Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

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22

Penn Museum

Transforming understanding of the human experience...

Middle East Galleries exhibit Middle East Galleries exhibit
— Photo by Eric Sucar/Penn Communications

The Penn Museum, one of the world’s finest archaeological and anthropological museums, attracted more than 195,000 visitors in 2018 with its collection of a million objects from across the globe. The renovated Middle East Galleries feature 1,200 fascinating objects, including one of the world’s oldest wine jars and the 4,500-year-old crowning jewelry of a Mesopotamian queen. The museum, currently undergoing a major building transformation, reopens its refreshed Mexico & Central America and Africa galleries in November 2019.

Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South Street

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23

Once Upon a Nation / Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

History that speaks to you...

— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

In locations throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District, modern-day visitors get the chance to experience colonial times through immersive living-history experiences that include period dinners, pub crawls and re-enactments. Storytellers also recount lively tales at the 13 Once Upon A Nation benches sprinkled throughout the district. The area’s rich historical attractions drew more than 195,000 visitors last year.

Where: Various locations including Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

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24

Mütter Museum

Medical wonders in an architectural gem...

Mutter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia Mutter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The Mütter Museum is a riveting storehouse for the anatomically strange. The museum’s display of more than 25,000 provocative items is designed to give a beneath-the-surface perspective of what physicians study. Inside, guests find a wide smattering of abnormal body parts preserved in fluid, skeletal formations, including that of a 7-foot-6-inch man, diseased and enlarged organs and more fascinating specimens. No wonder more than 175,000 people came to explore the museum in 2018.

Where: Mütter Museum, 19 S. 22nd Street

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25

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Artist Isaiah Zagar’s masterpiece on South Street...

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens on South Street Philadelphia's Magic Gardens on South Street
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Mosaics bloom at this fantasy-like art showplace, presenting and preserving the work of artist Isaiah Zagar. Visitors — 160,000 in all in 2018 — can take a tour or attend a mosaic workshop led by the artist himself, a player in the South Street community since the 1960s.

Where: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street

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26

Morris Arboretum & Gardens

A romantic Victorian landscape garden...

Visitors walking through the garden at Morris Arboretum Visitors walking through the garden at Morris Arboretum
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

The 92-acre Morris Arboretum & Gardens in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood offers an ever-changing landscape that enticed more than 140,000 people to visit its colorful gardens, champion trees and beautiful fountains in 2018. Highlights include the award-winning exhibit Out on a Limb — which takes visitors 50 feet up into treetops on a canopy walk that requires no climbing — and the outdoor Garden Railway, featuring a miniature world with model trains on a quarter-mile track.

Where: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue

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27

Old City Hall

Old City Hall exterior Old City Hall exterior
— Photo courtesy NPS

Built to be Philadelphia’s City Hall, Old City Hall was used by the U.S. Supreme Court from 1791 until 1800 while Philadelphia was the nation’s temporary capital. More than 125,000 visitors saw the restored courtroom, where the Supreme Court made some of its first decisions, in 2018.

Where: Old City Hall, 5th and Chestnut streets

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28

Carpenters' Hall

Meeting place of the First Continental Congress...

People outside Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia People outside Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

At Carpenters’ Hall, the First Continental Congress voted to support a trade embargo against England, one of the first unified acts of defiance against the King. In 2018, more than 115,000 people visited the building where feisty American colonists fanned the flames of independence.

Where: Carpenters' Hall, 320 Chestnut Street

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29

Independence Seaport Museum

An interactive museum exploring Philadelphia’s maritime heritage...

Independence Seaport Museum Independence Seaport Museum
— Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

Independence Seaport Museum focuses on the importance of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers to Philadelphia. Along with displays that chronicle the city’s contributions to naval and commercial maritime history and several interactive activities, the attraction — which drew 110,000 visitors in 2018 — offers folks the rare opportunity to board and explore two National Historic Landmark ships: 1890s Cruiser Olympia and the World War II Submarine Becuna.

Where: Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard

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30

Christ Church

Where colonial America made its break with the Church of England...

Interior of Christ Church in Philadelphia Interior of Christ Church in Philadelphia
— Photo by P. Meyer for Visit Philadelphia

Christ Church — once the tallest building in North America — is where colonial America made its historic break with the Church of England. Just a few blocks away at 5th and Arch streets is the church’s burial grounds, where visitors can view the graves of Benjamin Franklin and his wife as well as those of several signers of the Declaration of Independence and other early American leaders. In 2018, Christ Church drew more than 105,000 visitors.

Where: Christ Church, 20 N. American Street

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Christ Church Burial Ground, 340 N. 5th Street

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31

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Preserving and interpreting the American Jewish experience...

National Museum of American Jewish History National Museum of American Jewish History
— Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History delves into the stories and contributions of Jewish people in the U.S., from early settlers to history-makers such as Albert Einstein, industry giants such as Esteé Lauder and artists and entertainers, including Barbra Streisand and Steven Spielberg. The venue — which welcomed 100,000 visitors in 2018 — aims to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the freedoms to which Americans aspire, with four floors of artifacts, memorabilia and interactive media that tell its narrative in chronological order.

Where: Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East

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32

Battleship New Jersey

Admiral “Bull” Halsey’s flagship and the nation’s most decorated battleship...

— Photo courtesy Battleship New Jersey

While exploring the Battleship New Jersey museum and memorial, visitors can enjoy interactive exhibitions that display artifacts from the ship’s past. A walk down Broadway, the longest and most impressive passageway on the battleship, is part of the Turret II guided tour. In 2018, 80,000 visitors went to explore America’s most decorated battleship, which also hosts special events and overnights.

Where: Battleship New Jersey, 100 Clinton Street, Camden, NJ

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33

Second Bank of the United States

A who’s who of Revolutionary War-era portraiture...

Second Bank of the United States Second Bank of the United States
— Photo by M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Nearly 75,000 visitors stepped inside the beautifully columned Second Bank of the United States in 2018, which today paints a picture of America’s roots with walls lined with more than 150 portraits of the nation’s earliest movers and shakers. (Just steps away, the First Bank of the United States — although closed to the public — also has a photo-worthy exterior.)

Where: Second Bank of the United States, 420 Chestnut Street

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34

The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Celebrating and interpreting African-American history and culture...

African American Museum in Philadelphia African American Museum in Philadelphia
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is the first institution built by a major U.S. city to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage and culture of African-Americans. In 2018, more than 65,000 people visited the museum, which takes a fresh and bold look at the stories of African-Americans and their role in the founding of the nation through the core exhibit Audacious Freedom. Special exhibitions and programs explore the history, art, stories and cultures of those of African descent throughout the African diaspora.

Where: The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street

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35

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

An early American “Iron Plantation” — a forerunner of today’s iron and steel industries...

Set inside the 848-acre French Creek State Park, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site offers visitors a glimpse of daily life at a colonial-era village dedicated to producing iron. The historic site received more than 45,000 visitors in 2018.

Where: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson

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36

National Liberty Museum

Honoring real-life heroes and our heritage of freedom...

— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Geared towards young adults, the National Liberty Museum aims to teach about the diversity of Americans and respect for all people through interactive exhibits, stories of heroes and works of art — and is especially known for its art glass collection. About 40,000 people walked through the museum’s doors off Chestnut Street, a short walk from Independence Mall.

Where: National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut Street

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Reading Terminal Market
Rivers Casino
Independence Visitor Center
The Liberty Bell Center
Peddler's Village
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Longwood Gardens
Philadelphia Zoo
Franklin Square
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Elmwood Park Zoo
Independence Hall
Please Touch Museum
Eastern State Penitentiary
The West Wing of Independence Hall
Museum of the American Revolution
Congress Hall
National Constitution Center
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Barnes Foundation
Penn Museum
Once Upon a Nation / Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
Mütter Museum
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Old City Hall
Carpenters' Hall
Independence Seaport Museum
Christ Church
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Battleship New Jersey
Second Bank of the United States
The African American Museum in Philadelphia
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
National Liberty Museum
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