The Philadelphia Museum of Art: come for the tourists imitating Sylvester Stallone, stay for the world-class art collection. The Philadelphia Museum of Art has been immortalized by Rocky--you can even pose with a nearby Rocky statue--but the museum earns its reputation as an world-class cultural destination. Home to over 25,000 pieces of art spanning time and form, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of America's largest art museums.
How to get to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Museum, perched on a hill overlooking Center City Philadelphia, can be accessed via I-676 which cuts across Philadelphia. If you're coming from downtown, you can catch various tour buses or the PHLASH trolley up to the museum. By foot, Benjamin Franklin Parkway provides a direct walk from City Hall to the museum--you can't miss it.
Best and worst time to go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Best and worst depends on your intention: if you're looking to save some money, attend Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. to close, or the first Sunday of every month, when admission is pay-what-you-will. Of course, this makes the place a bit crowded, if accessible. If you're looking for a more peaceful experience, you should consider the first and last few hours of operating hours, particularly on weekdays.
Admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Adults are $20, seniors 65 and older are $18 and students and youth (13-18) are $14. Children 12 and under are free. The museum also offers memberships. As stated above, if you're on a budget, take advantage of the pay-what-you-wish options offered at different times of the month. Note that admission to the main museum also gets you same-day admission to the nearby Rodin Museum and the Perelman Building, home to additional exhibits.
Must see/do at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The ceremonial Japanese teahouse is a fan favorite. Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase is arguably the most recognizable piece on display, though the museum also hosts a commendable collection of pieces by Degas, Monet and others. The medieval armor collection is also an impressive surprise.
Other places to visit near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is on one end of the city's dense collection of museums and educational institutes. For the dinosaur or butterfly lover in your life, head to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. For interactive and educational science-related experiences, check out the Franklin Institute.
Insider tips for visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Check out the Art After 5 offerings every Friday night, where you can enjoy a cocktail, hors d'ouevres and live entertainment while you pursue the galleries.
About the author: Jeff Birou is an education administrator by day, travel and freelance writer by night. Check him out on Twitter at @lanceandjeff or his blog Lance+Jeff.
The American Philosophical Society is the first "learned society" in the United States and has been in existence for over 250 years. It is located on the historic Independence Mall . It was founded by Ben Franklin in 1743 and has an international reputation for all the scholarly work it has done and continues to do. Lewis and Clark studied at the American Philosophical Society for their famous expedition. As the society focuses on Science and the Humanities, visitors with a curious desire to learn more about the history of scientific inquiry and philosophical explanation would have a wonderful time exploring the rooms and shelves.
Best and worst times to go to the American Philosophical Society
If you want to spend quiet, leisure time at the American Philosophical Society, the worst time to go is July 4th weekend. Philadelphia, being the nation's cradle of liberty, hosts a week-long celebration for the fourth of July. Given the society is located along Independence Mall, there will be thousands of tourists milling about and many themed events to attend.
The best time to go to the American Philosophical Society is in October or May. Philadelphia's weather is beautiful in those months and the society will be busy hosting scholarly lectures for the public. There will also be a variety exhibits to choose from.
Must see/do at the American Philosophical Society
Guided tours are quite spectacular. The visitor must make a reservation two weeks in advance, so they need to call (215) 701-4423. Visitors are invited to check out all collections online so they can help plan their guided tour.
To feel the rich history of the United States, visitors must see the Lewis and Clark collection of items like the preserved herbs that were brought back to the American Philosophical Society after the completion of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
When visitors are preparing to leave, they must grab a free copy of Thomas Jefferson's walking tour of Philadelphia. Jefferson's path is a wonderful way to see even more of Philadelphia's rich history while getting some exercise.
Admission to the American Philosophical Society
Admission to the American Philosophical Society is free. They do ask for a $2 donation. Specially arranged guided tours cost $2 for students and $5 for adults. The museum is open Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and from Memorial Day through Labor Day hours are extended until 5 p.m.
Parking /public transit for the American Philosophical Society
The American Philosophical Society is located in Philadelphia's historic district at 104 South 5th Street. Visitors can pay for metered street parking or park at the Bourse Garage which is located on 4th Street between Market and Chestnut. The Market-Frankford Blue Line subway is the most convenient form of public transit. It stops at 5th and Markets streets and is a one block walk to the American Philosophical Society.
Food at the American Philosophical Society
The American Philosophical Society does not offer any food options. But directly across from the museum is Chestnut Street, the amazing variety of cafes and restaurants range from coffee bars to takeout salads to Lebanese to American fare and the prices range from really affordable to fine-dining like the famous restaurant Buddakan.
Insider tip to visitors to the American Philosophical Society
Many people don't realize the American Philosophical Society is also campus of four buildings and one garden. The American Philosophical Society Library is a hidden gem with public space and guided tours. To find out all about the enormous collection and to request a tour, go to their website.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist for 20 years.
The Independence Seaport Museum is located along the Delaware River on Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. It is the main repository for many historic artifacts, art and archival items from the Delaware Valley. It is the perfect place for families and individual travelers who enjoy maritime history, boat making or taking a sail on the Delaware River. It is best known for Admiral Dewey's famed flagship, Olympia and the World War II submarine, Becuna.
Best and worst times to go to the Independence Seaport Museum
The best time to visit the museum is the last week of June. Each year the museum hosts the Tall Ships event which is considered one of the most exciting interactive sailing events in the United States.
The worst time to visit the museum is during the week of the Christmas holiday as the museum is closed on Christmas day and New Year's Day.
Must see/do at the Independence Seaport Museum
Visitors to the museum with a passion for boats must attend a class in the museum's wooden boat-making shop, which is open year-round.
Another must do is taking a tour of the vessels docked in the river the Olympia and the Becuna. These are part of the museum's permanent collection.
For families, Seafarin Saturday offers tons of fun and free admission. There are interactive nautical activities plus other hands-on fun like making pirate rattles or sailor valentines.
Admission to the Independence Seaport Museum
There are a variety of prices for tours, events and exhibitions. General admission for adults, kids and seniors is under $20 and includes a boat-making tour, general admission to the museum plus ship and submarine tours.
Parking and public transportation to the Independence Seaport Museum
Parking is available in the large lot adjacent to the museum. Additional discount parking is available at the Quality Parking lot on Front Street just a couple of blocks away. There is also an abundant amount of metered street parking as well.
The PLASH shuttle is available all year round and operates via 22 stops. There is more information about their year-round seasonal schedules on their website.
Food at the Independence Seaport Museum
Visitors can bring their own food and eat on the fourth floor of the museum. In addition, there are many restaurants and pubs within walking distance of the museum. If visiting in the summer months, there are food vendors directly outside the museum along Penn's Landing offering a variety of items like hot dogs or funnel cake.
Insider tip for visitor to the Independence Seaport Museum
The museum is the only place where the adventurer can rent a kayak on the Delaware River between May through September.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.
Woodmere Art Museum opened in 1940 and represents artists from the Philadelphia region. The museum has since then grown to include multiple exhibitions, classes and workshops and features an expanding permanent collection. Best of all, admission is free.
Located in Philadelphia, Wyck Historic House and Garden is an 18th century home with grounds that include a nationally recognized garden with more than 30 varieties of roses. The Wyck House offers guided and self-guided tours, programs and events, summer camps and more. For registration, volunteer and donation information, be sure to call the telephone number provided or visit the Wyck Historic House and Garden website.