The Mütter Museum is Philadelphia's strangest--and possibly grossest, depending on your perspective--tourist attraction. Originally started as a collection of medical oddities for research and the education of students at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the museum draws flocks of people looking to be informed and disturbed. The Mütter's collection includes a wall of over 100 human skulls and an eight-foot-long colon.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Mütter Museum
The Mütter Museum is one of the most easily accessible attractions using Philadelphia's public transportation: nearly every trolley line stops at Market and 22nd, just a block north of the museum. Amtrak also services the nearby 30th Street Station.
The Mütter Museum does not have its own parking lot, though there is paid street parking available around the museum, as well as several parking garages within walking distance, including one around the block from the museum on 21st Street.
Admission to the Mütter Museum
It's $16 for adults to access the museum, and $11 for children ages 6-17. Children 5 and under get in for free, but parents of young children might want to visit or do some research first to determine if their child is ready for this level of creepiness. Seniors, students, and those in the military receive discounted admission with valid ID.
Must See/Do at the Mütter Museum
The Mütter Museum has rotating exhibits, like The Aesthetics of Medical Science. Of course, you can't go to the Mütter without visiting The Soap Lady or the the cast of conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker. Other fan favorites include the cast of the woman with a growth in the shape of a giant horn coming out of her forehead, and the slices of Albert Einstein's brain.
Other Places to Visit Near the Mütter Museum
Museum lovers must check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute. Shopping enthusiasts and foodies will find a lot to love in the nearby Rittenhouse neighborhood.
Insider tip for visitors to the Mütter Museum
While the museum's presentation evokes creepiness, its mission really is educational, so take some extra time to read the descriptions around each specimen. Also, don't miss the Benjamin Rush Medical Plant Garden, in the museum's courtyard.
Author's bio: Jeff Birou is an education administrator by day, travel and freelance writer by night. You can find him at his blog, Lance+Jeff, or on Twitter at @Jetsetter_Jeff.
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.
