September 24
Von Steuben Day Gala & Parade
This parade honors the famous German General that trained our patriots in Valley Forge, and celebrates German heritage and culture. The parade travels from Logan Circle to Independence Hall.
For info call: (215) 742-3587.
How 'Bout a Museum?
Philly has a museum for every type of interest...here is a listing of a few of over 100 museums in the area. Included are both larger, educational institutions, as well as smaller, local establishments that specialize in specific (and sometimes strange) subjects.
Atwater Kent Museum
Focuses on Philadelphia's history, with locally themed programs and exhibits. Currently featuring an exhibit of Norman Rockwell's artwork (through October), and an exhibit of Presidential campaign memorabilia (through November).
15 S. 7th Street, (215) 922-3031
Open 10am-5pm daily except Tuesday.
Admission.
Betsy Ross House
This historical house focuses on the history of the U.S. flag.
239 Arch Street, (215) 627-5343
Open 10am-5pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Donation.
Independence Seaport Museum
This museum traces Philadelphia's history as a port city. Features hands-on exhibits and galleries, including the 1892 cruiser "Olympia" and the World War II submarine "Becuna".
211 S. Columbus Blvd. At Penn's Landing, (215) 925-5439
Open 10am-5pm daily (except New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Admission.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Featuring paintings, sculptures and architectural pieces from Europe, Asia and the Americas spanning 2000 years of history. A Van Gogh exhibit will be the major attraction this fall.
26th Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100
Open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday, and until 8:45pm Wednesday.
Admission – But free until 1 pm on Sundays.
The Franklin Institute Science Museum
A hands-on science museum including a giant walk-through heart (very cool!). Also houses a planetarium and IMAX theater. Home of the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial.
20th Street and the Ben Franklin Parkway, (215) 448-1200
Open 9:30am-5:00pm daily.
Admission.
The Academy of Natural Sciences
This museum was founded back in 1812, making it the oldest science research institute in the Western Hemisphere. Features a live butterfly exhibit, a working paleontology lab, and dinosaurs (including a T. Rex and Gigantosaurus).
1900 Ben Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1000
Open 10:30am-4:30pm weekdays, 10am-5:00pm weekends and holidays.
Admission.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia
This museum houses four galleries for exhibits, and features over 400,000 objects preserving the intellectual culture of African Americans.
701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380
Open 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, and Noon-5pm Sunday.
Admission.
Mummer's Museum
A Philly original, that chronicles the local tradition of the annual Mummer's Parade, held on New Year's Day. A celebration, much like Mardi Gras, in which Philadelphia's working class dresses in elaborate feathered and sequined costumes and struts down Market Street. This museum has two floors of Mummer memorabilia, including prize-winning costumes. String band concerts are held from 8pm-10pm on Tuesday nights from May – September.
1100 S. Second Street, (215) 336-3050
Open 9:30am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday, Noon-5pm Sunday.
Admission.
The Mutter Museum
Probably the strangest museum of the bunch, and not for the feint of heart! This museum focuses on medical oddities - including a tumor extracted from President Grover Cleveland's cancerous jawbone, the liver shared by 19th century Siamese twins, and a skeleton of a 7'6" giant next to one of a 3'6" dwarf. Also includes the Chevalier Jackson Collection of Foreign Bodies – objects extracted from those who swallowed them. Yum!
19 S.22nd Street, (215) 563-3737
Open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday, Noon to 4pm Sunday.
Admission.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
