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    Benjamin Franklin Museum

    4.1 (97 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Courtyard
    Suzanne A.

    It was a lot of fun exploring this museum all about Ben! The museum admission fee is only $5. It has some free days through the year. The museum is located on the bottom floor and has both stairs and elevators. It is on the smaller side but has lots of interactive activities. 2-3 hours is enough time to see everything. The gift shop is right off the entrance. It had some cute items. You can also get a free stamp for your National Park passport book or just stamp a piece of paper for a souvenir. The courtyard is a nice place to sit. The printing press is also located on the courtyard. They have demonstrations. I learned some new things about Ben Franklin and his inventions.

    Ryan C.

    Since I wanted to find way to waste time, I decided to spend $5.00 (as it is as of 01/26/25) for the price of admission to see this wonderful museum. Interesting artifacts and history to read about in this museum. Even better to do it as a pre-game before watching the Eagles game come on. Go Birds!

    Hunter S.

    Neat little stop. Admission five dollars, which is appropriate. This is one floor and an outdoor exhibit dedicated to Benjamin Franklin. Very basic info about his inventions. A few neat videos that tell you about his daily life (what he ate, how he felt about his disabling gout). A few original artifacts. Nothing fancy, and maybe geared more toward kids or school groups, but for five dollars, it's worth a look-see. Then outside, you see the "frame" of his house. This is free. Professionals couldn't collect enough remains to know what the house looked like, so they couldn't actually reconstruct it. The sculptures in place are just to mark the original spot. There is also a Ben Franklin post office where you're supposed to be able to get a stamped, but I didn't use that service. It's so easy to do a ton of these fast low cost/free activities in Philly, so why not this too?

    Cassandra Y.

    Small museum in the Center City in Philadelphia. Informative for sure. I like the Storytime corner outside the museum. Always hear new & interesting fun fact. There are many other tourist attractions nearby the museum. Definitely can spend all day in that neighborhood.

    Spring flowers
    Young K.

    Came to visit Ben Franklin museum. The entrance fee is $5, which is not too bad. The outside garden area was cute. Inside was with interesting things, but mostly loved all the little tidbits of Ben Franklin's wits and accomplishments.

    Stephanie G.

    This museum is only $5, but it is very small and I just didn't think there was too much to look at. If you've visited other places and you're in the area, you can get it done in a half hour or less. When I went for President's Day Weekend and they had an all ages trivia contest, but they didn't check the answers and the some of the questions were poorly worded. The rest of the museum is on the same floor and while there is some stuff to look at, it really wasn't too much. Maybe it's more fun for kids, but as an adult, I thought it was only okay.

    Franklin had his first son out of wedlock at 22 and it is unknown who the mother was.
    Courtney K.

    Bottom Line: A subterranean museum with artifacts and interactive exhibits that are engaging for visitors of all ages and capture the personality of Benjamin Franklin. Before visiting this museum here is how I would have described Benjamin Franklin: - A Founding Father - A printer - A ladies man - An inventor - Likes to fly kites in inclimate weather The Benjamin Franklin Museum, located in Franklin Court alongside the foundation of his home and print shop, is a great place to learn about one of the most critical men in the establishment of this country. As is to be expected, the museum provides many explicit facts about Benjamin Franklin but what I liked best about it is that the exhibits give visitors good insight into Franklin's personality and humor. The museum contains various artifacts from Franklin which are interesting to adult visitors given their historical significance and provenance. But, the museum also caters to younger visitors and hands-on learners through a variety of interactive exhibits. I spent about 90 minutes at the museum and here is how I now describe Benjamin Franklin: - Founding Father: A trusted resource for completing the Declaration of Independence and a respected advisor at the Continental Congress on matters like the drafting of the Constitution. - A Printer: A guy who had a rough upbringing and often times was a bit misguided. He dabbled with many different occupations and eventually got a job in his brother's print shop. They didn't see eye-to-eye so Benjamin Franklin ran away from his home in Boston to Philadelphia and after being dirt poor was eventually able to open his own print shop. - A Ladies' Man: Although the museum is silent on the matter, I still think Benjamin Franklin was a flirt and a charmer. He sired his first child at 22 years old and the mother is unknown. "Who's Your Mommy William?!?" Although not mentioned at the museum, other sources have speculated it was "a lady of the night." Ohhh Franklin! Perhaps this ill decision making is what caused Franklin to later adapt the virtue of chastity, which is noted at the family friendly museum. Franklin said, "rarely use venery [sexual indulgence] except for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness or the injury of reputation." - An Inventor: His most relevant invention is probably bifocals but my personal favorite invention of his is the armonica. The museum also has replicas of some of his more quirky, less practical inventions like a spill-proof soup bowl for use on the high seas. It is also purported that Franklin invented some sex toys but of course you won't find any content on that at this federal funded museum. - Kite Flier: Franklin's experiments with electricity go beyond the well propagated story of his flying a kite with a key attached to it in a thunderstorm. Before the power of electricity was understood, people who dabbled with harnessing this mysterious power, like Franklin, were called electricians. Franklin created the first batteries in jars and learned how to use them to discharge electricity. One of my favorite exhibits at the museum is an animated cartoon of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams sharing a bed an inn while on official Government business. The men are bickering over whether it's better to sleep with the window open or with the window closed. (Did they share a chamber pot too?) The video is amusing and is just one exhibit that gives insight into Franklin's personality. Aside from the humorous videos, I also enjoyed the interactive exhibits, like the ones that were matching games. For example, you could match pictures with the names of various occupations that Franklin casually pursued. I also really enjoyed matching Franklin's virtues with the description. There was a cool numbers game/puzzle and touch screen map. I also really liked playing Yankee Doodle on the computer simulated armonica, right next to his real glass armonica. Overall, I really enjoyed learning about the feisty, fun, flirtatious, industrious, dedicated patriot at this museum run by the National Park Service.

    The structure of the house as it was

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    18 days ago

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    10 months ago

    A very interesting history of our forefather nothing I have ever seen. Can't recommend this museum enough! Cheap admission too!

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    4 years ago

    Very informative inside but the outside could be better maintained and interactive. Fun to take the family or groups.

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    It is more geared towards children. I was visiting and went thinking it was a normal museum.

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    Review Highlights - Benjamin Franklin Museum

    Basically, in the center of this hidden courtyard is a steel outline of a structure that was once Ben Franklin's house.

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    The Franklin Institute   - Brain exhibit

    The Franklin Institute

    3.9(786 reviews)
    1.5 miLogan Square, Art Museum District, Penn Center

    I think this place is a great place for kids, but I think most of the exhibits are geared towards…read morekids who can read. I thought my child would be able to partake in the exhibits either way, but she was not a reading age yet. So many of the exhibits were above her head. The best thing about the institute were the live classes and demonstrations. The live dissection of a cow eye was amazing. They also had a combustion show (think cool fire colors) and that was excellent. I did one of the planetarium shows and it was a little bit dry, even for an adult. Personally if the child can't read yet, I would say you may not get much out of it, but still a great place.

    My family, in laws' family, and I visited here last week what's the plan to get a family Max…read moremembership and enjoy the institution art for a good long day and it was an extremely happy time for all. Needless to say, we got through less than the 3rd inside of the whole day's time. This large and famed institution has a lot to review and I hope to help your family to make an informed choice about ticket types and visiting. Ticketing is easy whether or not you did anything online, with obvious easy signage in the secondary Hall after the famed Ben Franklin Statue Hall. Welcome staff and generally all staff are so helpful and knowledgeable. We decided on the Family Max membership because it includes ATSC membership including admission to 300 other science centers, many of the same caliber and fame, also because many of them will be at our travel destinations for the next year. Membership is entirely online with barcodes and online ticketing reservations (which ironically generates even more barcodes, one per attendee) so it is extremely easy to use, especially more so if you have good IT fluency and a good record-keeping system. I did not use the parking deck, which membership discounts are $10 off the $25 fare each day, but access from any point in the city and by any type of transit is very easy. The building is famous, easy to find and hard to miss. Frontage is right on Logan Square and extremely easy to find and orient oneself. Specialitly entrances such as accessibility, ramps and group entrances are very easy to find. Special events at pavilions have their own entrances. The Halls and exhibitions are overwhelmingly many and a large with tons of displays and booths to occupy all humans of all ages for dozens of hours. We join their membership not only because we aren't too far away but because it would take so many visits to well appreciate the breath and death of this institution. Although I last came as a grade school student, I can see clearly why the parents then and now consider this a worthwhile trip. The included science shows (usually four different ones daily with a few repeats within each day) are excellent examples of this commitment to education and sturdy science. At a time when so much misinformation and alternative science prevail profitably, it is comforting and necessary that this this ideal cause continues. Lastly, the overall venue is just excellent with so many types of science represented as to sate the curiosities of any child in any domain. Great food is just blocks away, notable is that Chinatown is straight down Race Street, and great views from most windows ease the usual concerns of parents about logistics and interest both.

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    The Franklin Institute   - Small world

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    Academy of Natural Sciences

    Academy of Natural Sciences

    4.1(158 reviews)
    1.4 miLogan Square, Penn Center, Art Museum District

    It's honestly hard for me to rate any museum under 5 stars, let's be real. I came for one of their…read moremonthly Dinos After Dark events and loved it. Even though it's a "pay what you want" event, there were still a lot of kids around. I kind of thought it might be more of an adults-only vibe, but it makes sense -- the whole place is built with kids in mind. There's a giant T. rex fossil in the main atrium that's super impressive, but the museum floor plan is a bit confusing. There are tons of kids' play areas and fewer traditional exhibits. A lot of the taxidermy looks almost too realistic, which is a little unnerving but also kind of cool. Still a really fun time overall. The top floor has an interactive animal area and another kids' play section. The second floor has a rubber dig pit for kids, and I accidentally wandered into it and immediately realized how hard it is to navigate when you're not actually there with a child. Oops. Staff was great. Super informative and enthusiastic, even showing off different types of roaches and explaining them in detail. You can tell they really love what they do. I learned a lot and had a genuinely good time. I'll definitely be back.

    I visited the Academy natural science on free museum day during welcome America. The museum was not…read moreoverly crowded. The staff were super friendly. This museum has a lot of interesting animal exhibits and special exhibits. It's smaller so it's chewable for young children. There's also a children's area on the third floor with a lot of hands on things to do. He saw some of the dioramas of the animals, but spent most of our time in the special exhibit the ecology of fashion. The exhibit was very well done. Its focus was how fashion affects the environment, waste. And animals. It also showed new materials that are being used to cut back on waste. It highlighted the fast fashion trend, and how it affects sustainability. It was really interesting exhibit.

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    Academy of Natural Sciences - Dinosaurs

    Dinosaurs

    Academy of Natural Sciences
    Academy of Natural Sciences

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    Philadelphia Art Museum - Philadelphia Museum of Art

    Philadelphia Art Museum

    4.6(955 reviews)
    2.1 miArt Museum District, Fairmount

    What an amazing Friday evening, we brought our mom an aunties here for a pre Mother's Day outing…read more The parking was a flat rate, however, there was parking along the side for free for those familiar with city parking rules. We were not so we parked in the lot. The whole museum was open for viewing from 5pm-8:45pm. Live music was great in the grand hall. There were a few tables, the whole staircase was open for sitting. Light fare food was available for eating, and the dining hall was open. It was a fantastic evening for a Pay What You Wish admission April 10-September 4, 2026. You may get your tickets online. Awesome outing for families, dates, hangout. I totally plan to visit again. The live band was very good and local to Philly.

    I love a good museum and this one did not disappoint. No matter what type, medium, or genre of art…read morestrikes your fancy, I am certain that they have it here for you to appreciate and enjoy. One of my silliest and favorite parts of visiting museums is the little shops that often harbor inside of them. This museum had not one, but two of said shops boasting everything from merch related to the art on display, books about art, pieces from local makers, and way beyond. One thing that really excited my group was the photo booth located in one of the shops. For the fair price of $8, it takes three shots in your choice of black and white or color, provides a print, and emails you your photos. Much like many other mediums of art, I find photo booths to be such a simple joy that brings people together. We had such a meaningful day at the museum and I look forward to coming back on our next trip to the area.

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    Philadelphia Art Museum - Philadelphia Museum of Art

    Philadelphia Museum of Art

    Philadelphia Art Museum - Philadelphia Museum of Art

    Philadelphia Museum of Art

    Philadelphia Art Museum - Philadelphia Museum of Art

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    Philadelphia Museum of Art

    Edgar Allan Poe House

    Edgar Allan Poe House

    4.3(97 reviews)
    0.9 miSpring Garden

    Small, easy, short touristy trip. Another great free thing to do in the city when you have friends…read moreor family from out of town. I live in Nolibs, so this is an easy walk from my house. Parking is plentiful nearby, too!

    Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site - Philadelphia, PA…read more Boomsauce Score: BS +++ (Amazing location! now that's boomsauce!) Even mid-renovation, this place hits different. Stepping into Poe's former home is like walking through the pages of Gothic literature. The art installations and that surreal raven sculpture outside? Straight out of a dream--or a fevered poem. It's eerie, poetic, and deeply moving. Though the house is currently closed for a utilities improvement project, you can still feel the weight of history pressing through the walls. Poe lived here during one of his most prolific periods, penning classics like The Black Cat and The Tell-Tale Heart. The cellar even resembles the one described in The Black Cat, adding a deliciously creepy layer to the visit. If you're in Philly, this is a must-visit. It's not just a museum--it's a tribute to the tortured brilliance of one of America's greatest literary minds. And when renovations wrap, it'll be even more hauntingly beautiful. --- Boomsauce Scale | Rating | Meaning |---------|----------------------------------| | B | basura (trash) | | BS | basic (come on! Try harder) | | BS + | better (Yo! That's better) | | BS ++ | best (alright! Alright! Alrightttt!) | | BS +++ | Amazing location! now that's boomsauce! |

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    Edgar Allan Poe House
    Edgar Allan Poe House
    Edgar Allan Poe House

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    The Mütter Museum - Statue in Medicinal Garden

    The Mütter Museum

    4.2(873 reviews)
    1.6 miRittenhouse Square, Penn Center

    Philadelphia was the first hub of modern medicine in the US. It's incredible to just take a few…read moreminutes to really appreciate the magnitude of this. The staff was really nice as we arrived a few minutes after our allotted time on our purchased tickets. I struggled with the tightness of the space. Many specimens required me to squat which may not be possible for other guests. There is so much to see but it's in such a tight space, specifically the first floor. Many of the glass cases were also warped which was not easy on the eyes. The museum has great potential if everything was spaced out more. Given that the space is tight, one felt rushed to read everything because there were other guests shoulder to shoulder trying to experience the space. If you were ever into Ripley's Believe It or Not, check the Mutter Museum out, plenty of unique cases! I felt queasy at times seeing real specimens floating in jars. The pharmaceutical marketing room was intriguing, I love seeing ads from the past!

    If you like medical anomalies, check out the Mutter Museum. It's a very interesting and informative…read moremedical museum. It holds a collection of medical instruments and anatomical specimens, which include skeletons and organs. At the exhibits, you will find conjoined twins, diseased bones, and various types of skulls. Everything has been preserved carefully. No pictures in the main exhibits, if it features human remains. $20 for adults or $15 for students. Other discounts may apply.

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    The Mütter Museum
    The Mütter Museum - January 29, 2026

    January 29, 2026

    The Mütter Museum

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    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia

    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia

    4.3(45 reviews)
    0.9 miMarket East, Penn Center, Avenue of the Arts North
    Large group friendly
    Available by appointment

    After having it on my list for a while, I finally took a tour of the Masonic Temple with my husband…read moreand some friends yesterday. It was worth waiting for. Right across from the Philadelphia City Hall, the Masonic Temple serves as the headquarters of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. It's a huge building and - wow - is it maximalist! Our tour was a little over an hour, and I recommend booking ahead (a group walked in just in front of us and hoped to buy tickets for the tour about to start, only to learn that it was sold out). Our tour guide was knowledgable (but told us when she didn't know the answer to a question because the Masons are secretive and keep a lot of facts about what occurs in the Lodge to themselves). The architecture is really stunning and there's so much to see: incredible plasterwork, grand staircases, murals, and more! Photography without flash is allowed throughout the tour, and I took about a million photographs. The Temple has a fascinating history, and the architecture and decor made my jaw drop a few times. Definitely worth visiting if you live in or are visiting Philadelphia.

    A beautiful building that houses the leadership offices of the Grand Lodge of PA Freemasonry. Tours…read moreare available, but need to be scheduled in advance. Beautiful lodge rooms, hallways, artwork and fraternal historical artifacts. A landmark historical building well-worth the visit. Certainly a must-see if you are a member of this ancient and honorable fraternity, as are both my son and I.

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    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia
    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia
    The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia

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    The Barnes Foundation - Small rooms and large crowds.

    The Barnes Foundation

    4.0(500 reviews)
    1.6 miArt Museum District, Logan Square, Fairmount, Spring Garden

    An ad for this museum came up in my Instagram feed and I'm glad it did. I put it on my list when I…read morewas visiting Philly recently. This is more like a house than a museum and the walls are filled with art from top names in the art world. I had a very nice but rushed visit cause I was trying to visit the Philly art museum before it closed as well. Next time I'll take more time. Cezanne, Manet and Picasso. The staff was nice to deal with too.

    Do I come here too much? Yes. Am I completely obsessed? Also yes. I love the Barnes Foundation so…read moremuch. It's genuinely one of the most unique art experiences you can have. Did you know the original owner wrote into his will that the walls had to stay exactly the same, down to the centimeter? It's wild. And all those odd little objects on the walls -- the spatulas, hinges, door handles -- they aren't random. They're there to guide your eyes, balance the compositions, and make you notice shapes and lines across different artworks. When you step back, you start seeing all the hidden layers and connections he built into each room. It's like a puzzle of patterns, themes, and echoes everywhere you look. The collection itself is insane. So many Cézannes, a Rousseau exhibit on view right now, a Matisse, and my absolute favorite: a huge, famous Seurat that I could stare at forever. Every visit feels like discovering something new, even in the same rooms I've walked through dozens of times. Downstairs they have the little hand carriers so you don't bump into anything, and each room has a paper guide breaking down the pieces by the north, east, south, and west walls. It's small details like that that make it such a thoughtful museum. I've been here more times than I can count, and it never gets old. Every visit feels fresh. I find something new to love every time. Absolute perfection.

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    The Barnes Foundation
    The Barnes Foundation - Walter and Leonore Annenberg Court (lobby)

    Walter and Leonore Annenberg Court (lobby)

    The Barnes Foundation - Gift shop (lower level)

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    Gift shop (lower level)

    Benjamin Franklin Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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