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.

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.

Absolutely gem. Didnt expect it to be that great. If you…read moreare but artsy and a bit fun this is a place to get lost. Not only the museum itself but couple of blocks around it are all covered in mosaics. And crazy mosaics using anything and everything from bottles and plates to sculptures etc. You need a timed entry ticket, be sure to arrive in time. They are pretty strict on that. There is no parking anywhere around, the only place is right tin front and its $17 for yo to 2h.

Really interesting and meaningful work of art! This is for sure an installation that has much soul…read moreand heart in it. Walls filled with many different pieces of handmade artwork collected from different countries. Definitely unique and worth checking out if you want to experience a lot of interesting history and culture and take many cool photos from all sorts of angles! Read about the history! It is quite beautiful and wholesome!

This was one of the greatest surprises I've had in the city…read more We came on a day where it was paid as you wish. A very tall kindhearted gentleman greeted us at the front door so splendidly. He was so welcoming. I was so glad because I had so many questions !! I really walked into this place knowing of only The Thinker. I was so happy to find out that there was a guided tour today! Her name was Patricia and she really had such a passion and extensive knowledge for Rodin! We looked at all the pieces on the inside, first which was pretty wise because we were introduced two characters, we were going to see in one of the largest pieces outside! One of the largest pieces inside is called the kiss. You can't miss it. It's white a couple is embracing.. The guy took us outside and showed us where that couple is also featured in the big door. But this time they're not kissing -they're having a different experience together. It really goes through all the struggles one may have in life, the ups and downs. Twisting bodies. It was delightful to learn!! And Rodin also had ups and downs. We also had a chance to hang out and sketch a little afterwards! I bought some postcards ! What a wonderful collection I now own. There was a pride and groom, getting their picture taken in the garden, outside. It really is a beautiful space. It's nice to explore all the grounds. It's easy to do. I'm very thankful for all the wonderful staff that took care of us so well. Thank you for making such a delightful trip to see Rodin's wonderful art. I would definitely come back !!!

The Rodin Museum is an absolute gem in Philly -- small, but packed with beauty and charm. STUNNING…read more Admission is free with your Philadelphia Museum of Art ticket (valid the day after your visit), and honestly, it's the perfect follow-up stop. The museum itself houses an incredible collection of Auguste Rodin's works, including The Thinker right outside the entrance. Every piece feels intimate and powerful, and the space is designed so you can take your time and truly absorb the art. Outside, the gardens are just as breathtaking. Lush greenery, stone fountains, and even a giant chessboard add to the tranquil vibe. We saw people taking wedding photos while we were there -- and it's no surprise why. The whole space feels elegant and peaceful, like stepping into another world for a little while. Whether you're a fan of sculpture or just looking for a quiet, beautiful spot to wander, this museum is pure magic. A must-see in Philadelphia, especially if you're already visiting the Art Museum next door.

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.

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.

I visit museums without pre-conceived notions, reading reviews generally after the fact. PAFA --…read moreas it's known -- is a good one. Founded in 1805 the academy is the first school and museum of fine arts in the United States. The historic landmark building is closed for renovations with three stories of exhibits now housed in their Hamilton Building (which is NOT named for Alexander!) Several things impacted me: the galleries are wide open, light and airy. A pleasure to walk through. A number of items from the Atwater Kent collection -- formerly the Philadelphia History Museum -- are on display. The diverse collection ranges from baseball, department stores (Wanamakers, anyone?), civil rights ... the list goes on. There is student and alumni art for sale and casts of Greek and Roman antiquity located in an active student workspace. As with most museums, exhibits change. The gift store with its friendly proprietor, is as good as any I've been to. A beautifully curated collection, and after Thanksgiving, I believe everything is discounted 30% for the holidays.

Great local arts (and oldest fine art)…read more Enjoy their occasional events. V inclusive and alternative. Friendly and clean

What a fun thing to do! We didn't know what to expect and want to say we all really enjoyed the…read moreexperience! Admission was reasonable and enjoyed the self-guided part while waiting for the next tram departure time. There was everything you could imagine - except one thing! A TELEX MACHINE (which I used to operate). When I asked the staff if they had one none of them even knew what I was talking about (early 20's)! We took the tram tour and really enjoyed it. The tram moved at a nice pace so you could really take in everything. So much to see - everywhere. It was a really fun way to spend a few hours on a rainy day! But I urge you to visit rain or shine!

It's like an I-Spy book came to life! This collection is massive but I really appreciate how well…read moreorganized and categorized it is. It makes it easier for the eye to take in. The tram car goes at a super slow speed so you have time to take everything in. The tour is guided by a pre-recorded audio track but sometimes the driver will provide information as well. The museum also has a small walkable area to explore. There's also popcorn, candy, and drinks to purchase. Some of the items are truly impressive and there's definitely plenty for everyone to point out and find and enjoy. Highly recommend this fun attraction.

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.

I was enthralled with Woodmere before setting foot inside. The museum is housed on six acres in a…read more19th century stone mansion, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful statuary. Before going home I sat on the verandah, imagining what it must have been like to live there. The museum is dedicated to the art of Philadelphia. I was captivated by local artists I never before heard of. One of my favorites is Edith Neff. (See the swimming pool painting I posted.) The photography exhibit with works by Harvey Finkle, captured the humanity of political and social justice movements. It resonated with me. And then there's the children's gallery. The current exhibit, "Walk in the Rainforest" was created by young artists, and runs through October 27th. The museum is relatively small. Take in the architecture and the beautiful chandeliers, which I guess are original to the house. Docent-led tours are available and the museum hosts "Friday Night Jazz," with tickets available on line.

What a great little museum nestled in the neighborhood!…read more Love this area and it's a nice establishment to come explore! We got here on a nice sunny day and there was plenty of parking on site. Inside, there's some twist and turns and cool exhibits in each direction. It's a small museum that you can definitely spend a few hours in. We got here when one of the visiting artists was giving a presentation - so cool! His works were on display in the main gallery and it was great to hear his story and also chat about his work. Definitely worth the hike out of the city for a little art and culture within the woods! Enjoy!