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Independence Seaport Museum

4.1 (67 reviews)
Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Candle light orchestra show "Coldplay"
Mike C.

Viewed my first candle light concert at the Seaport Museum where all the music was played by cello, and three violinists'. The one hour concert was all music from the band Coldplay. The stage was set up very intimately and beautiful with light up candles surrounding the entire stage and on the walls throughout the venue. The Cello player introduced the songs and relayed some comments that were entertaining and peaceful at the beginning and end of some of the songs. One of my critiques is it would have been nice to actually be able to view the museum however the staff would not allow it. That is not a great set up when you have many, many people waiting for the show to start and you do not offer any refreshments or beverages. My girlfriend and I along with many others waiting to get into the venue had to wait out in the cold. Many layers of improvement can be implemented in making this experience more enjoyable. The show was one hour long with no intermissions. Also, if you need to leave to go to the bathroom I do not believe you are allowed to come back into the show. I enjoyed the experience but just take note that this is not a play or concert you're privy to "great" customer service. As always people SYOY!!!

Dockmaster and a ship model
Miranda W.

Went to the Seaport Museum to kill time and was pleasantly surprised! Lots of interactive exhibits for younger folks that we as older folks enjoyed on the bottom floor. Disappointed a few of the things were closed for construction. Second floor had an excellent exhibit that us talking and thinking long after! The super helpful gift store person suggested adding The Columbia tour to our experience. That was really neat! Every level of the ship had something to interact with that wasnt just informational posters. Highly recommend it!

The Critical J.

PROS: this was a nice museum that had a few displays of relics from Sunken and decommissioned ships. They even had a model ship for you to go on. The staff was nice as well CONS: the place was small and overpriced for what it brings to the table. Hardly any historic items were displayed. It was more modern and mainly mini ship displays OVERALL: if the price lowers or if they expand the museum or their selection of historic items than I'll come back

Cool engine room tour!
Dorothy B.

When the battleship New Jersey called at the last minute to cancel our tour for today, we thought we were going to have wasted a 3 Hour Dr. and a hotel room. But, Veronica recommended that we tour the independency port, and that was the best idea ever! Hugh was our guide for both The ship as well as the submarine, and he couldn't have been any more informative. Sometimes guides are like robots because they do this day and day out, but he made me feel like a family member was giving me a tour through history. We had such a good time we're gonna come back in June again when the battleship New Jersey is able to be toured again. What a wonderful weekend and thanks for saving the day!

Jerry P.

Underrated and often overlooked maritime museum right on the Philadelphia waterfront. The displays are fairly wide-reaching given its size, ranging from the life and risks of a colonial-era sailor up to modern search and rescue and environmental responses that have occurred on the Delaware and covering both military and commercial topics. Many interactive displays for kids and adults, and the staff is great. The Olympia & Becuna are the real stars of the show, and tickets to get on board both of those vessels are available here. If you are at Penn's Landing looking for something to do or are already planning to see the Olympia and Becuna, you'd be remiss if you didn't stop in here for an hour or two.

Didn't visit the inside of the museum. Did a kayak tour in the river (obviously) and learned so much about the ships and Penn, etc. Plus we had a great kayak adventure! Highly recommended.

BB 62 USS New Jersey across the river. Iowa Class. One of 4. Nothing like it.
Mike M.

This museum located on the waterfront contains a building and two ships to tour. I began in the building where I bought my ticket ($16 adult) and visited the two story museum. It depicts Philadelphia and the surrounding area's involvement and history in both military and civilian shipbuilding and ship traffic. There is a performance auditorium on the second floor and a gift shop on the first floor. I gave this part of the museum a 3 and would budget about 75 minutes to go through it. Then I proceeded to the USS Olympia and USS Becuna which are berthed next to each other about 100 yards from the museum. You can also buy your museum tickets at a manned booth at the ships entrance if you would rather start there first. I started with the Becuna, a Balao class WW 2 sub. Starting in the forward torpedo room and moving aft, the ship is well preserved and well documented in the different compartments. I have been on several WW 2 subs before and this one is one of the best. Without a doubt, you will be amazed at the small spaces that the crew had to live and work in. Moving to the Olympia, this 1800's battle cruiser built toward the end of the century, is the exact opposite and is a great study in contrasts to the Becuna. Space is abundant here. The living quarters almost make you feel like you are in a boutique hotel with all of the rich and dark wood in place. This ship fought in the Spanish American War of 1898 along with being part of Teddy Roosevelts' Great White Fleet. Both ships were a pleasure to visit (4). I would budget 75 minutes for both ships (even though technically Becuna is a boat). And finally, across the river about 1/2 mile away is BB62 USS New Jersey in all her splendor. That is a separate tour not affiliated with this one. She is beautiful sitting over there in Camden. I did not actually visit her on this trip, but I have now seen 3 of the 4 Iowa class BB's (Missouri, Wisconsin and New Jersey with Iowa in LA still to go) and there aren't any better looking warships ever made.

On the Becuna Submarine.
Ahmed A.

The coolest part of the museum is the outside Navy ship and submarine outside. I walked the overall museum and saw some nicely setup exhibits. You would be surprised to learn about how many tragedies happened in history involving crashed boats and accidents that caused them to sink. It was not just the titanic. They touched base on a little of everything even how the Africans came across the sea and sold off as slavery. We wrapped up with checking out the Navy warship and the submarine on the marina. It was crazy to believe that people had to live in such tight quarters. The museum was not packed at all even going on a Saturday and seems to be a hidden gem. If you have a student id will run you 10$ a person (5$ discount)

Robin S.

I drove up from Atlanta last week specifically to see the USS Olympia. Not at all disappointed, although I'd have liked to go into the engine room. Also, the gun deck was closed off for some reason. The Olympia is just beautiful - a national treasure, even more so than the hulking battleship parked across the river (which I also visited). If you like American history, especially naval history, the Olympia is a must-see. The submarine Becuna is a bonus.

Ships name Sovac Alladin
Renee B.

Here's the Scoop: Beautiful museum with great ship artifacts delayed. There are 3 floors and unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to see all 3 floors I did see 2 floors. My family came here to see a play written by James Weldon Johnson's called "Gods Trombone. We've seen this play 2 other times in Harlem directed by Craig Harris a famous Trombone player. Everyone's rendition and interpretation is different. I thought this rendition was "just okay. " I liked Craig Harris's rendition so much better. If you've never seen the play you would not have understood this version directed by Frankie Darrell. However, several actors performances stood out. This particular rendition did not have an intermission either which I think made it feel longer and dragged on. I think also the director needed to add more movement and less talking. It was entirely too many speaking parts and not enough music. I did understand that the theme in this rendition was to utilize the ministers preaching moments as "Gods Trombone" but it should have been broken up even more with music or dance for a better flow.

Cabin on uss olympia. Yes, it's haunted too :)
Alex H.

If you pass by Philly by the river right across from the USS New Jersey on the NJ side, you may notice a trio of ships permanently docked nearby the Spruce Street park: the 19th century cruiser USS Olympia, the submarine USS Becuna, and the 4-masted ship Moshulu. The first two are part of the eye-opening Independence Seaport Museum just a few dozen steps north of the ships (pass a real torpedo used in the sub). The ships are a testament of seafaring life of the last century, and it's truly amazing to visually realize how much ships have evolved through the past century. The museum itself is another gem of the city of Philadelphia. It is packed with nautical artifacts and historical exhibits of the trumphs and tragedies of the national and local seafaring life. Model of ships, including of the ships outside, are available for inspection. Even if you are not exactly a seafaring person, you would still delight at trivial exhibits, such as the box used by Henry Box Brown, a former slave who shipped himself out in a box into freedom, or the first slinky toy created by the docks of Philadelphia, or try your hands at the boring machine to drill a hole through a wooden plank -- necessary skills of a seaman (or woman!) We were there 2 weekends before Christmas (check the schedule for exact date/time...) so we also enjoyed the parade of lights right from the museum's balcony performed by the local boats where they decorate their boats with lights for the competition (or just for fun). Excellent place to bring yourself or your family to enjoy and learn the nautical history of Philly and beyond!

Shipbuilding workshop display in the Seaport Museum
Gina V.

I love this place! Here's the thing: I think it would be great for kids, but some of the other reviews say the employees treat kids badly. I didn't go with any children, I went with my dad on 4th of July weekend when it was empty, so we also didn't run into any employees. Anyway, onto the review. The museum is huge, and it has a lot of interactive exhibits and things you can touch, and let's be real here - the best part of any museum is touching things. I'm not a rule-breaker, so I enjoy touching things even more if I'm allowed to touch them, and there is a lot here you're allowed to touch. The first thing my dad and I did was go through a "choose your own adventure"-style room that taught you about the history of shipping in Philadelphia. If we'd just been reading about it I would've been bored, but you got to move through it and use a spinner at various stations to determine what happened to you, and that element made it a lot of fun for us both. Some other things you could do were put your hands in gloves and pretend to be a welder on a ship (which was extra cool because my brother is a welder on an oil rig), sit in a boat and "steer" with the tiller, and write/draw on a whiteboard wall that other people have contributed to. Even the displays you couldn't touch were really neat, and I enjoyed walking around and reading about everything. Next, we went on the submarine (which is included in the price of the ticket). It's very narrow and tight, as you would expect a submarine to be, so I was claustrophobic at first, but I quickly got over it. We took our time checking things out, reading the plaques, and marveling at how so many men could fit all together in one sub. It's pretty dark in the submarine, so if you're going to take pictures, make sure your flash works. After that, we went on the ship (also included). You could sit in the dentist's chair, and touch the guns (not in service any longer, obviously). A few things to note: I really enjoyed getting to take my time through all of the exhibits, appreciate things at my own pace, and not be crowded. I think it would really be worth it to call ahead and see if they're expecting any large groups, or else go on a day like we did when there are bound to be fewer people. Also, we went on a really hot summer day. The museum was nice and cool, but the ship and the submarine were pretty hot. Not uncomfortably so for me (but I'm always cold), and they had big fans going on the ship, but especially with the submarine if you are prone to overheating you should plan ahead.

Inside the museum
Glenda F.

We were in the Philadelphia area and we decided to check out this museum. It's a hidden gem close by the Seaport Boardwalk behind the Hilton. We didn't find parking by the street so we parked in the Hilton parking garage which was very close but expensive (typical rip-off hotel parking). When we entered the museum, the front desk employee were very kind and helpful. The museum was not busy and very clean. It was so nice to be able to have the museum to ourselves. They had so much information and history about ships throughout ages and even had a full size ship so kids can explore. They even had a game to play as you are reading. Also, they had many hands on and interactive exhibits. The best part was going outside to see actual war ship (USS Olympia) and submarine (USS Becuna). We really enjoyed reading and seeing how our servicemen lived in such tight quarters and conditions. It's was an amazing experience to share with our son. The only down side was that it was very hot (no Ac, very stuffy)...note to self don't come on a hot day during summer! All in all, we recommend this hidden gem!

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Nice little museum to tour with interesting seafaring facts. Great little museum to take the kids to visit.

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5 years ago

I love me a good maritime museum. Some excellent displays. The Olympia is worth visiting. Afterwards you can get drinks at Moshulu!

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Wasn't much of a show but was really night to see historic and monumentally exhibits.

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Review Highlights - Independence Seaport Museum

Museum, itself, is kind of cool and full of mind-blowing ship models, but the submarine will rock your world.

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The Franklin Institute   - Brain exhibit

The Franklin Institute

3.9(786 reviews)
1.9 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
The Franklin Institute   - Small world

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Academy of Natural Sciences

Academy of Natural Sciences

4.1(158 reviews)
1.8 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(958 reviews)
2.5 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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Edgar Allan Poe House

Edgar Allan Poe House

4.3(97 reviews)
1.2 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)
2.0 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)
1.3 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)
2.0 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)

Independence Seaport Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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