From the Liberty Bell to Independence Hall, Philadelphia has an abundance of historic landmarks. Spend a day exploring the city’s cobblestone streets and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time.
When you explore Philadelphia, it’s a good idea to consider purchasing a tourist attraction discount pass. With one simple purchase, you can see all of the top attractions in Philly.
1. The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is a symbol of American freedom and equality. Originally placed in the Pennsylvania State House, it’s now a permanent exhibit at the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historical Park.
Until 1915, the bell rang out declarations of freedom from Philadelphia’s state house tower. It then went on tour around the country to conquer divisions left by the Civil War.
2. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The main building is home to a world-class collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and photographs.
The museum also administers several annexes, including the Rodin Museum and historic house Cedar Grove in Fairmount Park. Admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s main building and Perelman building is $20 for adults and $14 for children.
3. The Franklin Institute
Named for the American scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of America’s oldest science museums. Founded in 1824, the Franklin Institute continues to make scientific education accessible to everyone.
With its permanent exhibits, the Franklin Institute is an ideal place to take the family. Here, kids can learn about the human body, space, and other subjects.
4. The Rodin Museum
If you’re a fan of sculpture, there’s no better place to start your Philly visit than at the Rodin Museum. It houses one of the greatest single collections of sculptor Auguste Rodin’s works outside Paris.
Movie-theatre magnate Jules Mastbaum (1872-1926) began collecting Rodin’s works in 1923 with the intention of founding a museum to enrich the lives of his fellow citizens. Within three years, he had assembled the largest collection of Rodin’s works outside Paris, including bronze castings, plaster studies, drawings, prints, letters and books.
5. The Philadelphia Zoo
One of the most famous zoos in the world, Philadelphia Zoo is renowned for its innovation in animal care and unwavering commitment to wildlife.
Since opening its historic gates on July 1, 1874, Philadelphia Zoo has set industry standards for animal care and guest experiences. It is also known for its success in breeding endangered animals, and has been responsible for the first successful orangutan and chimpanzee births in the U.S.
6. The Philadelphia Museum of History
Philadelphia is a rich city full of culture and history. If you want to learn more about its past, the Philadelphia Museum of History is a great place to start.
The museum holds one of the largest collections in the country, with works from famous artists like Picasso and Monet. The museum also offers a variety of exhibits and programs for families.
7. The Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a must-see for visitors to the city. Its 240,000 works span 2,000 years and feature many different genres of art.
If you’re an avid Rocky fan, don’t forget to jog up the steps at the east entrance to snap a selfie with the statue of the boxer. It’s a fun and iconic scene to be a part of!
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of America’s largest art museums and a must-see for any traveler. It is also one of our top destinations for families, offering family-friendly festivals and exceptional programming that will keep you and your kids busy for hours!
While the Museum is famous for its iconic steps, it’s inside that this must-visit attraction truly shines. Its world-renowned art collections, state-of-the-art exhibits and exceptionally kid-friendly programming make it the perfect spot to take your toddler or newborn for an art-filled adventure!
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most important museums in the world. It is home to masterpieces of painting, sculpture and decorative arts from around the globe.
Originally founded as the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, it developed from collections exhibited at the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. This encyclopedic institution sought to cultivate elite taste and to prove its legitimacy in an ever-changing American society.