Alexander SumnerHave you ever stared at your wallet and realized the weekend fun might have to wait? We’ve all been there. When the budget’s tight, finding something entertaining without a price tag can feel like a challenge.
But if you’re in Philly, then that shouldn’t be much of a problem. The city has some of the best museums in the country that you can visit for free!
You can go from casually walking in to suddenly standing in front of glow-in-the-dark minerals or a room full of typewriters older than your grandma’s casserole dish.
Whether you’re looking to explore classic art or curious oddities, Philadelphia has a free museum for you! And this guide rounds up the best of them, so you can explore the city’s culture and quirks without worrying about your wallet!
The Science History Institute
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Location: 315 Chestnut Street
Contact: 215.925.2222
Operating hours:
- Wednesday–Friday: 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday–Tuesday: Closed
If you find yourself in Philadelphia, the Science History Institute is definitely worth checking out. It offers a really engaging look at how science has shaped the world around us.
The plastics exhibit was my favorite. I had no idea of how much of a game-changer plastic has been. The hands-on exhibits render it simple to immerse yourself in science, and you won’t have to be a science geek to get into it.
| Pro Tip: Slow down with the exhibits. Some displays have a ton of captivating nuances, and there’s a strong chance you will miss things by rushing through them. |
Wagner Free Institute of Science
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Location: 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue
Contact: 215-763-6529
Operating hours:
- Tuesday–Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- First Saturday of the Month: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (September–May, excluding January)
- Saturday (June–August): Closed
- Sunday–Monday: Closed
I recently checked out the Wagner Free Institute of Science, and it’s such a cool place. The museum is set in a Victorian-era building and houses over 100,000 specimens, from fossils to minerals to mounted animals.
What I really liked was how it’s more than just looking at stuff. They have free educational programs that provide greater insight into everything you’re viewing.
One of my favorite parts was undoubtedly the fossil exhibit. It’s amazing to learn how these creatures used to roam the planet. If you’re interested in geology, you should also check out the mineral gallery.
One thing to remember:. It’s totally understandable, and I still have some great pictures with the flash!
| Pro Tip: Flash photography and tripods are banned to keep the artifacts intact, so bring a good camera that takes solid photos without flash. The natural lighting in the museum does most of the work, even with the flash turned off. |
Independence Hall
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Location: 520 Chestnut Street
Contact: 215-965-2305
Operating hours:
March through January:
- 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM: Self-guided tours (no tickets required; access may be limited due to building capacity)
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Guided tours every 20 minutes (tickets required; available at recreation.gov for a $1.00 handling fee)
- 4:20 PM: Extended guided tour (tickets required; not wheelchair accessible)
February:
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Self-guided tours (no tickets required, except for holiday weekends)
Closed on Christmas Day
I visited Independence Hall recently, and it was a surreal experience. Standing on the floor where the founding documents of the United States were signed really hits you. There’s this quiet, powerful sense of history and power in the air.
The Assembly room was the highlight for me here. It’s where everything went down. The guides share so many fascinating facts about the things that took place there.
| Pro Tip: Book you tickets ahead of time—Independence Hall tours can fill up fast, especially on weekends. Securing a spot early means less stress and more time to soak in the history once you’re there. |
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
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Location: 532 N. 7th Street
Contact:
- 215-965-2305 (Monday through Thursday)
- 215-597-8780 (Friday through Sunday)
Operating hours:
- Friday through Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch)
- Monday through Thursday: Closed
I stopped by the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, and it ended up being one of the more memorable spots I visited. It’s a small place, but knowing that Poe actually lived there made it feel pretty personal.
They have a few exhibits that walk you through his life and writing, and I learned a lot more about his time in Philadelphia than I expected.
One thing to keep in mind—getting around the Visitor Center and museum parts is pretty easy, but the historic house has stairs and may not be ideal for those with mobility challenges.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip the basement—it’s got this eerie, unfinished feel the brings Poe’s stories to life in the best (and creepiest) way. It’s a small detail, but it really adds to the atmosphere. |
The Fabric Workshop and Museum
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Location: 1214 Arch Street
Contact: 215.561.8888
Operating hours:
- Wednesday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Monday–Tuesday: Closed
The Fabric Workshop Museum stands out with its unique approach—artists work alongside the staff to create fresh, experimental art. They’ve worked with over 500 artists since they opened in 1977, so there’s a ton of variety in what you see.
What I really liked was how the exhibits felt interactive and fresh. They give you a glimpse into the creative process, not just finished works.
One exhibit that stood out to me was a mix of textiles and technology—really modern and different from other art museums I’ve been to.
| Pro Tip: Don’t just look—ask questions. The staff and guide are super knowledgeable and often involved in the process, so they’ve got great behind-the-scenes insight. |
Institute of Contemporary Art
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Location: 118 S. 36th Street
Contact: 215-898-5911
Operating hours:
- Wednesday–Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Monday–Tuesday: Closed
The Institute of Contemporary Art is one of those spots that really makes you appreciate how art develops. And if you don’t know, it’s where Andy Warhol premiered his first solo show back in 1965.
The exhibitions are constantly being updated, so there’s always something new to see. During my visit, I enjoyed witnessing a combination of media—from sculpture to video art—each with a different viewpoint of modern life.
Certain exhibitions, particularly interactive ones, have certain rules to keep in mind. For instance, I was asked to move away from one piece of art, and in the case of others, they requested me to wear gloves.
| Pro Tip: Take note of the exhibition rules—they’re part of the experience, and following them not only helps protect the artwork but also gives you a deeper appreciation for the piece. Plus, it’s kind of fun to feel like you’re part of the art! |
Philadelphia Museum of Art
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Location: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Contact: 215-763-8100
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:45 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
While you’re in Philly, you have to go by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s one of the largest art museums in the country and is home to the legendary Rocky Steps. I couldn’t resist recreating the infamous scene; it was just as much fun as it appears on the screen!
Inside, the museum is filled with amazing art. I was absolutely amazed at the variety of works, from the ancient sculptures to the more contemporary works. The Van Gogh galleries are a definite highlight, but honestly, there’s something fresh and funky each time you go.
After all the art, you’ll probably be hungry. There’s a cafe inside with great options to refuel and reflect on everything you’ve seen.
| Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes—the museum is huge, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. The last thing you want is to miss something because your feet are sore! |
Rodin Museum
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Location: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Contact: 215-763-8100
Operating hours:
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday–Thursday: Closed
If you’re a fan of sculpture, the Rodin Museum is a must-see. Seeing iconic works like The Thinker and The Gate of Hell in person is incredible—you’d be surprised at how much detail there is.
Once inside, you feel like you are walking through the evolution of his creative output. What I absolutely loved was that the museum also has his drawings and smaller pieces on display, which really helps you understand more about his process.
| Pro Tip: If you can, go early. The museum is pretty intimate, and fewer people means you’ll have more time to admire the small details without distractions. |
Woodmere Art Museum
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Location: 9201 Germantown Avenue
Contact: 215-247-0476
Operating hours:
- Wednesday–Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Monday–Tuesday: Closed
If you’re in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philly, Woodmere Art Museum is a nice stop, especially if you’re into local art. The museum has over 2,500 pieces showcasing art and artists from the Philadelphia area.
What I liked about Woodmere Art Museum is that you can engage with artists, art historians, and curators who share insights into the collections and exhibitions. Workshops spanning a variety of mediums and methods are also available if you prefer hands-on activity.
In addition, the museum features rare and vintage film screenings on Tuesday evenings, as well as jazz and classical performances in its galleries.
| Pro Tip: Plan to spend a good amount of time, as Woodmere offers a lot to experience—from art to events and workshops. To fully appreciate it, try to see everything in one visit. |
Carpenter’s Hall
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Location: 320 Chestnut Street
Contact: 215-925-0167
Operating hours:
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Additional Closures: Closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Carpenter’s Hall is not to be missed by anyone fascinated by early American history. The Georgian hall hosted the First Continental Congress, during which delegates from twelve colonies gathered to debate British policies.
There, you can tour exhibits featuring the history of the Carpenter’s Company and Philadelphia’s architectural heritage. The first floor even showcases original 18th-century furniture, including chairs used during the Continental Congress.
What I really liked is that they have a gift shop with items related to the exhibits so that you can take a little piece of history home with you.
| Pro Tip: Bring extra cash—you might find yourself wanting to hoard a few items from the gift shop. They have some unique souvenir pieces that really connect to the exhibits. |
