All person & artist museums to visit in Philadelphia

Explore the lives and works of notable individuals at 27 museums in Philadelphia dedicated to specific persons and artists. These museums offer a deep dive into their contributions and legacy.

Are you curious about the lives of remarkable individuals? Here are the top person and artist museums in Philadelphia:

  1. Rodin Museum1

    Rodin Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Rodin Museum, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an art museum that boasts one of the largest collections of works by the renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin outside of Paris. This makes it a significant destination for art enthusiasts and admirers of Rodin's work.
  2. National Constitution Center2

    National Constitution Center

     Philadelphia, PA
    The National Constitution Center, located at the Independence Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit institution dedicated to the study of the U.S. Constitution. This interactive museum serves as a national town hall, hosting a variety of public discussions and Constitution-related events. It is situated in what is often referred to as 'America's most historic square mile' due to its proximity to other significant sites such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
  3. Betsy Ross House3

    Betsy Ross House

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Betsy Ross House, a landmark in Philadelphia, is believed to be the place where Betsy Ross, a seamstress and flag-maker, lived when she reportedly sewed the first American Flag. This historical significance makes it a point of interest for visitors interested in the origins of the American flag.
  4. Independence Visitor Center4

    Independence Visitor Center

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Independence National Historical Park (NHP) is a significant historical site located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is recognized as the most visited historical district in the United States, attracting a large number of tourists each year. The park preserves and showcases the rich history of the American Revolution and the founding of the nation.
  5. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts5

    Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) holds the distinction of being the oldest art museum and art school in the United States. It is located in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was founded in 1805. This makes it a significant landmark in the history of American art and education.
  6. Eastern State Penitentiary6

    Eastern State Penitentiary

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a former prison that operated from 1829 to 1971. Since 1994, it has been repurposed as a museum, offering visitors a unique insight into the history of the American penal system.
  7. Mütter Museum7

    Mütter Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Mütter Museum in Philadelphia is a unique destination for those interested in medical history. Affiliated with the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the museum boasts a collection of over 20,000 items. These range from anatomical and pathological specimens to medical instruments and illustrations, providing a comprehensive look into the history of medicine.
  8. Franklin Institute8

    Franklin Institute

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Franklin Institute, located in Philadelphia, is a museum dedicated to science. It serves as the city's primary center for education and research in the scientific field. Founded in 1824, the institute is named after the politician Benjamin Franklin and houses the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial. It is one of the oldest centers for the promotion of science in the United States.
  9. 9

    Benjamin Franklin Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    Very interactive museum guaratees interesting and educational experience for all age groups. Much more fun than in a school!
  10. Rosenbach Museum and Library10

    Rosenbach Museum and Library

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Rosenbach Museum & Library, located in Philadelphia, is a unique institution that was established in 1954. It is dedicated to the preservation and display of manuscripts, rare items, and original book illustrations. The museum's collection includes a wide range of materials, from the Ulysses manuscript by James Joyce to the artistic legacy of Maurice Sendak.
  11. African American Museum In Philadelphia11

    African American Museum In Philadelphia

     Philadelphia, PA
    The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) holds a significant place in history as the first museum funded and built by a municipality with the specific purpose of preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the heritage of African Americans. This unique aspect of the museum's establishment sets it apart and adds a layer of historical importance to its existence.
  12. Parkway Central Library12

    Parkway Central Library

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Parkway Central Library, also known as the Free Library or Central Library, is the primary public library building and administrative headquarters of the Free Library of Philadelphia system. It is the largest library in the system, with 54 branches, and is the only research library. The library is located on Vine Street, between 19th and 20th Street, and opened in 1927. Four stories and the ground floor are open to the public.
  13. Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site13

    Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is a protected building situated in the Spring Garden district of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This historic site is where the renowned writer Edgar Allan Poe rented a brick house during his time in Philadelphia from 1837 to 1844. It is a significant location as it is the only surviving residence of Poe in Philadelphia.
  14. Fragments of Franklin Court14

    Fragments of Franklin Court

     Philadelphia, PA
    Franklin Court is a complex of museums, structures, and historic sites located within the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This site is where Benjamin Franklin, an American printer, scientist, diplomat, and statesman, resided from 1763 until his death in 1790. The complex was designed by the firm of Venturi and Rauch and opened in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration.
  15. National Museum of American Jewish History15

    National Museum of American Jewish History

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, also known as The Weitzman, is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum situated at 101 South Independence Mall East (S. 5th Street) at Market Street in Center City Philadelphia. The museum was established in 1976 and has since been a significant cultural and historical site. It offers a comprehensive insight into the American Jewish history, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in cultural and historical explorations.
  16. Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial16

    Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is a significant historical site located at 301 Pine Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is dedicated to preserving the home of Tadeusz (Thaddeus) Kościuszko, a Polish patriot and hero of the American Revolution. This memorial offers a unique opportunity to learn about the life and work of this remarkable individual, who played a crucial role in the fight for American independence.
  17. Philadelphia History Museum17

    Philadelphia History Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Philadelphia History Museum was housed in a historic neoclassical building designed by architect John Haviland. This structure was originally built between 1824 and 1826 for the Franklin Institute. The building's architectural style and historical significance add to the museum's charm and appeal.
  18. Woodmere Art Museum18

    Woodmere Art Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Woodmere Art Museum is situated in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience in a historic part of the city. The museum is a great place to explore for those interested in art, history, and architecture.
  19. Germantown White House19

    Germantown White House

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Germantown White House, also known as the Deshler–Morris House, is a historic mansion located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This house is of significant historical importance as it is the oldest surviving presidential residence, having twice housed Founding Father George Washington during his presidency.
  20. Painted Bride20

    Painted Bride

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Painted Bride Art Center, also known as The Bride, is a non-profit arts and culture organization. It is situated at 5212 Market Street in the West Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The organization is known for bringing together artists, audiences, and communities to push the boundaries of how art is created and experienced.
  21. Paul Robeson House & Museum21

    Paul Robeson House & Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Paul Robeson House in West Philadelphia was the residence of the globally acclaimed American bass-baritone concert singer, actor, athlete, writer, multi-lingual orator, human rights activist, and lawyer Paul Robeson from 1966 to 1976. This house is not just a building, but a testament to the life and achievements of one of the most versatile and influential figures in American history.
  22. Bartram's Garden22

    Bartram's Garden

     Philadelphia, PA
    Bartram’s Garden in Philadelphia holds the distinction of being the oldest existing botanical garden in North America. It was established in 1728 by John Bartram, a Quaker, botanist, and co-founder of the American Philosophical Society. This historical significance adds a unique charm to the garden, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in botany and history.
  23. National Marian Anderson Museum23

    National Marian Anderson Museum

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Marian Anderson House, located in the Southwest Center City neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a historic home that dates back to around 1870. The house was designed in the Italianate style, a popular architectural style during the Victorian era. This two-story, brick rowhouse is a significant part of the city's history and a testament to the life and legacy of Marian Anderson, the renowned opera singer and civil rights advocate.
  24. Powel House24

    Powel House

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Powel House, located at 244 South 3rd Street in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a historic house museum. This Georgian style house, built in 1765, is a significant part of the city's history and offers a glimpse into the past. Visitors can explore the house and its ornate interiors, which were lavishly redecorated by its second owner, Samuel Powel.
  25. Pennsbury Manor25

    Pennsbury Manor

     Philadelphia, PA
    Pennsbury Manor is a significant historical site as it was the colonial estate of William Penn, the founder and proprietor of the Colony of Pennsylvania. Penn resided in this manor from 1699 to 1701. This historical connection to the founder of Pennsylvania makes Pennsbury Manor a place of interest for those wanting to learn more about the state's early history.
  26. The Library Company26

    The Library Company

     Philadelphia, PA
    Among the most notable items in the museum's collection are the Mayflower Compact, a significant collection of pamphlets from the 17th century and the American War of Independence, various maps, and complete series of works from the 18th and 19th centuries. These artifacts provide a unique insight into the historical and cultural development of the United States.
  27. 27

    The Historical Society of Frankford

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Historical Society of Frankford, situated in the Frankford neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia, is a museum and historical society. It is a non-profit organization that was established to promote the study of history, particularly the social history and traditions of Frankford and its surrounding areas.