Philadelphia Museums and Culture

Please Touch Museum, the children’s museum of Philadelphia. Please Touch is designed for families with young children and since 1976, has dedicated itself to enriching the lives of children by creating learning opportunities through play. <br> Let your child be your guide as they interact with our museum exhibits, take part in museum activities or enjoy one of our interactive theater performances.

For 200 years, the Academy has connected people to nature. As Philadelphia's natural history museum, we educate visitors of all ages. Our scientists study evolution, biodiversity and ecology, providing information critical to understanding the natural world. These efforts are supported by a collection of 17 million biological specimens and a celebrated natural-history library. <br> Our programs depend on the generous support of our family of members and donors. We invite you to help us continue making the connection.

Independence Seaport Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.<br> Independence Seaport Museum Tickets include admission to Independence Seaport Museum's Galleries, Cruiser Olympia and WWII Submarine Becuna.

Founded in 1824 in Philadelphia, The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is one of the oldest historical societies in the United States and holds many national treasures. The Society's building, listed on the City of Philadelphia's Register of Historical Places, houses some 600,000 printed items and over 19 million manuscript and graphic items. The Society is one of the largest family history libraries in the nation, has preeminent printed collections on Pennsylvania and regional history, and offers superb manuscript collections renowned for their strength in 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century history. With the addition of the holdings of The Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies in 2002, the Society has become a chief center for the documentation and study of the ethnic communities and immigrant experiences shared by people whose American history began more recently-between the late nineteenth century and our own times. Together these holdings, old and new, make the Society one of the nation's most important special collections libraries-a center of historical documentation and study, education, and engagement.

The Rosenbach Museum & Library was the home of two brothers, Dr. A.S.W. and Philip Rosenbach. A.S.W. Rosenbach was a legendary dealer and collector of rare books and manuscripts, while Philip's expertise encompassed the fine and decorative arts. Founded in 1954 to preserve the two brothers' personal collections and company archive, the Rosenbach's holdings have continued to grow. The Rosenbach is a major cultural destination—a research center that is home to one of the nation's great collections of rare books and manuscripts, as well as a beautiful, historic townhouse filled with fine art and antiques.

The American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philadelphia is the oldest Swedish Museum in the United States. Founded in 1926, the Museum has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Swedish and Swedish-American cultural heritage and traditions for nearly 80 years. The Museum is a place where Swedes, Swedish-Americans, and people of all nationalities who appreciate Swedish contributions to history, art, architecture, music, science and technology can come together.

"Resources for Science Learning" are activities and ideas for inspiring scientific curiosity at home, in school, or wherever you are. Find out about the Center for Innovation in Science Learning and its program offerings for learners and for educators.

The Museum's mission is to explore and celebrate the history of Jews in America and to inspire people of all backgrounds to a greater appreciation of the diversity of the American experience and the freedoms we are so privileged to enjoy. We are located on the sacred ground of Independence Mall in the heart of the most historic square mile in America. Also located on our site is the Statue of Religious Liberty, commissioned by B’nai B’rith in 1876 and dedicated to “the people of the United States” as an expression of support for the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom. The Museum shares its current location with historic Congregation Mikveh Israel, established in 1740 and called the synagogue of the American Revolution.

In addition to the basic mission of acquiring, preserving and exhibiting its collections, the Museum seeks to foster an appreciation for and understanding of the visual arts. In the spirit of this endeavor, the Museum supports the educational role of the University by presenting exhibitions and programs that are relevant to its entire curriculum and offers a welcoming cultural and educational resource to both campus and regional communities.

The Design Center at Philadelphia University is the rare institution solely devoted to design, showing us just how design shapes everyday life. Through its presentation of gallery exhibitions, enrichment programs, lectures and special events, the center reflects Philadelphia University's extensive design curriculum encompassing architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, graphic design, textile design, fashion, interactive media and product design. The Center's library and collection serve as outstanding resources for scholarly research and provide inspiration to designers, artists, educators, students and aficionados.

The Mennonite Church traces its origins to the Swiss Brethren (Anabaptists) who began in Zurich, Switzerland in 1525 as a movement of the Protestant Reformation. Advocating separation of church and state, freedom of conscience, baptism only for adults who freely subscribe to its tenets, and refusing to participate in violence and warfare, they were severely persecuted, many dying a martyr’s death. They came from the Rhine lands of Europe to participate in William Penn’s “holy experiment”.