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National Liberty Museum

November 26, 2013 by

Explore the history of our nation at the National Liberty Museum, where a series of interactive exhibits tells the story of the people and events that led the U.S. to freedom and democracy. The museum’s mission is to highlight the strength and fragility of our fair land. Exhibits explore the life and work of outstanding leaders, including 19 Nobel Prize winners and the honorees of the Philadelphia Liberty Medal, including former President Jimmy Carter, Vaclav Havel, and Lech Walesa. A gallery highlights the story of our nation’s immigrants, exploring the various reasons they left their homeland to immigrate to America. A highpoint is the Flame of Liberty, a 20 foot glass sculpture by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. More than 100 glass art sculptures are exhibited throughout the museum. Open every day.

National Liberty Museum
321 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19195
(215) 925-2800
http://www.yelp.com/biz/national-liberty-museum-philadelphia

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Rosenbach Museum and Library: An Amazing Collection

August 6, 2013 by

Located in two beautiful townhouses on Delancey Place, the Rosenbach Museum and Library is one of Philadelphia’s most impressive storehouses of knowledge. Chartered to bring the collections of Philip and A.S.W. Rosenbach to the public eye, the Museum opened its doors in 1954. The Rosenbach brothers were Philadelphia institutions, becoming one of the most respected rare book dealers in America during the early part of the 20th century. They sold a huge variety of pricey manuscripts, but the materials they held back for their private collection are far more interesting. The townhouses are primarily furnished in the decorative arts style of the time, with gorgeous 18th century English pieces. The library, of course, is the crown jewel of the Museum, with a staggering collection of rare books. Sign up for a guided tour to have the opportunity to learn more about those volumes and even read from some – it’s a connection with history that you won’t soon forget.

Rosenbach Museum and Library
2008-2010 Delancey Place
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-1600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosenbach-museum-and-library-philadelphia

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The Wagner Free Institute of Science: Investigate the Earth

February 26, 2013 by

Situated just outside of the museum district in Philadelphia, The Wagner Free Institute of Science offers a wonderfully comprehensive overview of the vast realms of science — for free! Curators at the Institute have brought in various unique specimens to create vivid, 3-D exhibits that enthrall everyone who visits. Adults and children, alike, will love checking out the collections of minerals, fossils, shells, and mounted birds and mammals. A few must-sees of the Institute are the assembled dinosaur skeletons, as well as the first American saber-tooth tiger. In addition, people of all ages can receive more in-depth instruction through free, hands-on classes — some are geared toward young students, while the introductory college level courses are for adults of any level. Other offerings include the weekly lecture series, group discussions, as well as family-friendly festivals. The Wagner Free Institute is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

The Wagner Free Institute
1700 W. Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121
(215) 763-6529

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Academy of Natural Sciences: Our Nation’s Most Historic Natural History Museum

January 7, 2013 by

The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia is our nation's oldest natural history museum. The museum has built an impressive collection over its nearly 200 years of existence. The staff is committed to researching biodiversity and the environment, and, thanks to their hard work, the museum is continually growing its permanent collections, as well as bringing in visiting exhibits. For a real thrill, check out the living creatures that inhabit the Butterflies exhibit, the Live Animal exhibit, and Outside In. The Academy of Natural Sciences has also replicated many exotic environments in impressive dioramas, and has enthralling displays of ancient bones and bodies in their dinosaur and mummies exhibits. The rotating exhibits often pay homage to well-known scientists and discoveries, or take an up-close look at different species and environments. The Academy is great for all ages, and kids will love all the hands-on activities and live animals! For a more adult experience, visit for a scientific lecture, field study, or monthly group discussion.

Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 299-1000

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Fabric Workshop and Museum: Sew Cool

December 4, 2012 by

Founded in 1977, the Fabric Workshop and Museum was chartered with the intention of promoting the use of fabric and textile materials in the arts. It originally opened as a screenprinting studio focusing on functional arts, but over the life of the Workshop those restrictions have loosened, and now artists in residence work with a wide variety of materials and techniques, including horsehair and fiberglass. The roster of creative people who have collaborated with the Workshop includes luminaries like Louise Bourgeois, Felix Gonzales-Torres, and Glenn Ligon. Visitors rave about the variety of artwork on display in the spacious galleries. The Fabric Workshop and Museum also hosts a variety of educational programs, including a weekly silkscreening workshop and a robust online curriculum.

Fabric Workshop and Museum
1214 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 561-8888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-fabric-workshop-and-museum-philadelphia

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Penn Museum: From Around the World

December 6, 2011 by

Founded in 1887, The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology has had over 100 years to amass a collection. From over 400 expeditions, the museum has acquired artifacts from the Fertile Crescent, Mesoamerica, the Mediterranean, Asia, and the early civilizations in America and Africa. Permanent collections include some of the largest displays of African, American, Babylonian, and Egyptian artifacts in the country. The Museum offers material tours through North America, including artifacts excavated right in Philadelphia! In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum hosts revolving exhibitions examining various aspects of culture through anthropological observations, physical artifacts, and interdisciplinary artwork.

Penn Museum
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-4000

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