The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater...

Activity Overview

Wealthy inventor, Atwater Kent, created a museum dedicated to Philadelphia's heritage in 1938. Today this recently renovated structure continues to tell Philadelphia's story through its multiple galleries, 400 objects and 100,000 pieces of history.

Things to See & Do

• Marvel at the largest existing map of Philadelphia which takes up the entire main gallery floor.
• Children discover various sites on the above-mentioned Philadelphia map through worksheets provided that also teach them basic map reading skills.
• Check the museum's calendar to find a lecture, concert, presentation or event of interest.

• Peruse any one of these informative exhibits that contain personal accounts, photos, relics and videos:

  • City Stories: An Introduction to Philadelphia
  • Philadelphia Voices: Northern Liberties: From World’s Workshop to Hipster Mecca and the People in Between
  • Face to Facebook
  • The Ordinary, the Extraordinary, and the Unknown: The Power of Objects
  • Made to be Played
  • Made in Philadelphia, Gifts that Gleam: Stories in Silver
  • Main Gallery (contains large map of Philadelphia)
  • 9 to 5: 100 Years of Office Equipment, Exhibit at Philadelphia International Airport

The Philadelphia History Museum Insider Tips

• Check out some recently acquired Philadelphia fortune teller's costumes.
• Active military and children 12 and under are free.