Pennsylvania is a state rich in history and culture. From the Amish countryside to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there are so many opportunities for exploring art museums. There are many different types of museums that can be found throughout the state. Some of these are so unique and need to be on your travel bucket list.
This article will explore some of the best museums in Pennsylvania and give you an idea about what each museum has to offer! We hope this list can help you on your next trip to the state.
Art Museums
Barnes Foundation
The Barnes Foundation is a world-renowned art museum with a huge selection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Early Modernist paintings. Their collection of paintings includes famous artists such as Cezanne, Renoir, Gauguin, and Matisse. But the real highlight is the way they display the works of art.
If you’re a fan of art, you can’t leave Philadelphia without seeing the Barnes Foundation.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States, with a collection of about 220,000 objects. The art museum has pieces from all over the world. The best part is that it’s free to enter, so you can spend as much time there as you like! There are many different galleries and rooms within this massive building. Some of the most popular exhibits include The American Wing, African Art, and the European Painting and Sculpture galleries.
If you’re looking for an art museum with a little bit of everything, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a perfect choice!
Andy Warhol Museum
Andy Warhol has some of the most recognizable works of art. If you’re a fan of his works, head to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Warhol. It has more than 22,000 items in its collection from paintings and drawings to films and videos.
This museum is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about Warhol or just see some really cool art!
Carnegie Museum of Art
The Carnegie Museum of Art was founded in 1895 by Andrew Carnegie. This art museum has an impressive collection with more than 34,000 works of art from all over the world dating back to ancient times. Some popular categories include Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, American art after 1940, and Modern Europe.
No matter what type of art you’re a fan of, the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh is sure to have something for you!
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
This art museum is dedicated to the best collection of American art in the world. The museum was founded in 1805 and is the first art school and museum in the country. It has a collection of more than 16,000 works of American art from all different periods. The best part is that admission is free!
If you’re interested in learning about American art, head to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.
Historical Museums
National Constitution Center
The National Constitution Center in Philadelphia is the only museum in the United States that is solely focused on the U.S. Constitution. It’s a great place to learn about the history and principles of America. Some of the exhibits are interactive, so it’s a great place for families. It’s an interesting museum even if you’re not a huge fan of history and the constitution.
Amish Country
If you want to explore some of Pennsylvania’s history and culture, Amish Country is the best place to go. It offers many different museums that showcase the traditional lifestyle of the Amish people. One popular museum is the Amish Village, which gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the Amish. It will show you a whole new perspective on different people’s lifestyles.
If ever you’re in Lancaster, don’t miss the chance to visit this area.
Eastern State Penitentiary
This former prison is now a museum that offers visitors a look into the history of corrections in America. It’s also home to some of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania! You can take a tour of the prison and learn about the inmates who lived there. This Philadelphia museum is a top tourist attraction you should visit.
Reading Public Museum
The Reading Public Museum started as an art museum but now has a little bit of everything. They have a large collection of natural history objects, science exhibits, and even hands-on displays for kids. One unique exhibit is their display of Egyptian mummies and shrunken heads. There are also some gems and minerals on display. As well as a gold room that you can explore inside a replica mine tunnel. You can find this unique museum in Reading.
The African American Museum in Philadelphia
This museum is dedicated to the African American experience in America. It offers exhibits that explore everything from art and music to history and culture. If you’re eager to learn more about the history of African Americans in America, this is the perfect museum for you!
Unique Museums
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
If you’re looking for something unique and fun to do in Philadelphia, be sure to check out Magic Gardens. It’s an outdoor art museum that is made up of mosaics and sculptures. It’s a great place to explore with friends or family!
Heinz History Center
The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh offers visitors a glimpse into the history of Western Pennsylvania. The museum is best known for its extensive collection of sports, both professional and amateur. There are even artifacts from famous people who have lived or worked in this area! You can learn about the state’s rich culture through various exhibits at this museum.
The most iconic thing about this museum is its extensive exhibit dedicated to Heinz ketchup.
The Franklin Institute
One of the best science museums in the whole country, The Franklin Institute has lots of great exhibits for families to enjoy! There are many different types of hands-on activities that you can participate in. For example, if you’re interested in learning about physics and engineering, there’s an exhibit called How Things Work. Visitors can test out some cool experiments here.
Bicycle Heaven Museum
This museum in Pittsburgh is dedicated to the history of bicycles. It has a collection of more than 3,500 bikes from all around the world! Plus, there’s still around 27,000 in storage. If you’re a cyclist, this is definitely a place you need to visit! You can see how cycling has evolved and learn about some of the unique designs that have been created.
Please Touch Museum
This museum is best for families with young children. It has lots of interactive exhibits where visitors can play and learn about different topics like art, music, physics, and history. They encourage participating in their hands-on displays, hence the name of the museum!
It’s a great place to spend the day with loved ones and have fun while learning about new things.
If ever you’re on a trip to Pennsylvania, keep these museums in mind. They all have something different and interesting to offer. They each have a unique mission and focus on certain topics, so you’ll find something that best suits your interests at any one of them!
