LOCATION

Philosophical Hall

104 South Fifth Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone Number: 215-440-3440

HOURS

Thursday - Sunday (April - December)

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Closed Thursday, November 21, Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th

TICKETS & ADMISSION

The APS Museum is free to visit. We do suggest a $2 donation per individual or $5 donation per family/small group. 

Only 40 visitors are allowed in the exhibition at a time, so we ask visitors to be courteous and respectful of others’ space.

ACCESSIBILITY

Upon entering, visitors will climb a flight of stairs to reach the Museum on the second floor. If you have different accessibility needs, inquire upon entry and our Museum staff will be happy to assist with the use of our wheelchair lift (capacity of 495 lbs) or elevator as needed. If you have questions about accessibility, email [email protected] or call 215-440-3440. Restrooms are not available on site. The Independence Visitor Center provides the closest public facilities nearby.

Guided tours of the 2024 exhibition, Sketching Splendor: American Natural History, 1750-1850 are available to book. Tours, for groups of a minimum of 5 guests, may be scheduled Monday–Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (subject to availability). Tours cost $2.00 per child (below the age of 18) and $5.00 per adult. Two weeks or more advance notice is required when scheduling tours. 
 
For detailed information and to request a tour or school program, please click here. 

If your school or group would like to take advantage of any of our virtual offerings or distance learning opportunities:

• contact [email protected] for more information. 

If you plan to visit the exhibition in a group or with 6 or more people:

• please let us know in advance. The exhibition space is small, so notice of large groups allows us to ensure a positive visitor experience for all guests. We strongly recommend booking a tour for groups of this size! 
• the APS reserves the right to interpret the content of the exhibitions. All group tours must be conducted by APS staff. Our Museum Guides are highly trained and more than happy to answer any of your questions
• we can provide exhibition overviews or quick introductions to the exhibitions and content during regular hours. Let us know in advance and we will work with you to accommodate your group. 

Need more information or have questions prior to your visit? 

Please email [email protected] or call 215-440-3440 with any questions.

The APS Museum has a historically significant collection of approximately 3,000 artifacts and fine art objects. The collection reflects the central role of the APS and Philadelphia in the founding of the nation as well as the development of science and technology from the 18th century through the early 20th century. 
 
Significant holdings of the Museum collection include portraits of Founding Fathers; models of inventions; scientific instruments made by or relating to David Rittenhouse and other APS Members; plant specimens collected by Lewis and Clark; and several of Benjamin Franklin’s personal belongings, such as a set of stencils, tall case clock, chess set, and library chair with fold-out steps. Objects in the collection were acquired predominantly through past APS Members and scientific activities of the Society.