Best Museums in Blue Bell

"What started with Albert C. Barnes’ passion for collecting and teaching others how to view art, has blossomed into an institution with more than 4,000 objects on display, including the works of Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso, and Greek antiquities, African art, Indigenous art, and other one-of-a-kind collections. The building also features a 150-seat auditorium, a conservation and research lab, classrooms, a restaurant, and a beautiful reflecting pool near the entrance. Highlight: “The Barnes Foundation houses many iconic paintings, but Cézanne’s ‘The Card Players’ was probably our founder’s most hard-won purchase."

"By the number of slow-walking, French-speaking people strolling around with their hands clasped behind their backs, you'd think you were smack in the middle of the Musée D'Orsay; but alas. This is where Philadelphia's Main Line sophisticates of a certain age spend weekend afternoons after brunch at The Rittenhouse hotel, and where obliging boyfriends bring their Vera Bradley-toting significant others to pass an afternoon gazing lovingly at Renoirs. Prepare to spend a few hours eyeing nearly-inconceivable amounts of Impressionist art in what feels like a very rich person's manor home."

"2025 Benjamin Franklin PkwyPhiladelphia, PA 19130(215) 278-7000. The Barnes Foundation is an art collection and educational institution nestled in Philadelphia that promotes the appreciation of art and horticulture."

"Nearby Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, The National Constitution Center was added to Independence Mall on the 213th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 2000. Though it does not house the actual constitution, it’s got engaging exhibits that celebrate one of the nation’s founding documents. Highlight: “Little-known to most, on view in the National Constitution Center’s main exhibit, The Story of We the People, is a display that captures what life was like for everyday Philadelphians in the late 1700s."

"Explore high-tech exhibits, learn first-hand with interactive displays or become immersed in the 360˚ multi-media ‘We the People’ story. The center explores the meaning and details of this legendary document in what must be one of the world’s only museums dedicated entirely to one piece of paper. View this post on Instagram"

"The Please Touch Museum is every kid's dream - a place where they can "look with their hands" instead of just their eyes. This completely interactive museum encourages kids of all ages to learn through play, giving them the chance to explore history, fantasy worlds, space, and the big wide world around them. Exhibits such as the kid-size city include costumes they can use to play the part while experimenting with different professions."

"The Please Touch Museum is an interactive children’s museum that has 6 exhibit zones, in which three exhibit areas are designed specifically for children ages 3 and under. All of these areas teach kids the importance of playing, and not just their focus on television. More about the Please Touch Museum, Click Here."

"Younger kiddos love the hands-on experiences available at the fun Please Touch Museum. Here, they encourage children to touch, feel, try, push, pull, splash, poke, prod, and play with all kinds of displays. There is room to try things on, climb, slide, shop, and pretend."

"The Museum of the American Revolution is one of the best historical museums in Philadelphia and a must-see if you’re curious about the American Revolution. Philadelphia was the epicenter of the revolution and the museum does a tremendous job walking visitors through the build up to conflict, armed resistance, Declaration of Independence and the years of war. The museum does a great job of exhibiting the American Revolution through the eyes of more than just the Founding Fathers and white male citizens."

"The Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia opened to the public in April 2017, on the anniversary of the first battle of the revolution. The Museum of the American Revolution tells the story of the revolution through art, manuscripts and printed works from the 17th century."

"One of our favorite museums in Philadelphia, the Museum of the American Revolution walks you through the entire history of the revolution. The interactive exhibits, including the privateers’ ship, bring history to life."

"Philadelphia Art Alliance, Philadelphia|© Rob Bulmahn/Flickr. Presenting music, theater, painting, and sculpture under one roof, the Philadelphia Art Alliance (PAA) is the city’s top destination for contemporary craft and design. Established by philanthropist Christine Wetherill Stevenson in 1915, the PAA addressed an unmet need in the local arts community for a gallery dedicated specifically to craft and design."

"The Philadelphia Art Alliance is a multidisciplinary arts center in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The institution hosts art exhibits, theater and music workshops, poetry readings, lectures, concerts, and recitals."

"At the American Philosophical Society Museum, you can trace American history and science from the Founding Fathers to the digital age. Their collection consists 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."

"Philosophical Hall is not just historic because the building is more than 230 years old. The building is home to the American Philosophical Society, one of the oldest scholarly organizations in the United States. Early membership was a who’s-who of Colonial America, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton."

"A Victorian mansion in the Chestnut Hill section of the city, the Woodmere holds the private collection of Philadelphian Charles Knox Smith, who asked in his will that his collection be shared with the community. The permanent collection displays works from the founder and the exhibitions consistently showcase Philadelphia artists. For an evening event, head over on the weekends to enjoy Friday night jazz or the musical performances on Saturdays."

"In the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Woodmere Art Museum tells the story of Philadelphia's art and artists. The 19th-century stone Victorian mansion sits on a six-acre lawn that includes a treasure trove of sculptures fashioned by Philadelphia-area artists. On the grounds is a Children's Garden that contains fanciful wooden creatures like birds, butterflies, and a giant bird's nest nestled within the flowerbeds."

"Woodmere Art Museum is located in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, which has a collection of paintings, prints, sculpture and photographs focusing on artists from the Delaware Valley. Location:9201 Germantown Ave |  Phone:(215) 247-0476. Please tell us in the comments below, which Philadelphia Museums are your favorite or which museums you would like to visit."

"Betsy Ross is a figure of American folklore and is credited as the designer of the American flag. While her exact role in that process is sometimes disputed, one thing for certain is that her home is one of the popular historic buildings in Philadelphia. Without wading into the historical debate, records show that she lived in the house or in the building adjacent to it."

"Betsy Ross has reached legend-status as the maker of the first ever US flag. Historians now debate the accuracy of the story but wander through the tiny rooms of Betsy’s 1740 home and learn why she took on the potentially treasonous task at the request of George Washington. It’s another of Philadelphia’s unique historical attractions."

"The Betsy Ross house sits on Arch Street, several blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The house is a landmark in Philadelphia and supposedly the site where the seamstress and flag-maker Betsy Ross (1752-1836) lived when she sewed the first American Flag."

"Gray and bunkerish on the outside, comfy and welcoming on the inside, with a 100-year-old bar and an attached bottle shop (Tinys), the Lunar Inn is like a study in what would happen if you assembled a multidisciplinary dream team of industry pros and let them all loose in a neighborhood in transition with the goal of creating the perfect bar. So whether you think “perfect” means PBR and a plate of chicken wings or a tofu banh mi and a glass of natty wine, Lunar Inn is it. 3124 Richmond Street, Port Richmond."

"A couple years back, Bok Bar — with its sweeping views and stunning rooftop location — was the city’s darling: an undeniably hip, summery spot that made Philly feel like it was right on the edge of being truly cool. Now, with Irwin’s, we can feel the same way all year ’round, with the added benefit of small plates, comfortable, mismatched chairs, graffiti on the walls and Middle Eastern-influenced cocktails drunk by candlelight. East Passyunk | Middle Eastern800 Mifflin Street, inside the Bok Building, 215-693-6206More about Irwin’s | Return to ranked list"

"This indoor/outdoor bar located in the historical Bok building in the heart of Philly is the place to be for al things cocktails and good vibes. Whether you’re after a few glasses of wine to top off the workday or a couple of cocktails to celebrate, Irwin’s has you covered on all fronts. We suggest trying their ‘death in the afternoon’ cocktail made with cava, absinthe and lemon twist."

"W/N W/N has always been like a mad scientist’s experiment in barroom Darwinism, a fast-forward exercise in economics and alcohol that has taken many forms over the years, from a down-and-dirty DIY neighborhood bar with a semi-permanent pop-up pizzeria inside to its current incarnation as a local collaborative hosting everything from karaoke nights to writers’ groups. It’s a neighborhood bar that puts its neighborhood first — as a place where everyone can come together for a cup of coffee in the morning and a smart cocktail in the evening — and an ever-evolving example of what Philly’s drinking class wants in this moment in time, and all the moments following. 931 Spring Garden Street, Callowhill."

"Pronounced “win win,” this Spring Garden oasis also serves booze and is known for hosting karaoke. It’s a no-frills hipster heaven for coffee aficionados and the place to enjoy an espresso martini. Order online for pickup or get it delivered on DoorDash."

"Located in Midtown Village, the Raw Sushi and Sake Lounge is a unique and classy spot to indulge in Japanese cuisine. Boasting a wide-ranging menu, Raw delights both the sushi aficiando and the beginner with its modern, innovative take on old favorites. Raw also features a great downtown atmosphere that takes full advantage of its location at the heart of Philly."

"Nothing pairs better with a good piece of sashimi than a nice cup of sake. At 1225Raw, modern sushi bar meets à la mode taste. The restaurant serves an array of fresh fish and sake options—basically, there’s something for everyone."

"Betsy Ross is a figure of American folklore and is credited as the designer of the American flag. While her exact role in that process is sometimes disputed, one thing for certain is that her home is one of the popular historic buildings in Philadelphia. Without wading into the historical debate, records show that she lived in the house or in the building adjacent to it."

"Betsy Ross has reached legend-status as the maker of the first ever US flag. Historians now debate the accuracy of the story but wander through the tiny rooms of Betsy’s 1740 home and learn why she took on the potentially treasonous task at the request of George Washington. It’s another of Philadelphia’s unique historical attractions."

"The Betsy Ross house sits on Arch Street, several blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. The house is a landmark in Philadelphia and supposedly the site where the seamstress and flag-maker Betsy Ross (1752-1836) lived when she sewed the first American Flag."

"Famously known as the “hippest street in town,” the South Street area features over 300 shops and 50 bars and restaurants. Always buzzing with activity, this part of the city has an artsy edge and features a collection of the coolest locally-owned businesses and stores around including plenty of antique dealers, fabric shops, and art galleries. A few unique favorites include Bella boutique, Crash Bang, Boom, Nocturnal skate shop, Gilly Jeans, and Raxx Vintage Emporium."

"South Street’s reputation for bohemian, punk and a generally alternative style will not disappoint. The little boutiques and shop where hipsters go to hang out catch the eyes of people walking. Walk around and you can never go more than a block without seeing a beautifully painted mural."

"Many people come here to shop and check out the funky stores. It is a spot to see cultural diversity and an eclectic mix of music, art, and food. Enjoy an authentic Philly Cheesesteak at Jim’s or check out some bars, like Tattooed Mom."

"One of Philadelphia’s newest park spaces is already a beloved summer escape for tourists exploring Philadelphia’s many museums and locals looking for a café to enjoy while their kids splash around under the hot summer sun. There are restrooms to change into swimsuits if necessary, but most kids won’t mind just diving in before you even get their suit on. A lifeguard is on site for the wading pool, so no need to worry."

"Sister Cities Park is a renovated area that now features a commemorative fountain, brand new café, boat pond and educational garden. For the young members of the family, they can have fun playing in the Wissahickon-inspired Children’s Discovery Garden that features meandering pathways, gently scalable rocks and a winding stream. Wade in the boat pond’s shallow waters and, for extra fun, rent a sailboat!"

"Philadelphia has pride in itself, but it also has a love for the world outside of its limits. One of the best representations of this is Sister Cities Park. This is one of the biggest places of interest if you want to check out Philadelphia parks."