Surround yourself with the history, culture and nature of Pennsylvania in a museum that examines every area of life in the diverse state.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of all things related to the historic region. Art dedicated to its role in the war, fossils from the prehistoric era and replica cars are all a part of a vast collection that documents the story of the state. Travel through time and learn about the farmers, entrepreneurs and soldiers that helped to shape Pennsylvania.
Walk through different eras and cultures of Pennsylvania in the museum’s first floor. Replica shop and house façades that line the corridors provide insight into the region’s history. Permanent exhibits focus on topics such as the role of the state in America and include a recreation of a 19th-century town center.
Learn about the Native American populations of Pennsylvania on the second floor, which has displays of archaeological artifacts from the area’s earliest inhabitants. Also on this floor is an exhibit dedicated to the industry and transport of the region, as well as art on the subject of the Civil War.
The top floor invites visitors to explore the nature and geology of Pennsylvania. Browse fossils and skeletons from America’s prehistoric past and wander through a forest filled with local mammals. Discover how you can play your part in preserving the ecosystems and biodiversity of the U.S.
Join in with the interactive areas in the museum. Gaze at stars and attend special seasonal events in the museum’s Planetarium. The Curiosity Collection is a hands-on exhibition area designed to help children engage with the topics covered in the museum displays.
Some of the museum’s spaces are used for temporary exhibitions, which change each season. Read about more niche areas of Pennsylvanian life in these changing displays, which have included topics such as local photography, birdwatching and architecture in the past.
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is open from Wednesday to Sunday every week, excluding major holidays. Metered parking is available on neighboring streets to the museum, which is located next to the Pennsylvania State Capitol. To get here, ride a bus to Commonwealth Avenue, which is just 5 minutes away from the museum on foot.
