Free 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."

"Institute of Contemporary art was founded in 1963, and since its beginnings, it has been focused on discovering up-and-coming stars of the contemporary art world. The best example is Andy Warhol's first solo exhibition in 1965 that was hosted by the Institute and which attracted a great deal of attention, launching him into the stardom. Some of the other artists who had their first shows in this venue are Laurie Anderson, Vija Celmins, Karen Kilimnik, Agnes Martin and Robert Indiana."

"If you’re looking for the next big name in contemporary art, the ICA is a go-to destination. Founded in 1963 by the visionary Holmes Perkins, the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania was designed to expose students to innovative, up-and-coming areas of art and culture. Committed to bringing under-recognized artists into the spotlight, the gallery hit the ground running, holding Andy Warhol’s first-ever museum solo show in 1965."

"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."

"Another place of maritime importance in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the Independence Seaport Museum. Multiple amazing ships can be seen here, and so much can be learned. Any list of historical activities in Philly needs to include a trip to this museum."

"211 S Christopher Columbus BlvdPhiladelphia, PA 19106(215) 413-8655. Click Here To See Ticket Price. Founded in 1961, this unique museum highlights the maritime culture and history of the Delaware River and the city."

"The Independence Seaport Museum was founded in 1961 and is located in the Penn's Landing complex along the Delaware River in Philadelphia,…"

"Bars Breweries Kensington. Merging old-world style with modern techniques, Philadelphia Brewing Company operates in the oldest and largest brewing facility in Philadelphia. The brewery churns out more than a dozen varieties each year, most with monikers inspired by the City of Brotherly Love."

"Philadelphia Brewing Co. opened its doors in 2001 in Philly’s industrial Kensington neighborhood area. The brewery itself was originally constructed by the Weisbrod & Hess Oriental Brewing Company in 1885. Check out this spot for a great outdoor beer garden and free tours on Saturdays."

"Philadelphia Brewing is selling their entire inventory, including mix and match cases of beer for $33 and $11 six-packs of cider. There are also industry specials, and kegs for purchase - check their Instagram for more information, and call ahead to place an order."

"Dock St. Brewery originally opened in 1985 and now has two locations open in Philly plus a cannery where patrons can enjoy craft cocktails and exciting live events. The selection of beers changes weekly and their menu includes creative and delicious hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas!. **Now open for limited outdoor dining plus takeout via online ordering"

"Bars Breweries Angora. Head to West Philadelphia to enjoy exclusive brews, delicious bites and festive atmosphere at Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant. The brewery takes its name from the Philadelphia seaport district that was the nation’s largest producer of beer in the 1700s."

"The OG brewery in Philadelphia, Dock Street manages to churn out some of the best brews in the city while also serving some fine pizza. So while West Philadelphia may make this brewery a destination for many, the trek is well worth it."

"Estia is a stylish Greek eatery with a homey ambiance that serves authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. One of three locations, the family-friendly restaurant features a deep blue ceiling, antiqued stucco whitewashed walls, hand-chiseled limestone floors, hand-woven rugs, rustic farm tables, dark wood chairs, and upholstered banquettes for intimate dining. An indoor courtyard with a living olive tree is perfect for romantic alfresco dining in the summer, where guests can tuck into authentic Greek fare such as grilled calamari or octopus, fresh salads and mezze like hummus and tzatziki, and fresh Mediterranean fish."

"Avenue of the ArtsThe upscale Center City favorite is now offering takeout and some outdoor dining as the pandemic rages on. All the high-end favorites, from lobster linguini to African prawns, is available for reserved outdoor dining, but you can also recreate the magic from the safety of your home with a near-identical menu available for take-out. You can also enjoy Estia’s notable wine list with selections available for curb-side pickup with some family-style dinner helpings."

"It’s hard not to fall in love with the elegant dining room at Estia. Here, style and elegance are key, and so is luxury; they fly fish fresh in straight from the Mediterranean. This is the kind of place you take someone you’re looking to truly impress."

"Another local favorite, Rouge has anchored al fresco dining in Rittenhouse Square since 1998. Serving weekend brunch and lunch and dinner on weekdays, Rouge offers an intimate spot for dining in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. Munch on a Rouge Burger whilst lounging outside and people-watching in Rittenhouse Square with the locals."