Free Philadelphia Museums

By Meg Favreau

Updated 02/25/16

Think you have to open your wallet to spend a great afternoon at a museum?  Nope.  These free Philadelphia museums, featuring subjects as diverse as history, science and shoes, entertain and educate without charging entrance fees.

  • 01 of 09
    The Chemical Heritage Foundation

    Discover the history of chemistry and how it shapes our lives today through permanent and changing exhibits.  Open Monday through Friday, plus occasionally in the evening for special events.

    315 Chestnut St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19106
    215-925-2222

  • 02 of 09
    Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

    Visit the home of one of America's most famous and thrilling writers.  Open Wednesday through Sunday.

    532 N 7th St.
    Philadelphia, PA
    215-597-8780

  • 03 of 09
    Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

    These historical sites are completely free to visit, but note that between March and December, you will need to reserve tickets in advance in order to visit Independence Hall.

    6th and Market Streets
    Philadelphia, PA 19106
    1-800-537-7676

  • 04 of 09
    The Institute of Contemporary Art

    Open Wednesday through Sunday, the Institute of Contemporary Art features current art from local, national and international artists in a variety of mediums.

    118 South 36th St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19104
    215-898-7108

    Continue to 5 of 9 below.
  • 05 of 09
    Mario Lanza Institute Museum

    Learn about and see artifacts from the life of famous tenor Mario Lanza, who was born in Philadelphia.  Closed Thursdays and Sundays.

    712 Montrose St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19147
    215-238-9691

  • 06 of 09
    The Polish American Cultural Center

    This museum celebrates Poland, Polish culture and the history of Polish people in America. Open Monday through Friday, plus Saturdays May through December.

    308 Walnut St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19106
    215-922-1700

  • 07 of 09
    The TUSPM Shoe Museum

    The foot-focused museum run by Temple's Podiatric school houses a collection of over 900 pairs of shoes, including pairs worn by Joan Rivers and Sally Struthers.  The museum is free, but you must schedule your visit in advance.

    8th and Race Streets
    Philadelphia, PA 19107
    215-625-5243

  • 08 of 09
    Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial

    Visit the home of the Polish-American Revolutionary War hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko and discover how his engineering skill helped win the war.  Open Wednesday to Sunday.

    3rd & Pine Streets
    Philadelphia, PA 19106
    215-597-9618‎

    Continue to 9 of 9 below.
  • 09 of 09
    Woodmere Art Museum

    Tucked inside a Victorian mansion, Woodmere features works from Philadelphia-area artists.  Open Tuesday through Sunday.

    9201 Germantown Ave.
    Philadelphia, PA 19118
    215-247-0476