Campus Philly

Museums

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Rosenbach Museum & Library

2008 Delancey Place

Take a tour of this incredible museum and library and see a sampling of over 400,000 books, manuscripts and letters by authors you know including Bram Stoker, Emily Dickinson, Oscar Wilde and Toni Morrison and those you probably don’t like the first Black author to be published in the United States, Phillis Wheatley, and American playwright and Queer icon Mercedes De Acosta.

Sign up for one of our special Behind the Bookcase programs which feature writers you may not have heard about such as the first Black author to be published in the United States, Phillis Wheatley, and American playwright and Queer icon Mercedes De Acosta. We also offer free appointments with our friendly librarians who can help you make connections between your coursework and our collections.

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Eastern State Penitentiary

2027 Fairmount Ave.

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Explore Eastern State’s history and reflect on the legacy of American criminal justice reform. Admission includes history exhibits like Al Capone’s Cell and Death Row, award-winning exhibits about prisons today and the root causes of mass incarceration, site-specific artist installations, and more.

Note for CollegeFest:

CollegeFest attendees should check in at the designated table inside the penitentiary’s front gate along Fairmount Ave. Audio guides will not be available for Collegefest attendees; however, a full transcript of “The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour (and audio files for the first ten stops) can be found at www.EasternState.org/explore/audio-tour

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Independence Seaport Museum

211 S. Columbus Blvd.

Experience the Philadelphia region’s waterways through history, science, and art, plus experiences on the water. Climb aboard ships, board submarines, and explore the many unique exhibits.

Enjoy $4 off general admission with your Student ID to the Museum, as well as Cruiser Olympia!

If you’re interested in exploring Submarine Becuna, you can purchase a guided tour for an additional $10.

 

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Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

101 South Independence Mall East

A Smithsonian-affiliated museum focusing on the 360-year history of Jews in America, featuring a collection of 20,000 objects in its many exhibitions.

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Betsy Ross House

239 Arch Street

Known as the birthplace of the American flag, this historic house tells the story of Betsy Ross and her exciting life in the 18th century through interactive tours.

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Museum of the American Revolution

101 South Third Street

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration.

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Institute of Contemporary Art

118 S 36th Street

This University City spot was created in 1963 to expose students to what was “new and happening,” and it still continues to do just that through its engaging art that “speaks to urgent issues facing our community and our country,” according to the Institute’s Director.

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Edgar Allen Poe House

532 N 7th Street

Edgar Allan Poe lived in Philadelphia for six years, and during that time he wrote some of his most mystifying and well-known works, including “The Tell-Tale Heart” and many others.

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Barnes Foundation

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Founded by Dr. Albert C. Barnes, the Barnes Foundation is home to one of the finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist and Modern paintings in the world—including works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso, plus important African sculpture, Pennsylvania German furniture, and decorative arts.

Year-round deal: general Admission is $5 for college students (with valid ID).

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National Constitution Center

525 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA

Learn all the history and modern day impacts of the U.S. Constitution through this museum’s hands-on exhibits, rare artifacts, and live theater programs. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the Founding Fathers in Signers’ Hall!

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