Visit the APS Museum

APS Museum exhibitions are open to the public every year from mid-April through December, Thursdays through Sundays.

Hours

• Thursday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Friday 10:00 a.m–4:00 p.m.
• Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Memorial Day through Labor Day 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Closed major holidays. 

The APS Museum is closed to the public Monday through Wednesday. We offer school and group tours during those days. Learn more about how to schedule a class visit or guided tour, available Monday through Wednesday, here.

Location

APS Museum
Phone Number: 215-440-3440

104 South Fifth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(on Fifth Street, between Walnut and Chestnut Streets. Next door to the east side of Independence Hall)
 
Enter from either Fifth Street or Independence Courtyard (behind Independence Hall). Both entrances require a brief, non-invasive security screening.

Guided tours of of the 2018 exhibition In Franklin's Footsteps: 275 Years at the American Philosophical Society are now available for booking. Tours for groups of 5–20 guests may be scheduled Monday–Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (subject to availability). Tours cost $2.00 per child (below the age of 18) and $5.00 per adult. Two weeks or more advance notice is required when scheduling tours. 
 
For detailed information and to request a tour, please click here. 

The APS Museum has a historically significant collection 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. 
 
Significant holdings of the Museum collection include portraits of Founding Fathers; models of inventions; scientific instruments made by or relating to David Rittenhouse and other APS Members; plant specimens collected by Lewis and Clark; and several of Benjamin Franklin’s personal belongings, such as a set of stencils, tall case clock, chess set, and library chair with fold-out steps. Objects in the collection were acquired predominantly through past APS Members and scientific activities of the Society.

Press information for In Franklin's Footsteps: 275 Years at the American Philosophical Society.