Location

The APS Museum is located at:
Philosophical Hall
104 South Fifth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone Number: 215-440-3440

Please note: the Independence Hall side entrance will not be open or accessible to the public at this time. Plan on entering from Fifth Street.

HOURS

The exhibition will be open during the following hours:

• Friday evenings, 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
• Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m
• Sundays, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 

Closed major holidays. 

TICKETS & ADMISSION

Timed entry tickets required for visitation. We will be using a timed entry system. The time of your ticket notes the time frame in which you must arrive at the Museum. Tickets available on this Eventbrite page.

Only 20 visitors will be allowed in the exhibition at a time, so we ask visitors to be courteous and respectful towards other visitors or visitors in the next entry time.

ACCESSIBILITY

Our Fifth Street entrance is our accessible entrance. There, we have a wheelchair lift (capacity of 495 lbs) and easier access to an elevator. If you have questions about accessibility, email museumeducation@amphilsoc.org or call 215-440-3440. 

HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDURES

At present, we will require all visitors and staff to wear appropriate face coverings. We will be maintaining updated cleaning procedures and will provide hand sanitizer upon entry to the building. If you are unable to be vaccinated or have children under the age of 12 and would still like to visit in a safe environment, email us. We will work with you to find an appropriate visiting time.

Those uncomfortable with in-person visitation are encouraged to explore our many virtual offerings, including the Virtual Tour of Dr. Franklin, Citizen Scientist. 

Be sure to check our website for the most up-to-date information.

We are not currently offering in-person school or group tours of the exhibition. Check our website for the most up-to-date information. If your school or group would like to take advantage of any of our virtual offerings or distance learning opportunities:

• visit our page on the Center for Interactive and Collaborative Learning to book distance learning lessons 
• contact MuseumEducation@AmPhilSoc.Org for more information. 

Need more information or have questions prior to your visit? 

Please email MuseumEducation@AmPhilSoc.Org or call 215-440-3440 with any questions.

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 Mapping a Nation: Shaping the Early American Republic.