The APS's Museum is open

Location

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

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.

Phone Number: 215-440-3440

HOURS

The exhibition is open during the following hours:

• Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m
• Fridays, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 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 are 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 30 visitors are 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.

PLEASE NOTE: Starting in October, we will no longer be using a timed entry ticketing system. 

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 [email protected] or call 215-440-3440. 

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

HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDURES

At present, we strongly encourage all visitors and staff to wear appropriate face coverings in the exhibition. 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 5 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.

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

Guided tours of the 2022 exhibition Becoming Weatherwise: A History of Climate Science in America are now available for booking. Tours, for groups of a minimum of 5 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 or school program, please click here. 

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 [email protected] for more information. 

If you plan to visit the exhibition in a group or with 6 or more people:

• please let us know in advance. The exhibition space is small, so notice of large groups allows us to ensure a positive visitor experience for all guests. We strongly recommend booking a tour for groups of this size! 
• the APS reserves the right to interpret the content of the exhibitions. All group tours must be conducted by APS staff. Our Museum Guides are highly trained and more than happy to answer any of your questions
• we can provide exhibition overviews or quick introductions to the exhibitions and content during regular hours. Let us know in advance and we will work with you to accommodate your group. 

Need more information or have questions prior to your visit? 

Please email [email protected] 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.