The Mütter Museum is Philadelphia's strangest--and possibly grossest, depending on your perspective--tourist attraction. Originally started as a collection of medical oddities for research and the education of students at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the museum draws flocks of people looking to be informed and disturbed. The Mütter's collection includes a wall of over 100 human skulls and an eight-foot-long colon.
Parking and Public Transportation at the Mütter Museum
The Mütter Museum is one of the most easily accessible attractions using Philadelphia's public transportation: nearly every trolley line stops at Market and 22nd, just a block north of the museum. Amtrak also services the nearby 30th Street Station.
The Mütter Museum does not have its own parking lot, though there is paid street parking available around the museum, as well as several parking garages within walking distance, including one around the block from the museum on 21st Street.
Admission to the Mütter Museum
It's $16 for adults to access the museum, and $11 for children ages 6-17. Children 5 and under get in for free, but parents of young children might want to visit or do some research first to determine if their child is ready for this level of creepiness. Seniors, students, and those in the military receive discounted admission with valid ID.
Must See/Do at the Mütter Museum
The Mütter Museum has rotating exhibits, like The Aesthetics of Medical Science. Of course, you can't go to the Mütter without visiting The Soap Lady or the the cast of conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker. Other fan favorites include the cast of the woman with a growth in the shape of a giant horn coming out of her forehead, and the slices of Albert Einstein's brain.
Other Places to Visit Near the Mütter Museum
Museum lovers must check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute. Shopping enthusiasts and foodies will find a lot to love in the nearby Rittenhouse neighborhood.
Insider tip for visitors to the Mütter Museum
While the museum's presentation evokes creepiness, its mission really is educational, so take some extra time to read the descriptions around each specimen. Also, don't miss the Benjamin Rush Medical Plant Garden, in the museum's courtyard.
Author's bio: Jeff Birou is an education administrator by day, travel and freelance writer by night. You can find him at his blog, Lance+Jeff, or on Twitter at @Jetsetter_Jeff.
The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia is a rare book museum and library. It features famous works like Where the Wild Things Are by children's author Maurice Sendak to the original handwritten copy of Ulysses by James Joyce. The museum hosts themed festivals, musical performances and guided tours. Travelers who enjoy books, English literature and the history that goes with it will be astonished at this museum's offerings.
Best and worst time to go to the Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia
The best time to go to the Rosenbach is during the second week of June for the annual week-long Bloomsday Festival. This celebration of James Joyce culminates in a live reading of excerpts of Ulysses by famous Philadelphians.
The worst time to attend the Rosenbach is the third week of June when it only offers partial hours due to fundraising events that are private following the Bloomsday festivities.
Must see/do at the Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia
The most popular activity is to make an appointment to see the handwritten manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses. Visitors and scholars from all over the world make this special trip all year-round.
Guided docent tours of the historic 19th century house are very popular and take place every hour the museum is open. On this journey, visitors will be treated to Dr. Rosenbach's rare library, art and antiques including the recreation of the Greenwich Village living room of poet Marianne Moore.
For families or visitors that still cherish childhood memories, the Maurice Sendak collection features selected drawings and other items the author collected throughout his lifetime.
Admission to the Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia:
The price for admission to the Rosenbach is $10 and under and it includes exhibitions and a guided house tour. Groups of 10 or more must make a reservation.
Parking and public transportation to the Rosenbach Free Library of Philadelphia:
There is plenty of metered street parking around the Rosenbach. There are quite a few commercial parking garages on 20th and 21st Streets.
Food at the Rosenbach Free Library of Philadelphia:
Food is not permitted on the premises of the museum. There are many cafes, famous restaurants and food trucks within blocks. There are a couple of parks, like Rittenhouse Square or Fitler Square, with benches and fountains in walking distance, if visitors want to grab food and sit outside.
Insider tip for visitors to the Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia:
Many visitors are not aware the Rosenbach has a Musician in Residence. The great jazz musician Dave Burrell is often featured. Burrell's performances are a concert series that accompanies a particular current exhibit. To make this a destination stop when on vacation, check the website for more.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.
The American Philosophical Society is the first "learned society" in the United States and has been in existence for over 250 years. It is located on the historic Independence Mall . It was founded by Ben Franklin in 1743 and has an international reputation for all the scholarly work it has done and continues to do. Lewis and Clark studied at the American Philosophical Society for their famous expedition. As the society focuses on Science and the Humanities, visitors with a curious desire to learn more about the history of scientific inquiry and philosophical explanation would have a wonderful time exploring the rooms and shelves.
Best and worst times to go to the American Philosophical Society
If you want to spend quiet, leisure time at the American Philosophical Society, the worst time to go is July 4th weekend. Philadelphia, being the nation's cradle of liberty, hosts a week-long celebration for the fourth of July. Given the society is located along Independence Mall, there will be thousands of tourists milling about and many themed events to attend.
The best time to go to the American Philosophical Society is in October or May. Philadelphia's weather is beautiful in those months and the society will be busy hosting scholarly lectures for the public. There will also be a variety exhibits to choose from.
Must see/do at the American Philosophical Society
Guided tours are quite spectacular. The visitor must make a reservation two weeks in advance, so they need to call (215) 701-4423. Visitors are invited to check out all collections online so they can help plan their guided tour.
To feel the rich history of the United States, visitors must see the Lewis and Clark collection of items like the preserved herbs that were brought back to the American Philosophical Society after the completion of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
When visitors are preparing to leave, they must grab a free copy of Thomas Jefferson's walking tour of Philadelphia. Jefferson's path is a wonderful way to see even more of Philadelphia's rich history while getting some exercise.
Admission to the American Philosophical Society
Admission to the American Philosophical Society is free. They do ask for a $2 donation. Specially arranged guided tours cost $2 for students and $5 for adults. The museum is open Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and from Memorial Day through Labor Day hours are extended until 5 p.m.
Parking /public transit for the American Philosophical Society
The American Philosophical Society is located in Philadelphia's historic district at 104 South 5th Street. Visitors can pay for metered street parking or park at the Bourse Garage which is located on 4th Street between Market and Chestnut. The Market-Frankford Blue Line subway is the most convenient form of public transit. It stops at 5th and Markets streets and is a one block walk to the American Philosophical Society.
Food at the American Philosophical Society
The American Philosophical Society does not offer any food options. But directly across from the museum is Chestnut Street, the amazing variety of cafes and restaurants range from coffee bars to takeout salads to Lebanese to American fare and the prices range from really affordable to fine-dining like the famous restaurant Buddakan.
Insider tip to visitors to the American Philosophical Society
Many people don't realize the American Philosophical Society is also campus of four buildings and one garden. The American Philosophical Society Library is a hidden gem with public space and guided tours. To find out all about the enormous collection and to request a tour, go to their website.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist for 20 years.
