What You Will See
This museum is devoted to the history of Philadelphia, and shows how people worked, played, lived and struggled on the city streets and suburban towns of Greater Philadelphia during the last three centuries. It was founded in 1938 by radio pioneer A. Atwater Kent, who purchased the historic building -- the original home of the Franklin Institute -- and gave it to Philadelphia to become a historical museum.

Don't miss the collection of Norman Rockwell's paintings for The Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell illustrated a total 321 covers for the magazine from 1916 to 1963. His work touched millions of people and have been reproduced more often than the work of Rembrandt, Picasso and Michelangelo combined.

We also liked the Experience Philadelphia exhibit, which features a huge floor map of the Philadelphia region and tells about how the city itself works.

More Fun Nearby
The Curtis Center (corner of 7th Street and Washington Square), once the headquarters of the company that published the Saturday Evening Post, makes a fitting stop after you've admired the museum's collection of Rockwell cover illustrations. Enter through the magnificent Fountain Court and then relax on the benches by the "Dream Garden," an enormous glass mosaic by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

The Atwater Kent Museum is also right around the corner from the Liberty Bell in the heart of Philadelphia's historic district. Independence Hall, Carpenter's Hall, and the Betsy Ross House are all nearby.

Museum Information
For hours, admission fees and up-to-the-minute information about exhibitions, visit the Atwater Kent Museum's web site.

QUICK CLICKS
Check out Cheaptickets.com "Cheap of the Week" and save BIG on featured destinations!
Find 4-star hotels at 2 star prices at Hotwire.com and get up to 60% off retail rates!
Luggage Online carries top brands in luggage, briefcases and travel accessories at great prices.
Add one of these once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences, including skydiving, helicopter rides, hot air ballooning and much more, to your Philadelphia trip -- you'll be glad you did!

Site Directory: