You'll be able to find the more renowned ones, such as the Franklin Institute and the Academy of Natural Sciences grouped together along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, making it convenient to see them both in an afternoon.   

The most well-recognized museum in Philly is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It contains over 300,000 works of art and is acknowledged to be one of the best museums in America. You'll be able to identify it immediately by the stairs made famous in Rocky.

Rodin Museum Re-opens 

The Rodin Museum recently reopened, completing its largest set of renovations to date.  Visitors to the museum, which is located at 22nd Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, will now enjoy complete central air-conditioning, a temperature-control system, and an updated fire alarm system.  Additionally, guests can look forward to a brand new Visitor’s Center and modernized Museum Store.

The building itself is one of Philadelphia’s shining jewels.  It houses one of the best collections in the world of Auguste Rodin, the French sculptor and the man behind such famous works as The Thinker (which can be seen at the museum’s entrance).  

New galleries have been established to coincide with the re-opening, including rare and early casts and sculptures.  The museum boasts over a hundred and twenty sculptures, which include bronze casts of Rodin’s most acclaimed work.  It was established in 1923 by philanthropist Jules Mastbaum, and by 1926 the entire collection was amassed.  All of it remains on display today.

Other improvements upon the original design include the manner in which the gallery is now presented.  There is much more of a sense of drama, due to the fact that the works are once again displayed on the pedestals that early architect Paul Cret designed for them at the museum’s inception.  The main gallery now includes the figures of Burghers of Calais, which are surrounded by numerous other smaller pieces.  The new atmosphere does wonders for the improved tone of the Rodin Museum.

With all of the time and effort put into renovating the Rodin Museum, it is highly recommended that you stop in for a visit during your stay in the City of Brotherly Love.  The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:00 in the evening.  Admission is free, although a $3.00 donation is suggested.  For more information, cal (215) 763-8100.

Please follow this link for our review of the Rodin Museum.