Philadelphia History Museum
| Type | History museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 15 South 7th Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 685-4830 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1938 |
| Founder | A. Atwater Kent |
| Hours | Check website for hours |
The Philadelphia History Museum (formerly the Atwater Kent Museum) tells the story of Philadelphia from its founding right up to today. It's housed in a historic building at 15 South 7th Street in Old City. You'll find artifacts, photographs, and documents here that span three centuries of Philadelphia's neighborhoods, people, industries, and cultural life.[1]
Radio manufacturer A. Atwater Kent founded the museum in 1938. For over seventy years it operated as the Atwater Kent Museum before being renamed in 2012. The institution's always focused on everyday Philadelphia life. Not the famous figures, but the neighborhoods, communities, and ordinary people who actually built the city.
History
A. Atwater Kent
A. Atwater Kent (1873-1949) was a Philadelphia industrialist who made serious money manufacturing radios. During the 1930s, Kent decided Philadelphia needed a proper history museum. He put his money where his mouth was and donated the funds to establish it.
The Building
An 1826 Greek Revival structure designed by John Haviland houses the museum. It was the former Franklin Institute building and is itself a historic landmark. Not bad for a home base.
The Atwater Kent Museum
For decades, the Atwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia History operated in this space. It presented Philadelphia artifacts and collections, neighborhood histories, industrial and commercial history, and everyday life in Philadelphia.
Renaming and Changes
Everything shifted in 2012. The museum was renamed the Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent to better reflect its core mission of telling Philadelphia's story. The place has gone through operational changes in recent years, so you'll want to check the website for current status and hours before you visit.
Collections
Focus Areas
The collections here are pretty wide-ranging. Everyday objects from Philadelphia homes and businesses sit alongside extensive photographs that document the city visually. There're papers, maps, and records showing trade and commerce. You get community histories across different neighborhoods too.
Notable Holdings
- Early Philadelphia views and maps
- Centennial Exposition materials
- Commercial and industrial artifacts
- Philadelphia-made goods
- Photographic collections
Neighborhood Stories
What sets this museum apart? It doesn't push famous figures on you. Instead you'll see working-class life, immigrant communities, neighborhood development, industrial workers, and the everyday Philadelphians who actually lived here. That's the real Philadelphia.
Visiting the Museum
Current Status
The operational landscape has shifted over the past few years. Always check ahead. Confirm hours on the website. Make sure they're open. Review what exhibitions are currently running.
Location
15 South 7th Street, between Market and Chestnut Streets in Old City.
Getting There
- SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 5th Street Station
- SEPTA Bus: Routes 17, 33, 44, 48
- Walking: It's right in central Old City
- Parking: Independence Mall garage is nearby
Nearby Attractions
- Independence Hall (2 blocks)
- Liberty Bell (2 blocks)
- National Constitution Center (3 blocks)
- African American Museum in Philadelphia (1 block)
See Also
References
- ↑ "Philadelphia History Museum". Philadelphia History Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025