Editing Museum of the American Revolution

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Museum of the American Revolution
| image =
| image_caption = Museum of the American Revolution in Old City
| type = History museum
| address = 101 South Third Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| coordinates = 39.9479,-75.1466
| phone = (215) 253-6731
| website = https://www.amrevmuseum.org
| established = 2017
| founder = H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest (primary donor)
| director = R. Scott Stephenson
| collections = Revolutionary War artifacts
| visitors = 350,000+ annually
| hours = Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
}}

'''The Museum of the American Revolution''' is a history museum located in [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]], dedicated to telling the story of the American Revolution and its ongoing relevance. Opened in '''April 2017''', the museum houses an extraordinary collection of Revolutionary War artifacts, including '''George Washington's headquarters tent'''—the actual tent from which Washington commanded the Continental Army throughout the war.<ref name="amrev">{{cite web |url=https://www.amrevmuseum.org/about |title=About the Museum |publisher=Museum of the American Revolution |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The museum's state-of-the-art galleries use immersive experiences, theatrical presentations, and rare artifacts to explore the Revolutionary era from multiple perspectives, including those of enslaved people, Native Americans, women, and ordinary citizens who experienced the tumult of revolution. Located just steps from [[Independence Hall]] and other historic sites, the museum provides essential context for understanding the birth of the United States.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/museum-of-the-american-revolution/ |title=Museum of the American Revolution |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Origins ===

The museum grew from the collections of the '''Valley Forge Historical Society''', which had preserved Revolutionary War artifacts for over a century. Philadelphia philanthropist '''H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest''' provided the lead gift to create a world-class museum in the heart of historic Philadelphia.

=== The Building ===

The museum building was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects and opened on '''April 19, 2017'''—the 242nd anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Georgian Revival-style building was designed to complement the surrounding historic architecture of Old City.

=== Location ===

The museum sits on land with Revolutionary-era significance:
* Site of the former '''Pemberton House'''
* Near the location of Carpenters' Hall (First Continental Congress)
* Steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell
* Heart of the most historic square mile in America

== Exhibits ==

=== Washington's War Tent ===

The museum's centerpiece is '''George Washington's headquarters tent'''—the actual tent where Washington lived and worked during much of the Revolutionary War. The tent:
* Served as Washington's mobile headquarters from 1778-1783
* Was used at Valley Forge, Yorktown, and other encampments
* Features a dramatic theatrical presentation
* Is one of the most important surviving Revolutionary War artifacts

=== Core Exhibition ===

The museum's permanent galleries tell the story of the Revolution through themed sections:

{| class="wikitable"
! Gallery !! Theme
|-
| '''Road to Revolution''' || Causes and buildup to war
|-
| '''The War Experience''' || Life during the conflict
|-
| '''A Revolutionary People''' || Diverse perspectives
|-
| '''The Price of Freedom''' || Consequences and legacy
|}

=== Notable Artifacts ===

* Washington's headquarters tent
* British General Howe's campaign furniture
* Oneida Nation wampum belt
* Revolutionary-era weapons and uniforms
* Original documents and artwork
* Personal effects of soldiers and civilians

=== Immersive Experiences ===

* '''Battlefield Theater:''' Multi-sensory experience of the Battle of Brandywine
* '''Privateer Ship:''' Interactive recreation of Revolutionary-era naval warfare
* '''Period Room Reconstructions:''' Life in Revolutionary Philadelphia

=== Special Exhibitions ===

The museum regularly hosts traveling exhibitions and develops original shows exploring aspects of the Revolutionary era and its legacy.

== Visiting the Museum ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Daily:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $24 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Children (5 and under):''' Free
* '''Members:''' Free

=== Tips ===

* Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit
* The Washington's tent presentation is a must-see
* Audio guides available
* Start in the introductory theater for orientation
* Combine with visits to nearby Independence Hall and Liberty Bell

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 5th Street Station
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 17, 33, 38, 44, 48
* '''PHLASH:''' Independence Mall stop
* '''Walking:''' Central to Old City historic sites
* '''Parking:''' Independence Mall garage nearby

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Independence Hall]] (2-minute walk)
* [[Liberty Bell]] (2-minute walk)
* [[National Constitution Center]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Carpenters' Hall]] (2-minute walk)
* [[Christ Church]] (3-minute walk)

== Programs and Events ==

=== Educational Programs ===

* School field trips
* Teacher workshops
* Family programs
* Scout programs

=== Public Programs ===

* Lectures and author talks
* Revolutionary War reenactments
* Living history demonstrations
* Special events on historic anniversaries

=== Revolution Place ===

An interactive discovery center for families:
* Hands-on activities for children
* Dress-up in period clothing
* Learn about daily life in Revolutionary times

== See Also ==

* [[American Revolution in Philadelphia]]
* [[Independence Hall]]
* [[Liberty Bell]]
* [[Valley Forge]]
* [[Old City, Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.amrevmuseum.org Museum of the American Revolution Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/museum-of-the-american-revolution/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Museum of the American Revolution Philadelphia - Washington's Tent and Revolutionary War History
|description=Visit the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City Philadelphia. See George Washington's headquarters tent, immersive battlefield experiences, and Revolutionary War artifacts near Independence Hall.
|keywords=Museum of the American Revolution, George Washington tent, Revolutionary War museum, Philadelphia history museum, Independence Hall, Old City Philadelphia, American Revolution artifacts
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:American Revolution]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]