If you’re looking to explore and delve into history, science, art, or just the unusual, but aren’t looking to shell out the cash to do so, this is the list you need.
We’ve compiled a list of museums and attractions in Philadelphia that you can explore for free during the Wawa Welcome America festivities. from June 19 to July 4, 2022. You may have never been there for some of them.
June 19 (Juneteenth): African American Museum in Philadelphia
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can go to the AAMP to discover and celebrate African-American culture and history on June 19. You can register in advance here.
African American Museum of Philadelphia: 701 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
For day 2 of the 16-day festival, you can explore the Historic town of Rittenhouse with free entry. Individuals are encouraged to explore the centuries-old town and learn about the history of the paper industry.
Rittenhouse Town: 6034 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
June 21: Philadelphia Museum of Illusions, Wagner Free Institute of Science
You can consult the “edutainment” at Museum of illusions for free, with its various stunning illusions and holograms to discover.
Philly Live’s Aunyea Lachelle is a little giddy at the new Museum of Illusions in Philadelphia. You will have to see it to believe your eyes.
You can also experience Wagner Free Institute of Science free of charge. The National Historic Landmark Natural History Museum and Educational Facility allows visitors to use scavenger hunts to discover exhibits or explore on their own.
Philadelphia Museum of Illusions: 401 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Wagner Free Institute of Science: 1700 W. Montgomery Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19121
June 22: Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Live Eastern State Penitentiary with a free night tour on June 22. Special free admission includes “The Voices of Eastern State” audio tour, exhibits like Al Capone’s Cell, and artist installations.
You can also immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center in West Fairmount Park with their Pay What You Wish Day. You can visit the house, the beautiful Japanese garden scenery, and even feed the koi fish. Check their website to collect your tickets.
Eastern State Penitentiary: 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center: S. Horticultural Dr. & Lansdowne Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19131
June 23: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
You can verify PAFA to see the history of American art through its collections and exhibitions.
For car enthusiasts, you can view one of the largest collections of racing sports cars in the world at Simeone Foundation Automobile Museum free.
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts: 118-128 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19102
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum: 6825-31 Norwitch Dr., Philadelphia, PA 19153
June 24: Masonic Temple, Library & Museum, Rodin Museum
You can explore the art, frescoes, stained glass, murals and sculptures at Masonic Temple, Library and Museum free.
June 24 is also Pay What You Want Day at Rodin Museum. The museum has one of the most important collections of works by the sculptor Auguste Rodin. Can’t come on the 24th? The Rodin Museum is organizing a second Pay Wish You Wish day on July 1st.
Masonic Temple, Library and Museum: 1 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Rodin Museum: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130
June 25: Paul Robeson House & Museum, Arch Street Meeting House, Johnson House History Site
Paul Robeson House and Museum offers tours of the “Paul Robeson: Up Close and Personal” exhibit which consists of paintings, books, record albums, photos and artifacts relating to Robeson that you can view for free.
Both a museum and an active Quaker place of worship, the Arch Street Meeting House offers the opportunity to learn about the stories of the building, the people and the grounds on Arch Street.
Johnson House Historic Site organize a Pay What You Wish day. Visitors can learn about the people who worked for the freedom of others, as well as appreciate the courageous decisions made by those who were enslaved to embark on a journey to freedom.
Paul Robeson House and Museum: 4951 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19139
Arch Street Meeting House: 320 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Johnson House Historic Site: 6306 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
June 26: Neon Museum in Philadelphia
The 26th is the day Pay what you wish at Philadelphia Neon Museum. You can explore the museum’s collection of over 150 neon artworks and various signage.
Neon Museum of Philadelphia: 1800 N. American St., Philadelphia, PA 19122
June 27: Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion
Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion organize a Pay What You Wish day. There are two floors of museum exhibits to explore, unique interactive experiences, and the 7,000 square foot Tropical Butterfly Pavilion.
Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153
June 28: Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia
You can consult the Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia for free and immerse yourself in America’s finest museum of medical history. Your special free admission ticket gives you access to their special exhibits – the invisible and the spit spreads death and the garden of medicinal plants.
Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia: 19 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
June 29: National Constitution Center (Courtesy of Wawa)
Free admission to National Constitution Center is courtesy of the title sponsor of the Wawa Festival. You are invited to the interactive Independence Day show, exploring the history of the Declaration of Independence and how the definition of “We the People” has expanded.
National Constitution Center: 525 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
June 30: Wyck Historic House, Garden, & Farm, American Swedish Historical Museum, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum
There are three different locations to explore on 30. The Historic Wyck House, Garden and Farm offers free entry to discover the centuries-old site which offers educational, cultural and nutritional resources.
The Swedish American Historical Museum encourages you to explore cultural identity through the history of Swedes and Scandinavians in America for free.
Part of the National Wildlife Refuge System of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum offers free entry. You can observe hundreds of species of birds, mammals, plants, trees and insects.
Wyck Historic House, Garden, Farm: 6026 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144
Swedish American Historical Museum: 1900 Pattison Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19145
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153
July 1: The Powel House, Faith & Liberty Discovery Center, Penn Museum
PhilaLandmarksin partnership with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestrapresents Orchestra in the Garden, a free concert at The Powell House Friday, July 1 at 3 p.m.
Faith and Freedom Discovery Center tells the story of how our country was born and how our leaders turned to faith throughout history, and you can learn about it for free.
You can experience a spotlight tour, self-guided explorations like treasure hunts and I-SPY games at the Penn Museumall for free.
The Powel House: 244 S 3rd St. #3811, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Faith & Liberty Discovery Center: 101 N. Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Penn Museum: 3260 South St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
July 2: Stenton, National Liberty Museum
Built in 1730, Stenton is one of the earliest well-preserved houses in Philadelphia’s history. You can consult it for free.
With pre-registrationyou can see the newly opened exhibits and exciting educational opportunities National Liberty Museum in the Old Town.
Stenton: 4601 N. 18th St., Philadelphia, PA 19140
National Liberty Museum: 321 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
July 3: Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes Foundation
It’s Pay What You Wish Family Festival Day on July 3 at Philadelphia Museum of Art. You can attend shows, demonstrations and local artists.
Individuals can enjoy free access to the Barnes collection and special exhibit, as well as music, performances and arts activities at The Barnes Foundation. Access includes the Albert Barnes Art Collection and the exhibition Isaac Julien: Statues Never Die.
Philadelphia Museum of Art: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130
The Barnes Foundation: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia, PA 19130
July 4: Christ Church & Burial Ground, National Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History
Along with the many 4th of July celebrations, you can also get free entry to two venues. The Church of Christ hosted the Continental Congress during the Revolutionary era and is one of Philadelphia’s most visited historic sites.
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the United States specifically dedicated to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience.
Christ Church & Burial Ground: 340 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106
Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History: 101 S. Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106
