Enjoy free access to our core exhibition Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia (1776–1876) and the special exhibition Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design. Throughout the day, members of our curatorial team will offer short talks highlighting the museum’s collections and exhibitions.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of freedom and culture in partnership with the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Wawa Welcome America and VISIT PHILADELPHIA®. All are welcome to unite to celebrate freedom through live musical performances, shop Black-owned businesses, savor delicious local eateries, and experience fun for the whole family!

New this year, a two-week eclectic program of FREE movie screenings by and about Philly. From Old Hollywood stars and directors to Eagles diehards, this explosive display of cinematic fireworks kicks off the summer right. All films will be showing on the Main Screen at the Philadelphia Film Society Center, 1412 Chestnut Street.

Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and creator of The 1619 Project, Nikole Hannah-Jones, for a powerful Juneteenth Evening Conversation on Independence Mall. Set against the backdrop of America’s most historic landmarks, this thought-provoking program will explore the legacy of freedom, democracy, and the ongoing pursuit of racial justice through reflection, dialogue, and community.

Enjoy a free screening of Harriet on Independence Mall in partnership with Independence Visitor Center. Bring your own blankets/chairs and get ready for an evening of entertainment.  *Time subject to change Follow us on social media and sign up for...

Come to learn about some of the creatures making the Schuylkill River their home. Collect a water sample at river's edge and explore the micro-life in a drop of water. Try your hand at drawing some of the intricate and striking geometric designs of diatoms. Through hands-on activities, get to know the life of the freshwater mussel. Find out about our research on this important mollusk. It’s propagation season, so there is a possibility that we will be propagating mussels!

Philadelphia's only Victorian house museum, with tours tracing daily life in the Civil War and the Gilded Age.

The Paul Robeson House was the home of internationally renowned American bass-baritone concert singer, actor of film and stage, All-American and professional athlete, writer, multi-lingual orator, human rights activist, and lawyer Paul Robeson from 1966 until 1976.

Historic House Tour with Artifact Display, Art Exhibit, and Paper Making.

New this year! The Centennial District will bring history to life through a dynamic blend of culture, cuisine, music, and adventure!

Ryerss is a Victorian house museum, lending library located in Burholme Park in Philadelphia.

Join PAFA & AAMP for our newest exhibition, "Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America.

Elfreth's Alley is one of the oldest continuously inhabited residential streets in the United States. Located in Old City, Philadelphia, Elfreth's Alley dates back to 1703 and is an exceptional collection of early American structures built between 1720 and 1836. Most of the homes are privately owned residences, but #124 and #126 are the Elfreth's Alley Museum, run by the Elfreth's Alley Association. The Association was founded in 1934 to preserve and protect the Alley and tell the story of its inhabitants, who were primarily artisans and working-class laborers. The Alley receives over 300,000 annual visitors from all over the world.

New this year! The Centennial District will bring history to life through a dynamic blend of culture, cuisine, music, and adventure!

LEST WE FORGET SLAVERY MUSEUM IS THE ONLY (PHILADELPHIA) AREA MUSEUM WITH AN EXTENSIVE COLLECTION OF AUTHENTIC SLAVERY ARTIFACTS. Our riveting artifacts speak for themselves and reveal the TRUE story of how differently “Coming To America” was for millions of...

Housed in a magnificent Greek Revival landmark, Founder’s Hall Museum offers a glimpse into the complex life of America’s first multi-millionaire and illuminates the legacy of a school which has fascinated visitors since the 19th century, became the focus of a key Northern civil rights case in the 20th century, and continues to educate youth today.

Come out with your family to enjoy an evening of activities, field games, and more as Philadelphia celebrates 250 years of the United States.

Entry for Free Museum Day is self-guided, allowing you to explore the historic sanctuary at your own pace. To help you navigate the rich history of the building, detailed guide maps are available for purchase on-site for $1. While you explore, our knowledgeable staff are stationed throughout the site. Please feel free to approach them—they are happy to answer questions or share deeper stories about the church’s 300-year history. Just across the street from the church, make sure to visit the Christ Church Neighborhood House. This exhibit offers a fascinating look at how the church community navigated the revolutionary fervor and the birth of the United States.

Visitors will tour the first floor of Wyck, one of America's most authentic historic sites.

On the tour, visitors will view the coining operations from 40 feet above the factory floor. See the first coining press, used to strike our nation’s first coins in 1792, and other historic artifacts. Marvel at the seven glass mosaics created by Tiffany of New York to celebrate the opening of the Third Mint building in 1901. These five-foot treasures highlight the coining processes in ancient Rome. Meet Peter the Mint Eagle, a real Bald Eagle who made the First United States Mint his home. Today’s Mint artists still study Peter when working on new eagle designs.

Woodmere Art Museum celebrates Philadelphia art and artists.

The American Philosophical Society is the oldest learned society in the United States. Founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743, it continues its mission of “promoting useful knowledge” through research, fellowships, and public outreach.

On view: "Jesse Krimes: Elegy Quilts." Presented in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia, this exhibition features selections from Jesse Krimes’s Elegy Quilt series (2020–present), a body of work that renders the personal effects of the U.S. carceral system through portraits of domestic spaces. Drawing on his own experience with incarceration, Krimes gathers donated clothing and textile fragments from currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and reconstitutes them into intricately patterned quilts that meditate on memory, loss, alienation, and comfort. Continuing in the spirit of American quilting traditions, the works situate these narratives within broader histories of communal making and resilience.

Experience the energy of the Five Points Night Market, a vibrant celebration bringing food, music, and community pride to Rising Sun Avenue. Enjoy delicious eats from food trucks, shop local vendors, and take in live performances, summer fun, and activities for all ages—all in one lively neighborhood gathering you won’t want to miss.

Visitors can expect to learn about the First Continental Congress and the history of the Carpenters' Company, see several large models of Carpenters' Hall that explain its construction (including a Lego model of the Hall), and view historic tools while enjoying the historic ambience of the main Hall.

Visitors of all ages can discover the history of the Philadelphia region through the lens of the Delaware River at the Independence Seaport Museum. Home to two floors of hands-on, interactive exhibitions, guests can also explore the Seaport Boat Shop and get an up-close-and-personal view of this storied maritime tradition.

For more than two centuries, Belmont Mansion has stood as a witness to history. Built in 1745 and later connected to the Underground Railroad through the courage and conviction of the abolitionist community who gathered here, Belmont remains one of Philadelphia’s most significant historic landmarks. Its walls hold stories not only of the past, but of the enduring pursuit of freedom, education, and justice.

Visitors will be able to tour the gardens and the historical tour of the Mansion. Tea and Biscuits will also be provided on the 2nd floor. Visitors will also get a special look into Revolutionary War history and the details...

While you’re at the Museum for Art in Wood, experience "Muliebrity" by Viola Bordon and "Suite Américaine" by BA Harrington, rethink American history through the lens of craft and women’s labor. Bordon reimagines Lady Liberty in a richly layered textile work that questions who freedom has truly served, while Harrington transforms historic furniture forms to reveal and celebrate the work of women long hidden inside them. Together, the exhibitions uncover how national identity has been shaped by gender, power, and the stories we choose to display.

Celebrate Black Music Month, founded in Philadelphia, during a special evening showcasing powerful performances honoring the excellence of Black women in music.

Experience 10,000 years of history—including Ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Mexico and Central America—all right here in Philadelphia at the Penn Museum.

Explore the nation’s oldest natural history museum! From the towering T-Rex in Dinosaur Hall to the famed nature dioramas featuring biodiversity from around the world, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has something for everyone.

Located steps from the Liberty Bell on Philadelphia’s historic Independence Mall, The Weitzman is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring the American Jewish experience.

Dance, play, create! Kids of all ages can enjoy this free music festival featuring dynamic performances, art stations, mouthwatering treats, and more! This vibrant celebration will take place on Smith's spacious front lawn, promising a comfortable and scenic experience.

The Summer aBroad AR Tour is a completely free, self-guided augmented reality (AR) experience that allows users to explore Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks.

Visitors will be given a guide tour of the Woodford Mansion, a 1756 National Historic Landmark that displays the Naomi Wood Collection of 18th century furniture, household good, decorative and fine arts. Much of the furniture and decorative objects in the Mansion were made by Philadelphia craftsmen for families in the area. They will hear about the Coleman, Barclay, Franks and Wharton families who used Woodford as a summer retreat, and they will learn the stories of Phila, Azmin, Hagar, Greenwich, and Peter, enslaved Africans who worked as domestic servants for the Coleman and Franks families.

Visitors can take a guided tour of this historic 18th century mansion, learning its fascinating abolitionist history. Visitors are encouraged to return for the special exhibit “Invisible to Invincible: Honoring the Art of Color,” which runs from September 18 to...

Laurel Hill Mansion welcomes families for a fun-filled day of costumed guides, history tours, lawn games including Quoits, and activities for children.

A self-guided tour through the Federal-style home of Dr. Philip Syng Physick, Father of Early American Surgery.

Join a docent led 60-minute guided tour of Johnson House Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark and Underground Railroad station. You will learn about the history of the Quaker abolitionist Johnson Family, the anti-slavery movement, the early history of enslavement in America, the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the Fugitive Slave Laws that kept the enslaved constantly on the run, and the collaborative efforts between Black abolitionists – free and enslaved – and white abolitionists.

Celebrate culture, community, and tradition at Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park. Enjoy a lively day filled with music, dance, delicious food, and family-friendly activities that showcase the rich diversity and vibrant spirit of Philadelphia’s Hispanic community—all in the heart of the city.

This event provides a fun and meaningful night out, combining history, culture, and entertainment in a one-of-a-kind setting. Take a curated, self-guided audio tour via QR code. Engage with exhibits, art installations, and pop-up talks highlighting the history of Eastern State Penitentiary and the impact of prisons today. Reflect and connect in The Fair Chance Beer Garden presented in partnership with Triple Bottom Brewing Company.

Celebrate summer with a high-energy Yacht Rock concert, followed by a thrilling fireworks display over the Delaware River Waterfront.

Visitors can expect to explore one of the world’s foremost collections of historic racing sports cars, displayed in dramatic, historically inspired settings that place each vehicle in the context of its era and achievements. The Museum offers a rich, self-guided experience centered on design, innovation, competition, and the stories behind some of the most important sports cars ever built.

The American Swedish Historical Museum houses 12 distinct exhibition galleries that explore topics such as the New Sweden Colony, women’s history, Swedish immigration, scientific innovations, and Swedish craft arts.

Join us for an eye-opening journey through Black Excellence! While the Richard Allen Museum expanded into a larger space in the mid 1980s, the work of collecting, preserving, and sharing artifacts of the Mother Bethel Church began more than 200 years ago. The land itself is a valuable treasure. Purchased in 1791 by Bishop Richard Allen, it is now the oldest continuously owned parcel of land held by African Americans in the United States. Other important artifacts date back as far as the early 1700s.

Gospel on Independence will return for yet another moving and soul-stirring performance with Independence Hall in the background. This powerful celebration of gospel music will bring together an incredible lineup of local artists, choirs, and musicians for a night of uplifting performances you won't want to miss.

With a founding mandate to “lessen human misery,” The College of Physicians of Philadelphia has worked to improve the lives of individuals, communities, and society overall by challenging our understanding of health and well-being since its founding in 1787.

The three-centuries-old National Historical Landmark and museum in Old City welcomes visitors to explore the early origins of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and to witness their transformation from 17th-century spiritual radicals into leaders in the fight for religious freedom in the United States.

Come see our landmark building and historic museum collections, including rocks, minerals, fossils, taxidermy animals, mounted skeletons, and more! The exhibit hall is self-guided, allowing visitors to explore and learn at their own pace. For first-time visitors and anyone preferring a little more direction, we have scavenger hunts to guide you and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions.

The Masonic Temple in Philadelphia was constructed in 1873. It has been called one of the great “wonders” of the Masonic world. Adorned with some of the finest artifacts of Freemasonry and magnificent lodge rooms based on themes of the ancient architectural world, the Masonic Temple displays historical Masonic traditions and values.

Our museum will feature Free Activities and Programming throughout the day in different areas of our museum, all free to visitors on Free Museum Day.

The Print Center welcomes visitors to enjoy our internationally renowned exhibitions of contemporary photography and print, and to shop in our Gallery Store, which offers artist books and artwork from 100 local, national and international artists. Founded in 1915, The Print Center is a nonprofit gallery nestled in the heart of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood in a charming, historic carriage house.

Now in its fifth year, The Philadelphia Orchestra’s free Pride Concert returns! The Orchestra, led by guest conductor Carolyn Kuan, performs music by LGBTQ+ composers and allies in a fabulous celebration of unity, empowerment, and the Philadelphia region’s LGBTQ+ community.

Interactive all-ages museum devoted to the U.S. Constitution with live theater & rare artifacts.

Join Wawa for historic Hoagie Day, honoring local heroes, and building and serving Wawa Shorti Hoagies, and a performance by Voices of Service.  Hoagies will be served FREE at Noon, on Arch Street between 5th & 6th Streets, followed by a free concert from the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band inside the National Constitution Center.

Stenton is one of the earliest, best-preserved, and most authentic historic houses in Philadelphia. Furnished with 18th-and 19th-century Logan family objects, and remaining in little-altered condition, a visit to Stenton offers an unparalleled experience of early Pennsylvania.

ICA is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all visitors. ICA is a global hub for contemporary art and ideas. Free and open to all, ICA is dedicated to supporting artistic practices across disciplines and to serving as a laboratory for risk-taking, community-building, and knowledge-creation.

Float Fest invites guests to an exclusive sneak peek of the spectacular floats before they roll through the streets in The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Parade on July 3. This immersive pre-parade experience gives attendees the opportunity to get up close to the artistry and creativity behind the celebration, snap photos, and experience the excitement before parade day begins.

The U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus return to Independence Mall with a rousing performance honoring our Soldiers and Veterans, while showcasing the talented musicians and artists in the Army. 

The Philadelphia Historic District 250th Committee presents the 2026 Red, White, & Blue To-Do celebration to take place on July 2, commemorating a day of “pomp and parade,” as declared by John Adams in 1776, encouraging visitors to celebrate independence in the place where it all began. A vibrant display of patriotic celebration, the Red, White, & Blue To-Do brings together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor the nation’s founding.

Visitors will learn the history of Firefighting in Philadelphia.

From vintage bathing suits to the science behind sunscreen, our fun, interactive activities are designed for science lovers of all ages. Take an up-close look at interesting items in our handling collection. Stop by our Object Explorer touch table to learn about the science behind everyday items like ice cube trays and LED light bulbs. Chat with our experienced Gallery Guides to find out more about the people responsible for the science embedded in our daily lives.

The National Constitution Center will award the 38th annual Liberty Medal to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at a public ceremony held on July 3, 2026, the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, outside the Center on Independence Mall in Philadelphia!

Visitors can enjoy free access to exhibits, toys, games, crafts and more!

One of our most beloved traditions returns in 2026 — bigger and more historic than ever. The Salute to Independence Semiquincentennial Day Parade will take center stage as the largest professionally produced Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration parade in the nation.

Waynesborough is a National Historic Landmark in Paoli, PA. Situated on ten lush acres, the Georgian-style House was once the home of the colorful, brash and deeply committed Revolutionary War hero, General Anthony Wayne. Seven generations of the Wayne family continuously owned the property from 1724 until 1965. 

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of America with the Philly Pops at Independence Mall. Enjoy a patriotic evening of live orchestral music, favorite tunes, and festive cheer in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district.

Don’t miss the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony on the morning of July 4th, honoring America’s 250th anniversary in the very place where it all happened. Be part of this historic milestone in Philadelphia’s iconic historic district!

Visitors will view exhibit panels in the Barn, and free tours of the first floor of the house will be available from 10 am to 2 pm. Our new exhibit, "Procuring Liberty in the Emerging Nation," will be on display. Visitors can also spend time on the grounds during the open hours.

Come discover The Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s exhibition “Paths to Independence: 1765-1787”, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by exhibiting over 140 items illustrating the variety of actors and responses to the tumultuous events of the...

Built in 1765, the three-bay, red-brick Powel House is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in the United States. Visitors will learn about the Powels through a self guided tour of the house, which is the only 18th century building left on the block.

Celebrate July 4th at The City of Philadelphia’s One Philly: Unity Concert for America on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an epic night of music, culture, and community.