African American Museum in Philadelphia
The basics
Among the collections at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, travelers can see a sampling of some of the 500,000 negatives and photographs donated by Jack T. Franklin that highlight key moments of the Civil Rights Movement, including the Selma to Montgomery march. The Civic Center collection highlights about 400 artifacts that showcase the craftsmanship and traditions of African artisans. Visitors can explore the comprehensive and expansive museum or combine it with other nearby attractions like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Constitution Center.
Things to know before you go
- The museum offers barrier-free access for those with physical disabilities.
- Scan the QR codes throughout the galleries to view supplemental media and information.
- AAMP has no on-site parking, but a parking lot is located directly behind the museum, and additional lots are within a one-block radius.
- The museum’s public sculptures are distinctive landmarks in the downtown historic district.
- AAMP’s Virtual Campus offers access to an online sampling of the exhibitions, programs, and resources.
How to get there
Located in Philadelphia’s historic district, the African American Museum is one block from the National Constitution Center and Independence National Historical Park, three blocks from the Liberty Bell, and a short walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Regional public transit SEPTA’s 8th Street Station is one block away, while the Market East Station is three. The museum is also accessible via bus routes 17, 33, 44, 47, 48, 61, and the downtown loop known as The Phlash.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The African American Museum is closed on major US holidays and is open to visitors during four designated time slots, Thursdays through Sundays; it’s closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. On the second Saturday of every month, families are invited to experience hands-on activities, interactive music and movement workshops, historical re-enactors, and more. The museum also hosts special events on Martin Luther King Day, Juneteenth, and during Kwanzaa.
Independence National Historical Park
Independence National Historical Park is home to Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the US Constitution were debated and adopted), the Liberty Bell, and many other landmark buildings related to the American Revolution and the nation's founding history. Most of the park's historic structures are located within a four-block radius.
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