State Museum of Pennsylvania
300 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1026
(717) 787-4980 • 772-6997 Groups
www.statemuseumpa.org

Pennsylvania's Museum has been providing its communities with outstanding opportunities for education and culture since 1905, with great exhibits encompassing the arts, anthropology, paleontology, geology, and Pennsylvania history. The Planetarium takes visitors beyond mere earthly concerns.

Suggested tour routes and an introductory video will be found at the Information Desk.

On the first floor:

  • Memorial Hall exhibits a statue of a young William Penn, flags, documents, and a fascinating mural depicting Pennsylvania's history, from Native American settlement through to today.
  • The History Galleries take visitors into the past to explore Pennsylvania's rich cultural heritage through a variety of objects. Period rooms of the Brockherhoof House include a dining room from the 1790's and a parlor from the Victorian period 75 years later. An interesting comparison.
  • Market, Shop and Home is a unique re-creation of small-town Pennsylvania 100 years ago. Here visitors can enjoy a number of hands-on activities in the Curiosity Shop.

The second floor:

  • The Hall of Anthropology includes an authentic archaeological dig area and an exhibit on prehistoric technology and culture.
  • A re-created 16th century Lenape Village illustrates Native American life from birth to death.
  • Pennsylvania's role in the Civil War is dramatically recounted in the Military History Gallery.
  • The Hall of Industry and Technology reveals how Pennsylvania's great natural resources have been used during the last 300 years to build an industrial society.

The third floor:

  • The Hall of Geology takes visitors back 3.6 billion years to explore the development of the earth and ancient life in our region.
  • Dino Lab, an interactive exhibit demonstrates techniques used to prepare dinosaur fossils for exhibition.
  • The Hall of Pennsylvania Mammals features life-like dioramas that give a close-up view of animal life
  • The Hall of Natural Science and Ecology explores seven different ecosystems in depth.

The Planetarium, also on the third floor, uses state-of-the-art equipment to present many different sky shows throughout the year. Call for a current schedule.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania maintains a full calendar of special events, courses, concerts, special exhibitions (including fine art) field trips, and other activities throughout the year. Call for a calendar.Of course, Groups (15 or more) are welcome, too. School Groups can enjoy Guided Tours and Educational Programs. Call for details.


Hours: Open Wednesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 12 - 5. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Planetarium Shows presented on Saturday and Sundays between 11am and 2pm. Calendar includes Summer Weekdays and Holiday Shows. Call, or visit the official website, linked above..
Admission:
General Admission:
Adults (over 12) $5.00
Seniors (60+) $4.00
Children 12 and under) $4.00
Planetarium Show add $2.00
Groups:
Call for Group Rates.
Group Reservations: At least 4 weeks in advance.
Lunch: Nearby restaurants.
Handicapped Access: Accessible. Please call.
Directions: I-76 West to Harrisburg. I-283 North to I-83 West to Race St./Front St. North on Front St. to North St. Turn right onto North. Proceed to Museum. 2 hours west of Philadelphia.

Copyright © 1996-2014 by Patrick Tadeushuk. All Rights Reserved.