Museums
Valley Forge & Montgomery County
Montgomery County celebrates a rich cultural tradition with museums that range from fine art to the art of comedy. Here are a few must-visit museums and attractions in and around Montco.
Collegeville Notable art collector and former chairman of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philip Berman, graciously built a strong arts presence alongside his wife at his alma mater, Ursinus College. Ursinus is now home to the Berman Museum of Art, an internationally-recognized, impressive…
Bryn Athyn One of the most stunning exhibit spaces in all of Montgomery County (and perhaps all of Pennsylvania), Glencairn Museum, part of the Bryn Athyn Historic District focuses on religious iconography, with permanent collections that cover a comprehensive range of ethnicities, artistic…
Audubon The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, former home of the famed artist and naturalist, is in the midst of a major renovation project. When the museum reopens in the summer of 2019, visitors can expect new exhibits in the galleries, a refresh of the library and gift shop, and a…
Plymouth Meeting Families can enjoy a world of creativity, color, and building fun in the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center with features that include local landmarks made from over a million LEGO® bricks. There’s also a fun and exciting LEGO® themed ride, a 4D Cinema…
Harleysville The collection at the Mennonite Heritage Center preserves three centuries of life in eastern Pennsylvania, representing one of the oldest communities in the New World. Browse the artifacts and artistry of "Work and Hope: Mennonite Life in Eastern Pennsylvania," which covers facets of…
Pennsburg The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center's permanent exhibit speaks to the longevity of this faith community and the deep impact it had on the area. Pieces on display range from Native American artifacts that date to the earliest settlers to beautiful, hand-crafted examples of…
Ambler The knockabout comedy of The Three Stooges is encapsulated into one, three-story building that bursts with memorabilia and mayhem. The Stoogeum (rhymes with "museum") displays more 100,000 items, ranging from Stooge breakfast cereal to Stooge video games, and also features an 85-seat theater…
West Chester Just 15 miles southwest of Valley Forge is the nation's premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. The American Helicopter Museum & Education Center tells the history of these amazing aircraft through interactive and static displays. Helicopter rides are also available…
Boyertown The Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles displays a collection of antique and vintage automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, sleighs, carriages, and bicycles, all with a Pennsylvania connection. Many of the trucks on display were built by the Boyertown Auto Body Works, which operated on the…
Chalfont Byers' Choice Carolers® are a sought-after collectible around the holidays, but you can experience the holiday season all year long at the company's headquarters in Chalfont. Take a walk through the Byers' Choice Christmas Museum and see the artisans at work creating these one-of-a-kind…
Philadelphia The Independence Visitor Center is the official visitor center for the Greater Philadelphia Region and is the primary point of orientation for Independence National Historical Park, the City of Philadelphia, the Southern New Jersey and Delaware River Waterfronts, as well as Bucks…
Philadelphia Explore the halls of the new Museum of the American Revolution, the latest addition to our Patriot Trails itineraries. The interactive displays tell the story of our nation’s quest for liberty. The centerpiece of the collection is George Washington's marquee tent, used as his…
Malvern Craftsman and artist Wharton Esherick was one of the most important figures in the American Arts & Crafts movement. The Wharton Esherick Studio Museum, tucked into a forested hillside near Valley Forge National Historical Park, preserves both his legacy and his work. His hand-built former…
Philadelphia The Woodmere Art Museum is focused on the arts and artists of Philadelphia, showcasing all mediums of art. Tours, lectures, family activities, music, classes, and more are offered at this Philadelphia institution.
Oaks The American Treasure Tour is an epic collection of Americana showcasing classic muscle cars, music, and memorabilia. Get nostalgic on a guided tram tour through decades of American history.
340 DeKalb Pike Blue Bell, PA The gallery of the Fine Arts Center showcases the talented faculty and alumni of MCCC at a show lasting throughout February. All media are represented, ensuring a wide scope of artistic interpretations. A Meet-the-Artist reception takes place February 10.
Philadelphia Formerly located in Montgomery County, the Barnes Foundation moved its collection (including 181 Renoirs, 46 Picassos, and seven Van Goghs) to Philadelphia in 2012. Guests can still tour the Barnes Arboretum on the grounds of the original estate in Merion, Montgomery County from…
Philadelphia The Constitutional Convention was held in Philadelphia in 1787, and from that came the document that now governs and protects the United States of America. The National Constitution Center tells the story of the document, and how it affects Americans today.
Philadelphia One of the most renowned and recognizable institutions in America, the Philadelphia Museum of Art houses nearly 200,000 original works of art from the world's greatest artists in its collection.
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
INDEPENDENCE SEAPORT MUSEUM
Philadelphia
With family-friendly science and history programming, brand new exhibits, National Landmark Historic ships Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna, Independence Seaport Museum brings the region’s waterways alive year-round.
JAMES A. MICHENER ART MUSEUM
Doylestown
Named for local author James A. Michener, the Michener Art Museum features the works of artists of both local and international fame, including a large collection of Pennsylvania impressionist works and a gallery of work by acclaimed craftsman George Nakashima.
NATIONAL LIBERTY MUSEUM
Philadelphia
The National Liberty Museum is a unique destination that tells the story of freedom in America. The museum calls us to "discover our inner hero" through personal experiences, entertainment, and adventure.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
Philadelphia
Located along the historic Independence Mall, the National Museum of American Jewish History tells the story of Jewish culture in America through original films, artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
TURKEY HILL EXPERIENCE
Columbia
Create a virtual ice cream, star in a Turkey Hill Commercial, milk mechanical cows, and learn about the ice cream making process at the Turkey Hill Experience. Enjoy unlimited samples and even create your own ice cream in the hands-on Taste Lab.
WINTERTHUR MUSEUM & COUNTRY ESTATE
Winterthur
A short drive into nearby Delaware leads to Winterthur Museum & Country Estate, the former home of the Du Pont family. The museum showcases one of the country's largest collections of American antiques.
Museums & Galleries
Valley Forge & Montgomery County
Find relief from the drab colors of winter, when the landscape seems made exclusively of various shades of white and gray. A winter visit to the following museums adds a dash of color to the day.
AMERICAN HELICOPTER MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER
West Chester
Just 15 miles southwest of Valley Forge is the nation's premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. The American Helicopter Museum & Education Center tells the history of these amazing aircraft through interactive and static displays. Helicopter rides are also available on select days throughout the year.
AMERICAN TREASURE TOUR
Oaks
The American Treasure Tour is an epic collection of Americana showcasing classic muscle cars, music, and memorabilia. Get nostalgic on a guided tram tour through decades of American history.
GLENCAIRN MUSEUM
Bryn Athyn
One of the most stunning exhibit spaces in all of Montgomery County (and perhaps all of Pennsylvania), Glencairn Museum, part of the Bryn Athyn Historic District focuses on religious iconography, with permanent collections that cover a comprehensive range of ethnicities, artistic traditions, belief systems, and creative expression.
MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTER
Harleysville
The collection at the Mennonite Heritage Center preserves three centuries of life in eastern Pennsylvania, representing one of the oldest communities in the New World. Browse the artifacts and artistry of "Work and Hope: Mennonite Life in Eastern Pennsylvania," which covers facets of daily life such as fashion and domestic craftsmanship.
Regina Marie Designs Fine Art & Crafts Gallery
Regina Marie Designs Fine Art & Crafts Gallery – Featuring A curated collection of works by PA, and surrounding area artisans. Browse an airy upscale Gallery of jewelry, paintings, woodworking, blown glass, pottery, stained glass, fiber, and metals. Workshops and Featured artist events make this an education and fun spot to return to again and again!
SCHWENKFELDER LIBRARY & HERITAGE CENTER
Pennsburg
The Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center's permanent exhibit speaks to the longevity of this faith community and the deep impact it had on the area. Pieces on display range from Native American artifacts that date to the earliest settlers to beautiful, hand-crafted examples of Pennsylvania Dutch needlework for both practical and decorative purposes.
STOOGEUM
Ambler
The knockabout comedy of The Three Stooges is encapsulated into one, three-story building that bursts with memorabilia and mayhem. The Stoogeum (rhymes with "museum") displays more 100,000 items, ranging from Stooge breakfast cereal to Stooge video games, and also features an 85-seat theater for viewing classic Stooges shorts.