Museum of the American Revolution

In December 2025, I visited this museum and was thoroughly captivated by its offerings. Despite having only two hours, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the exhibits. The Oneida Nation exhibit was particularly eye-opening and a must-watch. I also explored the special exhibition on the making of the Declaration of Independence and its historical context. However, I was only able to cover four sections of the exhibit, so I highly recommend allocating at least four to five hours for a visit to the entire museum.

We originally did not plan to visit this museum while in Philadelphia but decided to go on a whim. I'm a history teacher and I thoroughly appreciate the way this museum includes the diverse stories from our country's founding. Our country's diversity is one of the things that makes it unique in the world and this museum did a great job of that. It highlighted the diverse team that helped make the Revolution a success including women and African-Americans. It also included a variety of experiences of different groups from those enslaved people, women who lost their property regardless of their ideas, the old and the young. One of my favorite parts was at the end when they showcase photographs of Revolutionary veterans and contributors. Overall this museum was a great experience.

A Revolutionary Masterpiece in the Heart of Philadelphia During my recent visit to Philadelphia, I had one absolute priority: the Museum of the American Revolution. Driven by a long-standing fascination with the founding of this nation, I walked in with high expectations—and the museum exceeded them in every way. It is a profound exploration of a conflict that was as complex as it was world-changing. The Smoke and Chaos of the Battlefield The museum excels at making the 18th century feel visceral and immediate. One of the most arresting sections is the immersive display dedicated to the Battle of Brandywine(video added). The recreation of the bayonet charges is hauntingly palpable; you aren't merely observing artifacts, you are transported into the smoke and terror of the front lines. It vividly captures the moment Washington’s "rebels" were outmaneuvered, a defeat that led directly to the British occupation of Philadelphia. Standing there, you truly feel the weight of that loss—the moment the American capital fell and the future of the Revolution hung by a thread. The Crowning Jewel: Washington’s Tent The undisputed highlight of the visit is the dedicated theater presentation featuring George Washington's Field Headquarters tent. The storytelling builds a sense of reverence that culminates in the dramatic reveal of the original canvas. Seeing the very fabric that sheltered the General during the war’s most desperate winters was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. Complex Narratives and Hidden Stories What distinguishes this institution is its commitment to a nuanced history. The displays cover an incredible breadth of people, from naval sailors to the internal struggle between Loyalists and those then branded as "rebels." I was particularly struck by the poignant story of a young Black African American man who chose to side with the Loyalists. His decision was a calculated gamble for his own personal freedom—a choice that eventually forced him to leave America forever. These stories provide a vital, human perspective on what "liberty" meant to different individuals. From the Declaration to the Dream The collection is remarkably rich, tracing the evolution of American ideals from the Declaration of Independence to a typed draft of Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech. Seeing George Washington’s personal items alongside iconic flags and modern Civil Rights documents illustrates how the revolutionary spirit continues to shape the world today. This museum is an essential pilgrimage for anyone seeking to understand the American past. It is evocative, expertly curated, and deeply educational. One Tip: I would suggest skipping the $5 audio headset. The museum’s physical displays and wall texts are so well-written and comprehensive that the audio guide feels redundant. Save that money for a coffee at the café instead!

This was by far the most extensive museum on the American Revolutionary War that I have ever visited and is most likely the most thorough museum on the subject. I spent about seven total hours in this museum and saw everything I wanted. The museum is physically accessible to all and had more seating than most museums, although a few more benches would have been appreciated. I had some difficulty seeing in some rooms due to the low lighting conditions, possibly to add atmosphere or protect artifacts. As an added bonus, the website is professionally designed, super easy to navigate, and contained all the information I could ever need. This was among the best paid large museum experiences I had in the past few years. If you are visiting Philadelphia, this is a must-see.

The Museum is a very good option for people visiting Philadelphia Old City and looking for something to do after Independence Mall National Park. Having been born a raised in Philadelphia this is my first visit. Beautiful building and good location. Very good historical overview of the American Revolution and The Declaration of Independence. The highlight of the collection is Washington’s War Tent. May be somewhat challenging for children and non history buffs. I feel that admission price is somewhat too high.

If you want a special experience, this is it! Washington's Tent: Reverence for George Washington that makes you not want to move a muscle at the end and just soak in the feelings. All of the exhibits help understand that all of us as humans yearn for freedom, and that freedom was bought by everyone. Oneida, slaves, rich, poor, privileged, young, old, French, Spanish, Colonist, farmer.... so many pieces of the puzzle we call American Freedom. Tons of weapons used, inspiring videos, artifacts... collections I've never seen anywhere else.

Absolutely amazing experience. The Museum of the American Revolution was one of the highlights of our trip in Philly. The exhibits are incredibly well done and really pull you into the time period instead of just throwing dates and text at you. The wax figures inside were super dope and surprisingly detailed. They made the history feel way more real and immersive than I expected. You actually feel like you’re standing in the room with these people during pivotal moments. Outside the museum was just as impressive. The two large bronze 3D wall statues on the building are unreal. One depicts Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas, and the other shows the signing of the Declaration of Independence. What I really appreciated was the attention to historical accuracy. Not every person’s face is shown in the signing scene since not all likenesses were known, which is a really thoughtful detail. If you’re even remotely interested in American history, this museum is 100% worth visiting. You can tell a lot of care went into every part of it, inside and out.

The Museum of the American is phenomenal on so many levels but I want to start with something totally unexpected and amazing: When you're planning a visit, call in advance and see if you can arrange to go on a day when the museum is offering the one-man stage play "Meet Joseph Plumb Martin." I am a middle-aged man well versed in the Revolution -- and it still made me cry. It made my wife cry. My mom cried. My stepfather got goosebumps. I have never been moved as powerfully as I was when watching that performance a few months ago. The actor's gift remains in my heart and in my thoughts every day (he should be headlining on Broadway). I will go back and see it again. If you want to get a sense of what life was like for a soldier in Washington's army ... if you want to get a sense of the pain and sacrifice those soldiers endured ... if you want to be transformed by watching history come to life -- you must see this performance. It will fill you with gratitude for our all of our founding mothers and fathers -- and make you want to be a better American. I'll simply never forget it. And if that powerhouse performance weren't enough, there's the entire rest of the museum! I've been there several times. I love visiting Philadelphia and digging as deeply into the Revolution as I can. I've toured a lot of museums and historic sites related to the subject. I can't get enough of the Museum of the American Revolution. The only experience that comes close to the way I was moved by Joseph Plumb Martin was a one-man George Washington portrayal at Colonial Williamsburg. The Museum of the American Revolution has something for everyone -- young and old, subject newbie to scholar. The exhibits and displays dispense just the right amount of information to ignite your brain and keep you going without feeling you've been hit on the head with a pile of encyclopedias. The massive size of the building also gives it an open, airy, relaxed vibe that never feels crowded even when there are a lot of people there. I enjoyed talking to the historic re-enactors/costumed interpreters I met on that visit and others. I enjoyed the mix of artifacts and hands-on things I could touch -- like an actual Liberty Tree. The entire staff there is friendly and inviting, starting at the ticket desk. They make you feel welcome right away. I could write a lot more about why I love the Museum of the American Revolution but it's best if I don't -- so that you can go find what grabs you. Make no mistake, though -- you must go!

The Museum of the American Revolution is about a 3 minute walk due East from Independence Hall. I visited earlier this week and was thoroughly impressed. This museum is the definitive story teller of our War of Independence. Open since 2017, I consider this a MUST stop for anyone visiting Philadelphia and having an interest in American history. You can buy your ticket online, at the museum or at the Independence Visitor Center which is the best place to start your touring of the area and park your car. For some reason my ticket purchased at the Center was $5 less than had I bought it at if the museum. I'll take it! The museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm but check their website to verify times and days. It has two floors. On the first floor is the gift shop and a movie theater that shows an excellent movie about the war (15 minutes) that you should see first before touring the museum. Also on the first floor is a special exhibit room whose objects change a few times of the year. The heart of the museum is up on the second floor. Up there the War is beautifully detailed and explained in several rooms chronologically. I was impressed with the exhibits, storyboards and videos. It was all so interesting. Of particular note, please attend one of the viewings of Washington's Tent. It is a 12 minute movie that tells the famous story of General Washington's tent used during the war they is narrated by Ken Burns. At the end a curtain rises and you get to see the actual tent used. When you are told its story and see the tent, it's kind of emotional. This movie is outstanding! Budget about 2 hours to go thru this museum and I can see how some people might take 3. I am so glad I attended. This is a great museum.

I was not expecting this to be as fantastic as it is. We didn't even get through the whole thing. This museum, very thoroughly, and creatively, walks you through the timeline of the American Revolution. And it takes a lot of care to not only to recount the facts of the events, but also what different demographics thought of them. I was especially intrigued by the parts of the exhibit that really laid out the native american alliances at the time. That was never put to us with any detail when were in school. (the Americans were certainly not heros in that story in particular) They museum tells all of these stories through films, artifacts, artistic depictions and It's really really well done. Right now there is also a special exhibit where you get to see the actual tent that George Washington used during the war! And it has it's own complicated history beyond the American Revolution. The exhibit was wonderful.. BUT... They take you into a theater, and it seems like you are going to just see a film and then they start talking about "the artifact" and it's very neat. A very cool presentation. The museum also has a solid coffee shop/cafeteria. And the entire facility is very nice. Didn't make it into the museum shop - we didn't get through the whole exhibit. If you are a big reader - this is a 4 hour museum - at least. This is more expensive than some of the other museums around but it's worth it.

Worth the price! Such a great museum with tons of displays, content and not super crowded!

My wife and I visited the Museum of the American Revolution right after lunch, and it was moderately busy but very enjoyable. This museum, which opened in 2017, is one of the best I've ever experienced. The exhibits are beautifully presented and incredibly well thought out, covering key moments in the American Revolution. A standout for us was the fascinating story of George Washington's tent - such a powerful piece of history! We spent over two hours here but could have easily stayed all day. A perfect stop on our vacation and well worth the admission.

We just missed the grand opening on our first visit to Philly but this definitely would have been on our list. There's a good film for a rev war overview and a number of short videos thru the complex. They also have a good number of historical artifacts and I found some to be nothing short of amazing. Like the pieces of King George III statue (that I always thought was completely converted into musket balls) I would think for the sheer size, they could have been more inclusive and detailed of different aspects of the revolution. But it does cover the biggest events of the struggle. One downside. The gift shop is nice and quite large, but ludicrously OVERPRICED! I don't mind "donating" my purchase, but I know when I'm getting hosed since I visit many of these sites across the US

The Museum of the American Revolution has a new fan in me! Stopped by on a Friday and it was fairly quiet. The staff here is super welcoming, great at explaining everything, and there's a nice coat room for you to leave your winter jackets, etc. The flow / people movement system here is fantastic. There's no question where you're supposed to head next and everything is in nice chronological order, with varying perspectives and a LOT to read if that's the experience you're hoping to have. There's videos, wax-like replicas, gamification, and a lot of the other hallmarks of engaging museums. A can't miss part of the collection is Washington's Tent. It's in a theatre and is the real tent used by George Washington during the war. There's a great contextual video ahead of the tent being revealed. Do not skip! I think there's showtimes on the hour and you can arrive and be seated ~5 minutes ahead of time. Much of the museum was a bit monotonous and overwhelming for me, but I am so glad this gem exists in Philly. It is beautiful, clean, and reasonably priced. Grateful to live in a city with such rich history and this museum is a great representation of that!

My favorite part of my visit is the George Washington's tent. You can only see it in the theater where you can watch introduction from the staff then you watch short movie about the history of the tent. Very well done. If you have kids visiting with you, I recommend to check out 0 floor at the basement level because it's very engaging and the staff who works there is very friendly.

Beautiful museum reminiscent of a Smithsonian in Washington DC, although not as large. Great hands-on locations throughout in chronological order, wonderful movies and amazing artifacts from American history! A must do for those coming into Philadelphia history, and new as of 2017 it seems! If you haven't been a round in a while, put it on your list!

I binged my Schoolhouse Rock as a refresher before coming to Philadelphia, specifically the parts around the American Revolution. As I walked around the Museum of the American Revolution, I was like YES I KNEW THIS! Yay. Even if you don't have time to come in, I recommend you pass by. The front of the building has the cannons and on the side of the building has a picture of what looks like the founding fathers having an intense discussion. Admission is $24/adults but this ticket actually allows you for a 2 day visit incase you want to spread your visit out into two days or come back and visit any favorite exhibits or missed exhibits. As a traveler, I really appreciate that. I really appreciate the clear concise summaries of the historic happenings around the museum and the life-like figures and photo opportunity friendship spots. The main galleries they have here are: - Becoming Revolutionaries (1760-1775): Tearing Down the King, Rule Britannia, Price of Victory, American Liberties, The War Begins, Join or Die, Declaration of Independence - The Darkest Hours (1776-1778): New York, Trenton and Princeton, Oneida Nation, Saratoga Campaign, Battle of Brandywine, Winter Patriots, Valley Forge - A Revolutionary War (1778-1783): The War at Sea, The War at Home, The War in the South, Virginia, From Yorktown to Independence - A New Nation (1783-Present): Unfinished Victories, The Constitution, The Ongoing Revolution So after I left the state, I looked back at the map and saw that I missed their lower level Revolution Place exhibit that is in their lower level. You would have to take the elevator down to "0". I'll definitely come back for that. These historic museums always leave me feeling sad for the hardships but at the same time grateful for the liberties we have today. I'm not saying the founding fathers were perfect, but we wouldn't have America today if it wasn't for their vision, perseverance, and sacrifices.

We thoroughly enjoyed visiting this museum. Conveniently located right across the street from where we stayed, we learned so much from our visit. A majority of the displays were on the 2nd floor. They were interactive, and were filled with lots of information which we took the time to read and learn about. We also had the chance to see an original tent that George Washington had used during the war and watch a short presentation on that. At the time we went, there were many school group tours happening. Overall, I highly recommend adding this to your places to visit while here in Philadelphia. Purchasing the Go City Pass was helpful, too.

This was one of the best museum experiences I have ever had. The content is rich and the layout is well thought out with an eye toward accessibility in terms of just being able to get around and explore. They thoughtfully inckuf several mini theatres where you can learn more, but also sit and rest your legs from walking around. This is no haggiography of the American narrative. Rather it tries to engage perspectives of the war from multiple sides, including the voices of loyalists, British politicians. Hessian mercenaries and their families, Native American communities, women and African slaves. It is also an excellent value in terms of content versus cost. I would definitely come again.

Medium size museum in the Old City/Center City area. About 3 hours of content. The permanent exhibit deals with the American Revolution and the consequences over the following two centuries. The special exhibit at this time is George Washington's Tent. Generally done pretty well. It does seem like parts of the timeline are missing, but maybe that's to be expected since the museum isn't that large. Not particularly interactive. There are some replica items you can touch, but that's about it. Can be OK for kids but not necessarily great as some items are higher up. Lines weren't too long on Presidents' Day, maybe 5 minutes. For the tent: there's two parts: a special exhibit you can walk through and a tent showing in a theater every hour or so. I would lean toward skipping the theater because it's not worth interrupting the natural flow of the museum experience.

We arrived an hour before closing. although they don't offer a discounted entrance fee, you're allowed to come back the next day. The cashier suggested watching 'Washington's Tent' show that's 15min and I'd definitely recommend that. Very interesting. They also offer for short information videos throughout the museum. There's a lot of interesting information and exhibits. I'd definitely recommend this for bringing kids who are learning about the American Revolution in school.

This museum needs to be near the top of your "Must Do" list for Philly. It is immaculate and has a wealth of knowledge. The staff was very friendly, helpful, and top-notch. It's great for groups, families, with kids, and people of all types. I went in with average expectations and was very impressed.

This was a more expensive museum, but there are a lot of good elements. The flow wasn't ideal -- based on timing of the video intro downstairs, then the Washington tent video upstairs, then the museum being in chronological order made the gallery extremely crowded because everyone who gathered for the video started the exhibition at the exact same time and place. The video intro was a nice starter, and the Washington tent was definitely a showpiece. The exhibit actually had great graphics and some interactive bits to feel very immersive, but it's best if you wait a moment for the crowd to disperse a little. It does take quite a while to get through it all. There was also a temporary exhibit on the 1st floor and some more child-centric sets/learning tools on the lower floor. They also had a fairly large gift shop. It was a good way to spend an afternoon. It's near other historic buildings, so parking can be an issue. For the price, it was nice one time, but once is enough times to visit.

Thorough exploration of the American Revolution. We visited the Museum of the American Revolution on a Friday afternoon in September, and it was fairly busy, but it did not feel too crowded. We spent about 2 hours here in total, but I did not read every single word on every exhibit. There are two 10-15 minute videos to watch in larger theaters as well as many shorter videos in smaller theaters throughout the exhibitions. The special exhibition at the time focuses on the tent George Washington used during the war. I leaned about the American Revolution in great detail in grade school, but I learned a few interesting facts throughout the museum. The exhibits are well put together, and there are many aspects of the museum that are friendly to children. Overall, I would recommend the Museum of the American Revolution to those who are interested in this period of history or those who want an educational activity for their kids.

Very well done museum. Their centerpiece is Washington's original battle tent. They have a movie about it that ends with showing the tent, plus there is a large exhibit about the story of the tent, how it was used and how it came to be in the museum. Of course they also had most of the second floor devoted to a walk through of the causes and battles of the war. I thought it was well curated. The notable exception was I didn't see any mention of the war west of the Appalachians until very late in the conflict. Definitely worth adding to your list.

What a great museum! The artifacts are beautifully displayed and lit, life-sized recreations of historical events were incredibly well done, and there were several short explanatory films with great production values. And the building is beautiful. I have been to many museums, but I have never encountered docents as engaging and fun to talk with as the ones I met here. These are folks with history degrees who engage with visitors of all ages to bring the historical experience to life. I learned so much! Seeing Washington's tent after viewing the short film was a great experience, and afterwards there was a replica of the fabric visitors could handle. The special exhibit had a partial replica of the tent, which we could view from up close. I also appreciated the quiet. Films are in separate rooms with doors that close when the film starts. I've been to many museums where I have trouble fully experiencing the displays and reading the explanatory material because loud videos playing in the galleries make it hard to focus.

They host groups like Mom's for Liberty. I was a founding g member, not going back. Also the place has a weird smell.

My mom and I visited the Museum of the American Revolution on Presidents' Day a few weeks ago when we were in Philly on a mom/daughter trip. We visited because neither of us had been before and because I wanted to visit their current temporary exhibit: "Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia." The temporary exhibit was great - unique to Philadelphia and something you won't see or experience anywhere else. I learned a lot exploring the exhibit. Then there is the core exhibition - which I wish we had about 2 more hours to go through it! Without a doubt, one of the highlights of the museum is seeing Washington's War Tent (don't miss the movie about that - you see the tent behind glass at the end of the film)! There is so much in this museum, and we just didn't have time to go through it all! I will be back on my next visit to Philadelphia to explore the rest of the museum!

This place was not on our list to see but was part of a trio of tickets we got so we decided to go. It is incredible! There is such a variety of things to see and we lived it do much we went back a second time.

Nice museum. Well done & very informative staff. There were quite a few groups (field trips) so be mindful of this when planning your visit. It took us about 2 hours. We really enjoyed the exhibits and learning about the American Revolution, I consider myself a history buff but even I learned some new things. It is pricey but I would say worth it. Well done presentations. Didn't watch them all as it was quite busy but still had a great experience.

PROS: This place is the best museum in all of Philly. They have more historical artifacts on display that cover mainly the rev. war, war of 1812, and civil war. Their staff is very nice and knowledgeable about everything and the atmosphere is very modern museum like CONS: It's overpriced at $24 a person and they close too early, 5pm. They also should have more civil war items because its 90% rev. war OVERALL: This is a top attraction you should go to if you don't mind spending the money. They even have interactive things for your kids to do

This is a great museum to learn about the American Revolution. They are currently handing an exhibit in which I went to explore. A clean and beautiful museum. The staff is very very knowledgeable about history. I really enjoyed myself. I like that you pay for a 2 day pass because it's a lot of information to take in..in 1 day. I highly recommend exploring this museum and the Exhibit.

Phenomenal. Well laid out with good information but not overwhelming. Tyler, one of the staff, was engaging and enthusiastic. He was focused on making sure guests had a truly great visit, I would highly recommend!

I had never been but soooooo glad I took the time. It tells history in very straight forward way & allows the visitor to form their own opinions. Wonderful intro film and interesting exhibits. A "don't miss".

What a fantastic experience. Appropriate for ages maybe 10 years and older.... I took my daughters and they were interested in many of the visuals, some of the hands-on materials and the larger more obvious displays and exhibit items. There is ALOT of information packed into the tight exhibit rooms and there is a chronology of works that is not obvious. On the day we visited, there were some 'volunteers' interacting with kids to get them to 'suit-up' and join the revolution, which was really fun. A find-and-seek challenge was good to for the kids and helped them interact a bit more. There appeared to be an attempt to balance the views of the Native Americans in the Revolutionary experience, not sure how accurate, but it was a welcome addition at least to be recognized. A good number of exhibits and lots of information. Good for fellow Patriots!

I spent two hours here, but you could probably spend a lot more. Ticket was 19 dollars in advance online (cheaper to buy ahead). There is a 15 minute Washington film that's pure propaganda (don't hate me, I'm a Washington fan in most respects, but it is what it is). But the film is worth it, as at the end you see Washington's original war tent (no photos allowed). There is A LOT of info here. Takes you through the whole revolutionary war. I like that it covers all facets: how the enslaved felt, how loyalists felt, patriots, native Americans. A lot of short videos and interactive exhibits. Displays aren't too wordy, and are simple--but again, there is VOLUME that adds up. A lot of well done visual work, both videos and waxwork. Learned a lot about individual people you might not have read about in textbooks. I think it could have been better about explaining the impact of the war on black and indigenous people. But the Constitution Center nearby helps supplement that material.

This is a fantastic restaurant. Love the hands on parts of the exhibits and scavenger hunt for the niece and nephew who weren't happy about spending a day doing touristy stuff. But getting out of the heat wave and learning about some crucial points in history was fun it turns out. Loved the video with demo of Washington's tent. Gave some goosebumps to see a bit of history

Standard museum to visit when visiting Philly, especially with the history and how all the museums are in close proximity. Learned a lot about America as a whole as the museum was interactive, informative and had a good pace flow going.

A must to learn about America's History. Highlight of Museum is the 12 minute film clip they show on the hour every hour of George Washington's Tent. FYI - They posess and show the ACTUAL tent at the end of the clip which you are not to take pictures of to preserve such a national treasure. There is a history on how the tent was stolen by the British and the US sucessfully stole it back! I docked one star due to another film which was about the Battle of Brandywine which the US lost was missing basically all key information that should of been included. This is a wonderful spot in one of the nicer area's of Philadelphia that I frequently visited growing up. As always people SYOY!!!

I walked here on a Tuesday afternoon in late June 2022. This place is great if you're interested in the American Revolution since it started in Philadelphia. They did not mention that part of the reason the elite wanted their independence from Britain was because slavery was starting to get banned and elites in America at the time wanted to keep slavery for obvious reasons. I think this museum focused on the heroes that started the revolution and fought in it throughout and a little bit afterwards. They tried to explain why they wanted to break away from great Britain but left out some keep factors but these were also left out of the Declaration of Independence too, so it is what it is. I did like that there offered free wifi throughout the museum which allowed you to stream the audio guides for free through your phone. I downloaded the SoundCloud app but it wouldn't play any of the audio guides. I had to play it straight from the website, which was inconvenient because if you accidentally close the page (which I did) you have to go back to the beginning of the tour/building to get the QR code for the tour. They do not print the QR code for the audio guides on the pamphlet - I don't know why. Also, when you play the audio guide straight from the site, you can't see which audio number is being played so it can be pretty easy to lose your place if you're holding your phone in Profile view. You can try holding your phone horizontally to see if that works better. They also take CityPass here.

LOVE IT! I think this museum is great, but would probably say ages 10 and up. There is sooo much information, and a lot of it is interactive. It's apparent that everybody that works there truly loves what they do - don't feel shy going up to them and asking some questions! The exhibits are just absolute gems. So much knowledge, I was in nerd heaven. The special exhibit was George Washington's ACTUAL war tent!!! Excuse me while I pass out, but only after the presentation on it. If you're there for a special occasion like a birthday, let them know! You'll get a "huzzah" pin! If you're into history and museums, definitely plan to spend at least two hours here, though you can easily do more!

It's a wonderful thing when you live in a city rich with history and museums. It's especially great when curators find new and intriguing ways to experience and explore. The Museum of the American Revolution is one of those places. Growing up in Philadelphia, bring a child during the 1976 Bicentennial, being a bona fife history nerd, you'd think I'm pretty well versed and saturated with American Revolution history. You'd not be wrong, yet I am not so arrogant to believe there is not more to learn. This is why the Viking and I headed off to the Museum of the American Revolution. We did not regret it. We started with the Washington 's War Tent program at the urging of many volunteers working that day. It was really fantastic, and bonus we got an impromptu Question and answer session the program with the museum director. from there we headed to the temporary exhibit of American flags. This was quite informative and we realized that what is seen as the definitive flag has been modified so many times for so many reasons over the years. Even what we think of as the "stars and bars" flag of the Civil War time is not what we see it as today. After viewing these two exhibits/programs, we headed upstairs to the main collection. This is designed as a circular path where you start in the pre-revolution time, traveling through to the war's end and the formation of American Government. We found the pre-revolutionary period exhibit quite fascinating and learned a great deal, as well as the exhibits focusing on the response and involvement indigenous nations to be excellent. Staff and volunteers to a person were wonderful, suggesting , responding, explaining and exploring history. We'll definitely be back.

This is one of the most amazing museums I've ever visited. The attention to detail blew me away-- the paint color on the walls, the stunningly beautiful chairs in the movie viewing sections & the exhibition spaces were enchanting. Bravo!!! This is a must see for EVERYONE!! Washington's tent brought tears to my eyes.

The Museum of the American Revolution is a must visit for any American history bluffs. Plan accordingly for your visit, I would say you need 2-3 hours for a through visit. There are many films and presentations. When you enter there is a schedule with all the timings. Highly recommend taking a pic of it to help you plan your visit. There are many dioramas and displays depicting various moments of the war. A few are rather realistic looking and probably have caught a few people off guard. I am knocking a star off due to the inconvenient hours. The museum closes at 5 pm everyday. This makes it hard to get to on work days. Things to know: -parking is available at lots around the museum -the museum is open from 10am - 5pm everyday -Wi-Fi is available -if you think you will visit more than once a year a membership may be a better option price wise -when entering make sure you snap a pic of the daily event list if you want to catch some of the films showing that day.

This was a ripoff for what was offered. i needed a time killer and figured a quick walk through the museum would be fun... basically wasted 50 dollars. they should be ashamed to charge $24 a person for what they offer

Just a few blocks from Independence Hall, this boasts a beautiful design, helpful staff and well described treasures to make this an awesome experience. Be sure to see the multi media Washington tent - at the end, the screen comes up to reveal the actual tent. My G5 grandfather was a member of an elite division of sharpshooters that wintered at Valley Forge, and I found lots here to fill in that experience.

Very amazing experience. It may not sound exciting, but the documentary on George Washington tent was really interesting. It's less expensive if you buy the tickets online.

This is a fairly new museum and it shows. The space feels modern and high tech. we purchased timed entry tickets online a few days before our arrival, but I don't think it was sold out. We started on the lower level, which is a hands on area for kids. They had a blast and learned a lot. This area takes an hour break everyday (1-2pm I think?) so plan accordingly. From there, we went through the seasonal exhibit, which was one dedicated to the US flag. The Washington tent is one thing that is a must-do, and is a timed show every hour on the hour. It is well done and there is a surprise at the end. The rest of the museum flowed nicely and the battle reenactment, with the shaking floor was my favorite. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Worth the money!

On my first visit to Philly I came to this museum and it was pretty cool and interesting. The inside is really nice and aesthetically pleasing. I would recommend giving yourself enough time to see everything. I didn't get to see everything but what I did see was interesting and informative. There are also staff available to answer any questions and they are really passionate about history which was refreshing. Make sure to join the showing of Washington's actual war tent! Would visit again in the future

For anyone who likes history, I am enthusiastically recommending this museum! Many displays are multimedia, and very interactive. For instance, historic documents have been scanned and displayed on large digital screens, and visitors can touch the screens and expand and zoom in, just like we all are used to doing on our iPads. The museum appeals to all senses, with many displays that say "please touch" or "please smell." The highlight of my visit was seeing George Washington's tent. I got tears in my eyes, which I did not expect. It was surprisingly moving. We came as a group of seven adults, on a Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. This was a great time to come, as there were no school groups, and the museum was not crowded. Some people in our group have difficulty standing for long periods of time, and this museum was comfortable for them, because there are chairs and benches at regular intervals. I used the restroom, and it was sparkling clean. We had Lyft drop us off right at the front door, so I cannot comment on how it would be to drive there or find parking. We were there for 2 1/2 hours, although I personally felt I had spent enough time there at the two hour mark. Some in our group would have liked to have stayed for three hours, so 2 1/2 hours was our compromise. The museum changes its exhibits regularly, and has big plans for 2020, so I hope to go again next year.

Wow. So glad this is local. What a great spot. Wonderful museum. Our family loved it.

A windowless building with an overwhelming amount of info sucks you into a maze of rooms that feature activities and even one docent in colonial garb. George Washington crossed the Delaware and King George was off his rocker way before Prince Harry! Many exhibits of our sordid past, the struggles that continue for equality between sexes and among races, then you emerge to 2023 and step over the homeless. What have we achieved?

The Museum of the American Revolution is a beautiful space that is extremely well-kept. The gorgeous building might have been modern on the outside, but had a historical-feeling spiral staircase winding through its center. The staff was knowledgeable and offered unique tidbits of information as we perused the exhibits. Each area provided a substantial amount of history, which led to a lot of reading, but everything was told in a straight-forward, easy to comprehend manner. A trip to the Museum of the American Revolution made for a lovely afternoon.

For starters, you will not be experiencing George Washington's tent close-up, and in person as so many of the other posts seem to suggest. You will be seeing what purports to be the tent through a glass, darkly. There is an excellent 10 minute video that gives the history of the tent, and at the end of the video , the curtains seem to rise, and one sees the tent, or a version of it, through the screen. That's it. We were told that "the artifact" is much too delicate to allow people to actually walk through it, touch it, and so forth. The rest of the museum is fairly typical of museums of this kind, with a mixture of artifacts, a ton of written information, and some videos. One of the most compelling of the presentation/exhibits portrayed the role of the Oneida first nation peoples support of the American colonies. There was supposed to be a film about the Onida scheduled. We showed up a few minutes too late and we're told that since no one had been in the movie theater when the film was scheduled, it wouldn't be shown. Which point we said well we'd like to see it. Don't we count? Then we were told that it would take a projectionist 10 minutes to set up the film and we said fine we'll wait 10 minutes, at which point they came up with other excuses not to show the film. Given the ticket prices for this museum are so high, this did not seem like an appropriate response.

The Museum of the American Revolution is a great addition to the Old City area of attractions of historical sites and information gathering on our country! Now, I decided to visit while I had out of town visitors and I figured I'd give them a great tour of Old City and the last stop..The Museum! I appreciated the different perspectives offered from different ethnicities and cultures during the Revolutionary War! Keep in mind there will be lots of reading, but you have the opportunity to see actual items from this time period that were donated and of course the big item is Washington's War Tent Headquarters! I have to say..I am a believer after watching the film about the origins and how it moves around to finally land it it's forever home! You see--they got me! I am a believer and now 'hype chick' of marketing for the museum! Haha When you are all done becoming a new history aficionado-the gift shop has many reasonably priced items! There is also a cafe to grab a bite to eat before you finish your tour of Old City! If you are in the area..make some time and take visitors to see this cool museum!

Very interesting. Several short movies to watch and enjoy. The flag room was my favorite part. The gift shop was pretty neat too. There is a lot to see and learn here. So much history and emotion packed into a building.

I REALLY wanted to love this museum. We love history, but from a value standpoint, we were not impressed. For the good points, yes, it is new and well maintained, and staff are very friendly and enthusiastic. I think it may be more exciting for younger children and those not as familiar with the American Revolution. Also, I largely give the museum credit for highlighting lesser known figures (including women and blacks) that are often ignored for this period. However, that too, seemed a little forced at times. Yet, I found so much of the information to be very basic. Also, on the videos, many of the same talking points were recycled. I thought more than once, hadn't I already been told this once or twice before?? Finally, perhaps we were overexpecting the Washington tent exhibit, since this is repeatedly overhyped by the museum and the reviews. You sit through a video (not bad, but not new if you had been in some of the other theaters) and then at the end the video screen is lifted and you see "the tent" - kindof. The lighting is subdued (and I understand why because of the age) and you are pretty far away from it, but I think seeing the tent in a book would have been more informative.** We seem to be in the minority on this one, so maybe it will excite you** The real stickler for us was the price. If admission was about $10/$15, I think we would be less grumpy about the experience, but $20+ just seemed a little out of balance for what you got. However, with all things considered, I'm sure most folks waste the admission price on a lot worse things, so if you get a little early American history in the process..that is worth something. Especially, now! Unfortunately, I see more and more people not appreciating the great gifts of liberty and our republic or understanding those gifts could be taken away by stooges following an aspiring tyrant : - )