The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg preserves the natural and man-made history of the Keystone State, from prehistoric times to the present day.
Created in 1905, the museum moved to its current location in 1964.
Originally called the William Penn Memorial Museum, the circular building itself was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014, owing to it’s “Mid-20th Century Modern Style”.
Visiting the State Museum of Pennsylvania
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is located at 300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
While there is no onsite parking for the museum, several city-owned parking garages are located within a few blocks, and as an added bonus they provide a nice elevated view of the museum and city skyline.
The museum is typically open Wednesday – Sunday, but in the age of COVID you should check the museum’s OFFICIAL WEBSITE for the most up-to-date hours and any possible restrictions BEFORE visiting.
Exhibits at the State Museum of Pennsylvania
The State Museum of Pennsylvania features four floors of exhibits and displays, covering Pennsylvania history from prehistoric times through current events.
Ground Floor
You enter and exit the museum on the ground floor, and naturally the gift shop/museum store is located nearby!
First Floor
One of the highlights of the first floor is an eighteen foot tall, 3,800 pound bronze statue of William Penn, designed by Pennsylvania
sculptor Janet de Coux.
Other tributes to Pennsylvania’s Founding Father include a number of paintings, tapestries, and murals depicting him at various stages in his life.
The Pennsylvania Icons exhibit, also located on the first floor, displays products and inventions created in PA.
Second Floor
Pennsylvania’s Native American history is explained on the second floor, through a combination of artifacts and dioramas.
The historic tools, machines, and vehicles from Pennsylvania’s industrial past are also displayed on the second floor.
There are examples of horse-drawn Conestoga wagons (built in Lancaster County).
And Rabbit-drawn campers (did you know the iconic Scotty compact camper was invented in PA?!).
There’s an exhibit dedicated to America’s first superhighway, the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
And a collection of artifacts that reflect Pennsylvania’s Civil War experience.
Third Floor
The third floor deals with the natural history of Pennsylvania.
The “Marshalls Creek Mastodon”, one of the most complete specimens of its kind in North America, is one of the most popular exhibits at the museum.
The Mammal Hall features dioramas depicting common and rare species of Pennsylvania mammals in their natural habitats.
The Ecology Hall depicts Pennsylvania’s major ecosystems and the wildlife associated with each.
Final Thoughts
There are over three million objects in the State Museum of Pennsylvania’s collection, and you’ll find many of them on display here in Harrisburg.
A fitting tribute to the founder of PA, and a repository for some of the state’s most important artifacts, exploring the State Museum of Pennsylvania is a fun and fascinating way to spend an afternoon!
Related Attractions
The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh is the largest history museum in Pennsylvania!
The Isett Heritage Museum in Huntingdon County houses and displays over 40,000 items from everyday life in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Jerry’s Classic Cars and Collectibles Museum in Pottsville is a pop-culture museum featuring over 20,000 collectibles spanning the entire 20th century.
The Fort Bedford Museum in Bedford County is an outstanding place to learn about the history of western Pennsylvania, once considered the “Wild West” of colonial America.
The Zippo/Case Museum is dedicated to telling the story of Zippo lighters and Case knives, two iconic products made in Bradford, Pennsylvania.
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