The State Museum of Pennsylvania

Address:	300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120, USA
Phone:	+1 717-787-4980
Site:	statemuseumpa.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed Closed 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 12–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 26

Rick Lupert

We made the State Museum of Pennsylvania a main stop on our Harrisburg visit. We had recently visited the Louisianas state museum in Baton Rouge which gave us a frame of reference as to what state museums could be. We appreciated the tip to start at the top and make our way down the floors, and its certainly easy enough to not miss anything as you travel in a circle around the round building...but the museum seemed to lack any kind of linear story of the state of PA. We also felt the entire top floors focus on the formation of the earth and other similar items would be better suited to a natural history museum than to one which should be focusing more on Pennsylvanias story. (I mean what exactly does Pangea have to do with Pennsylvania?) I liked the Turnpike exhibit the best, and my wife particularly enjoyed the small exhibit of different products/companies which came out of Pennsylvania. It was also nice to see the high schoolers temporary art exhibit...there are some very talented young artists in PA! Overall though, a lot of the exhibits felt old, werent particularly interactive and didnt leave us with the emotional impact we wanted in learning about the history of the Pennsylvania.

Stephanie Yarolin

I used to go here a lot when I was little. It is nice to see the exhibits I remember along with new and temporary ones. An example of a temporary exhibit were the uniforms of the gold medal - winning 2012 Olympic gymnastics team, made in PA. The price is reasonable and there is much wide open space, it is never cramped or crowded. Some lettering looks 1960s but that doesnt matter, considering the budget and all, and is actually nostalgic in a way. The stuffed animals are good taxidermy, and in natural and interesting dioramas, educational about PA wildlife, not "creepy", and of course there are no live animals, its a museum, not a zoo! There is a great space exploration section and planetarium, a prehistoric/dinosaur section, and a PA history and Native American sections. There is a space for little kids too. A great sampling in a good size space.

Theresa Watts

The childrens area was fantastic for young imaginations. I loved the little "hillside" where the kids picked carrots and cabbages right out of the ground. The winter theme was also super cute! The kids built a snowman from bean bags and "skated" on the "frozen" pond in the "forest" while staying warm and toasty. It was an adorable place to play. Afterwards we finished our excursion with a nice cup of hot cocoa from Capital Joes around the corner. It was a delightful day.

Doreen Giordani

A hidden treasure in Harrisburg. We went on a Friday , it was not crowded. There is something for everyone Nice variety of displays, clean and not expensive and an added bonus of a planetarium show. Perfect way to spend a cold winter day.

Boston St

We were pleasantly surprised after a visit with our three year old. He especially enjoyed the third floor with the animal dioramas. There was ample room to run around and no crowds on a Saturday morning. The childrens play space was also nice, with several things to climb on or through, and books for a quiet moment.

Mariel Pagan

Realmente cubrió mis espectativas mega encanto los recomiendo q lo visiten en fam con mis dos capullos eternamente encantada

Sarah Bouachir

Its too dark in some areas, the all stuffed-no live animals is kinda creepy... exhibits are okay. childrens play area used to be bigger and better but they cut it down...have no idea why. costs too much to have your kids go often. wish there was more history.

Alexander Lehigh

I participated in a National Geographic Bee competition here, which has great facilities to accomplish a competition of that scale, the museum itself is also extremely thorough in explaining the history of the Keystone State.

David Miller

This is a nice museum nestled near the capitol building. Not crowded and they have some very informative displays. Located near many restaurants and shopping areas. Only 3 blocks from the riverfront.

Neil Carter

This was a nice museum, with a good assortment of exhibits. Went on a rainy Saturday afternoon, didnt feel rushed and was able to roam around and check things out.

Josh Peters

A spacious building filled with artifacts, antiques, PA stuffed wildlife, and art. There is a lot of room to move around in and will keep kids attention.

Carbo Kuo

從自然歷史到殖民地、美國內戰，詳細介紹賓夕法尼亞。

Bryce Caster

The building is extremely weird, but the exhibits are good for the most part. Takes about 90 minutes to fully explore.

Luis Claudio

When youve been to the AMNH in NYC. Nothing can top that. This museum is Ok though. Pretty small.

Joe Hudson

Montgomery elementary schools class of 2021 went when it was a rainy day on may 28th.

Nicholas DeMarchis

A classic childhood museum. Definitely visit if touring Harrisburg.

Eddie Rausch

Well worth the admission fee. Lots of exhibits, good composition.