National Liberty Museum
Photo: Own work — CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia explores liberty through art and stories of heroes, offering exhibitions and programs for all ages.
Planning your visit
The National Liberty Museum takes an unusual approach to a familiar subject: rather than documenting American independence, which the surrounding historic district covers thoroughly, it explores liberty as a continuing and fragile idea, using contemporary art and personal stories.
Glass is the recurring medium, chosen deliberately — beautiful, transparent and easily shattered — with works by Dale Chihuly and others throughout. The Flame of Liberty, a twenty-foot Chihuly sculpture, anchors the building.
The exhibitions cover heroes from around the world who defended freedom in various forms, alongside sections on gun violence, civil rights and religious tolerance. Its willingness to address contemporary American conflict directly distinguishes it from the historical institutions nearby.
It sits in Old City, minutes from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and functions as a counterpoint to them.
Allow ninety minutes. The main booking is an entrance ticket. Current availability is shown below.
Before you book
Where is National Liberty Museum?
National Liberty Museum is in Philadelphia, United States. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for National Liberty Museum?
Allow ninety minutes. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Do I need to book National Liberty Museum in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.
