The State Museum of Pennsylvania

State Museum of PA Diorama

The State Museum, affectionately known as the Smithsonian of Pennsylvania, is the official museum of the Commonwealth. There’s a lot to explore, from our region’s Native American history to the people, places, and products that put Pennsylvania on the map. Set aside at least 2-3 hours to explore it all!

 
Did You Know?  According to the 1681 PA Charter, Pennsylvania owed King Charles II two beaver pelts every year.

 

Pennsylvania Icons

When you think about Pennsylvania, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? The Commonwealth is known for a number of famous products, people, places, and events. This exhibit features 350 collection items, including the trophy Wilt Chamberlain was given when he played his famous 100-point game in the Hersheypark® Arena, Arnold Palmer’s golf clubs, and dozens of famous products from PA.

Don’t Miss: The Pennsylvania Long Rifle, the official state firearm. The Pennsylvania Long Rifle greatly improved distance and accuracy, which revolutionized military tactics in the 1700s.

Memorial Hall

The State Museum’s center hall features a colossal bronze statue of Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn. Sculpted by Janet De Coux, the piece weighs 3200 pounds and stands 18 feet tall. Take a moment to observe the impressive mural depicting Pennsylvania’s history through 1964, and observe Pennsylvania’s official charter.

Don’t Miss: The William Penn statue. Seriously, you can’t miss it.

Village Square

Take a stroll through a 19th century streetscape with recreations of a general store, summer kitchen, and hardware store.

 
Did You Know?  Pennsylvania is nicknamed the Keystone State Because of its central role in colonial history.

 

Objects of Valor

State Museum of PA Objects of Valor

 

Commemorating the Civil War experience in Pennsylvania, this exhibit includes artifacts, objects, uniforms, and weapons from Pennsylvania’s infantry. It also holds one of the museum’s most impressive pieces – a narrative painting of Pickett’s Charge by Peter Frederick Rothermel, stretching 16 feet tall and 32 feet wide.

Transportation & Industry

See the tools, machines, and vehicles that powered Pennsylvania’s industrial past including planes, trains, and automobiles. The museum’s Pennsylvania Turnpike exhibit showcases the modern marvel that was America’s first superhighway. Pennsylvania was home to the first American toll road from Philadelphia to Lancaster, which was later expanded into the Turnpike we know today. If you’re a fan of the HBO series Chernobyl, check out the special exhibit dedicated to the 1979 Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant Accident which resulted in a partial meltdown of one of its reactors.

 

Visitor Information

You might be wondering when the best time is to visit The State Museum. The answer is…whenever! The museum is so expansive (80,000 square feet of exhibits) is never really feels overcrowded. If you’re interested in the Curiosity Connection or the Planetarium, it’s a good idea to reserve your spots before you start exploring the rest of the museum.

  • Directions: The museum is located on Third Street (GPS: 300 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120) between Forster and North Streets, next door to the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. Follow signs for Downtown Harrisburg and State Capitol Complex from major highways into Harrisburg.
  • Hours of Operation: Open year-round, Wednesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday noon to 5 PM. Closed on most major U.S. holidays.
  • Museum Admission: $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens (65+), $4 for children ages one to 11.
  • Military Discounts: Admission to the museum and the Planetarium is free (with ID) for active duty military personnel and their immediate families and retired military personnel.
  • Parking: Metered parking spaces are available along 3rd and Forster Streets and throughout Downtown Harrisburg. Parking garages are available within walking distance.
  • Accessibility: The museum is handicap accessible.