Best Museums & Art Galleries in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
1. The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Explore over 450 years of Pennsylvania history and culture, including the state's natural history.
- Unique Artifacts: Houses one of the largest collections of Pennsylvania-related artifacts in the world.
- Dinosaur Hall: Features a variety of dinosaur fossils, including a Tyrannosaurus rex.
- 3D Theater: Offers immersive educational films for an engaging experience.
2. The Broad Street Market
A historic public market established in 1854 offering a variety of fresh produce, meats, baked goods and crafts.
- Farmers' Market: Supports local farmers by providing a platform to sell their produce.
- Artisan Vendors: Features over 50 artisan vendors selling unique crafts and goods.
- Community Gathering Space: Serves as a vibrant community gathering space for residents and visitors alike.
3. The Susquehanna Art Museum
Showcases contemporary American art with a focus on artists from Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region.
- Rotating Exhibitions: Offers a variety of exhibitions, ensuring visitors always see something new.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for all ages to inspire and engage the community.
- Artist Studio Space: Offers studio space for local artists to create and exhibit their work.
4. The Harrisburg Art Association
A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts in the community through exhibitions, classes, and workshops.
- Art Exhibitions: Hosts regular art exhibitions featuring local, regional, and national artists.
- Art Education: Provides a variety of educational programs for all ages and skill levels.
- Community Art Events: Organizes community art events, such as the First Friday Art Walk.
5. The Hershey Story Museum
Discover the history of Milton S. Hershey and his chocolate empire at this interactive museum.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits that bring the story of Hershey's Chocolate to life.
- Milton S. Hershey Biography: Shares the personal and professional journey of Milton S. Hershey, the founder of Hershey Chocolate.
- Chocolate Tasting Room: Includes a chocolate tasting room for visitors to sample various chocolates.
6. The Pennsylvania National Fire Museum
Learn about the history of firefighting and the evolution of firefighting equipment through interactive exhibits.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits, including a chance to try on historic firefighter gear.
- Firefighting History: Showcases the history of firefighting in Pennsylvania and the United States.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups to foster fire safety awareness.
7. The National Civil War Museum
Learn about the American Civil War through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits, including a chance to handle Civil War artifacts.
- Artifact Collection: Houses one of the largest collections of Civil War artifacts in the nation.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups to foster historical understanding.
8. The Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts
Experience science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) exhibits at this multi-disciplinary center.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits that make learning fun and engaging.
- Performing Arts: Features a theater for live performances, including music and dance.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for all ages to inspire creativity and critical thinking.
9. The Mid Atlantic Air Museum
Explore the history of aviation at this museum featuring a variety of aircraft and exhibits.
- Aircraft Collection: Houses a collection of over 50 vintage, historic, and modern aircraft.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for all ages to inspire interest in aviation.
- Aircraft Restoration: Features a restoration facility where visitors can observe the process.
14. The Harrisburg Gallery at City Island
A rotating art gallery showcasing local, regional, and national artists.
- Rotating Exhibitions: Offers a variety of exhibitions, ensuring visitors always see something new.
- Art Education: Provides educational programs for all ages to inspire and engage the community.
- Community Art Events: Organizes community art events, such as the First Friday Art Walk.
15. The Rail Heritage Center & Museum
Explore the history of rail transportation through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits, including a chance to explore railcars and engines.
- Rail Transportation History: Showcases the history of rail transportation in Pennsylvania and the United States.
- Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups to foster historical understanding.