The State Museum of Pennsylvania is a non-profit museum at 300 North Street in downtown Harrisburg, run by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to preserve and interpret the region's history and culture. It is a part of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex.
Located just a short walk from the capitol building, the State Museum of Pennsylvania includes a large collection of artifacts that focus on the heritage of the state; from early geologic eras through Native American and colonial times, to the industrial age and the christening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
Accessible metered parking is available in front of the museum, and a path with a slight incline leads over to the level entrance. Inside, there’s elevator access to all floors, and plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter in the galleries. Accessible restrooms are located on every floor, and the first floor also has an accessible family restroom.
Best bet is to start on the third floor which features installations about native mammals, ecology, forests and paleontology, as well as the planetarium and some rotating exhibits. Down on the second floor the installations begin with archaeology and Native Americans, and continue on through the Civil War, then conclude with the technological achievements of the Keystone State. Finally, the first floor includes exhibits about noteworthy Pennsylvania people and products – from Mrs. Paul’s to Rolling Rock.
It should be noted that the State Museum of Pennsylvania was included in Governor Tom Wolfe’s pandemic closures to state buildings, so consult the museum’s website to see if it has reopened.
Planetarium
