The APS Museum stages rotating exhibitions of documents, prints, images, books, and objects that capture key moments in American history, art, and science from the days of the Founding Fathers. Each exhibition draws on the APS collections from a different perspective, showcasing treasures such as Thomas Jefferson’s hand-written “Declaration of Independence” and portraits of the Founding Fathers.
Admission is free and visitors explore self-guided. A number of Philadelphia tours pause outside the Georgian-style building on guided walks around the Independence National Historical Park; and hop-on hop-off buses stop near the museum. Other ways to see the exterior of the museum and its nearby Library Hall—home of the APS Library—can include ghost-themed walks that unravel the dark secrets and reputedly haunted sites of the park. Access to the APS Library is limited to visitors with specified and valid research needs.