Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
The State Museum of Pennsylvania is run by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to preserve and interpret the Commonwealth's history and culture. It is a part of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex.
Exhibits
The museum includes a multi-media planetarium, as well as four floors of exhibits and displays covering Pennsylvania history from prehistoric times through current events. Among the features are an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibitions related to the American Civil War and an extensive collection of industrial and technological innovations, including artwork, paintings, dioramas, and other audio-visuals aid in the interpretation.
There are over 3 million objects in the museum's collections.
Permanent Exhibits
Memorial Hall
This central hall is dedicated to the vision of Pennsylvania’s founder William Penn. It features a colossal bronze statue of Penn by Pennsylvania sculptor Janet de Coux and Vincent Maragliotti’s sweeping mural above depicting Pennsylvania’s history up to 1964.
Pennsylvania Icons
This exciting exhibit features over 350 collection items and takes a look at how Pennsylvania has uniquely influenced our nation’s development through its people, places, products, and events.
A Place for All: Three Stories of Integration in PA
This exhibition tells the history of three integration efforts in Pennsylvania after World War II. These stories testify to the courage of those who sought to end racial segregation in all of its forms.
Village Square
This live-size streetscape features historic façades typical of 19th century Pennsylvania towns and villages. It features a summer kitchen, general store, tin shop, and much more.
Objects of Valor: Commemorating the Civil War in PA
Featuring the narrative painting “Battle of Gettysburg: Pickett’s Charge” (1870), by Peter F. Rothermel, this exhibition showcases the museum’s collection of artifacts that reflect the preservation and interpretation of the Commonwealth’s Civil War experience.
Anthropology & Archaeology Gallery
Explore Pennsylvania’s early Native American cultures and learn how archaeologists discover the past through excavations, collections, and research.
Transportation & Industry
Explore the historic tools, machines, and vehicles from Pennsylvania’s rich industrial past. See how Pennsylvania is a keystone linking the nation through transportation with our Pennsylvania Turnpike exhibit.
Hall of Geology
Experience the early Earth and its formation while exploring the abundant rocks and minerals, landforms, and tectonic movements that have made Pennsylvania.
Life Through Time
Travel through time and experience the ancient flora and fauna, from the Precambrian to Cenozoic periods. See the Marshalls Creek Mastodon, one of the most complete specimens of its kind in North America and immerse yourself in the forests of the Carboniferous.
Mammal Hall
The State Museum’s most popular and enduring exhibit offers timeless dioramas depicting common and rare species of Pennsylvania in their natural habitats.
Explore the Mammal Hall 360 exhibit.
Ecology Hall
Study Pennsylvania’s major ecosystems and the wildlife and plants that are found in each. Learn about Pennsylvanians who have made an impact on our environment and how we too can be good stewards for our state. |
