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African American Museum in Philadelphia

Local HistoryArtHistoryTemporarily closedFrom $208th Street Station (Market–Frankford Line, one block)

Opened for the 1976 Bicentennial as the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Museum, AAMP was the first institution funded and built by a major American municipality to preserve and interpret African American heritage. Four galleries and the Jack T. Franklin Auditorium draw on a collection of more than 750,000 objects, organised around three themes: the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story and the Contemporary Narrative. Its core installation, Audacious Freedom, uses projected life-size actors and an interactive timeline to trace Black Philadelphia from 1776 to 1876. A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum sits a block from Independence National Historical Park at 7th and Arch.

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States

Nearest station: 8th Street Station (Market–Frankford Line, one block), Jefferson Station (SEPTA Regional Rail, three blocks), 8th & Market (PATCO)

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Hours

MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed12:00–17:00
ThuToday10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

From $20

Youth 4-12, students with ID and seniors $10; AAMP members free; group rates by phone

Accessibility

Barrier-free access throughout for visitors with disabilities.

Nearby

National Constitution Center

Children3 min walk

Museum of the American Revolution

Military8 min walk

Vox Populi

ArtFree9 min walk

The Fabric Workshop and Museum

DesignFree9 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does African American Museum in Philadelphia cost?
Standard adult admission to African American Museum in Philadelphia is $20. Youth 4-12, students with ID and seniors $10; AAMP members free; group rates by phone. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of African American Museum in Philadelphia?
African American Museum in Philadelphia is open Wednesday 12:00-17:00, Thursday-Sunday 10:00-17:00; closed Monday and Tuesday. Temporarily closed to the public from 7 September 2026 while "Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design" is deinstalled and the 50th-anniversary show "AAMP at 50" is installed; the museum expects to reopen in autumn 2026 (no date announced).. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is African American Museum in Philadelphia?
African American Museum in Philadelphia is located at 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, United States, in the Old City / Historic District area of Philadelphia. The nearest stations are 8th Street Station (Market–Frankford Line, one block), Jefferson Station (SEPTA Regional Rail, three blocks), 8th & Market (PATCO).
What can I see at African American Museum in Philadelphia?
Born of the 1976 Bicentennial, the first museum a US city built to tell the African American story. Current highlights include Audacious Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776-1876, AAMP at 50, The Pearl Bailey Showcase.
Do I need to book African American Museum in Philadelphia in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit African American Museum in Philadelphia?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is African American Museum in Philadelphia accessible?
Barrier-free access throughout for visitors with disabilities.

ajay_suresh via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

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