Museum of the American Revolution

First Impressions

The museum opened in 2017, so everything still feels fresh and modern. I showed up mid-morning and walked straight up to the ticket counter - no line, which was a pleasant surprise. General admission runs $27, and I added the audio guide for an extra $5. Coming straight from DC where the Smithsonians are all free, the price felt a bit steep. But I figured if I'm going to do this, might as well do it right.

After grabbing my ticket, I dropped my jacket at the free coat check near the entrance. There are also paid lockers available if you're carrying more gear, but I traveled light that day.

The Main Exhibition

The museum has two exhibits. The main one traces the history of the American Revolution, while a special exhibition explores how revolutionary ideals continue in modern America. I started with the main exhibit on the upper level.

The exhibition wraps around the entire building in one continuous path, and I was immediately struck by the quality. The audio guide synced perfectly with what I was seeing - artifacts, recreated scenes, ambient sounds, all working together to pull you into the story.

What really set this museum apart were the interactive elements. They've created replica objects you can actually touch and period chairs you can sit in. It sounds simple, but I haven't encountered this approach in other museums. You could tell the curators thought through every detail to create an immersive atmosphere.

Beyond the dates and battles, the museum digs into the human side of revolution - the emotional and psychological toll it takes. One section explored how soldiers from different states and backgrounds served together, often clashing with each other as much as with the British. These internal struggles don't usually make it into the textbooks, but they're just as much a part of the story.

The Special Exhibition

After about an hour and a half, I wrapped up the main exhibit and headed downstairs to check out the special exhibition on contemporary America. The first room focused on ongoing struggles faced by African Americans. It wasn't what I came to the museum for, so I decided to call it a day after that first room.

Final Thoughts

The Museum of the American Revolution is a solid choice if you're in Philadelphia and want to dig deeper into this period of history. The main exhibition is well-crafted and engaging, with enough interactive elements to keep things interesting.

That said, the price might give you pause, especially if you're bringing a family. There is a family ticket for $64 that could help. My recommendation: check what the current special exhibition is before you go, since it takes up a good chunk of the museum space.