The State Museum of Pennsylvania is the official museum of the Commonwealth and portrays the history of the country in an interactive way to keep both children and adults engaged. The museum covers every aspect of the state- the geology, archaeology, war history, ecology and endogenous flora and fauna and traces the evolution of civilisation in the area as well.

Highlights of the museum include:

• The Memorial Hall that has a statue of Penn made by Janet de Coux and a mural that depicts the history of Pennsylvania up to 1964 along with a raised map of the state
• The Pennsylvania Icons places on the first floor that has a collection of 350 items that includes events and products that helped shape the evolution of not just the state but the country as well
• The Village Square that is a life-sized reconstruction of 19th century Pennsylvanian towns and settlements and include a Tin shop and a General Store
• Anthropology and Archaeology Gallery that covers the Native American history through archaeological objects that include everyday items like tools, vessels and jewellery pieces
• The Civil War exhibit
• The Geology Exhibit that has a collection of minerals and rocks and explains the unique landforms seen in Pennsylvania
• Life Through Time exhibit that is the most popular exhibit of the museum and has a full skeleton of a mammoth and fossils of dinosaurs and other fauna and flora that date back to the time period between the Precambrian and the Cenozoic periods.

The entire museum has detailed information and is a great way to kick-start your stay in the city.

Admission fee:

• Adults: USD 7
• Senior citizens ages 65 and above: USD 6
• Children ages 1 – 11: USD 5
• Free admission: Active duty military personnel and their immediate family (with ID), Retired military personnel only (with ID), State Museum Affiliate Members, Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation Members

Planetarium: 

• Ages 1 and up: USD 3+ admission fee
• Free admission: Active duty military personnel and their immediate family (with ID), Retired military personnel only (with ID), State Museum Affiliate Members, Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation Members

Access to the store is free.

Curiosity Connection: For children below 5 years and their families.

• Monday- Tuesday: closed
• Wednesday- Saturday: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
• Sunday: 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm

The State Museum Store:

• Monday- Tuesday: closed
• Wednesday- Saturday: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
• Sunday: 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm

• By Bus: Penn Dot Administrative Building
• By Taxi
• By renting a bicycle/ car.
• On foot

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Harrisburg before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Harrisburg and book an accommodation of your choice.