Cultural Attractions

World-renowned museums, historic landmarks, amazing architecture and more! With Pennsylvania's Choice Hotels you'll be a stone's throw away from it all. Take a peek at the cultural attractions the state of Pennsylvania offers.

Philadelphia & Countryside

Edgar Allen Poe National Historic Site
532 N. 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA   19123
215-597-8780

For an unknown amount of time, one of America's pre-eminent authors took up residence at 532 N. 7th Street of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Within these walls he wrote countless chilling tales - of ravens, of anatomically-plucked hearts still pulsing, and other literary ghosts which still haunt the American repertoire to this day. The author, of course, is Edgar Allen Poe, and though the writer himself may have been a dark-figured recluse, the house is now preserved under the National Park Service as a Pennsylvania memorial to perhaps the greatest master of fright the world will ever know.

First Bank of the United States
116 S. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA   19106
215-597-8974

The neo-classical columns rising supporting the façade may not date back to ancient Greece, but their historic origins lie in what one could call "ancient America." Completed in 1797, the bank's rich history begins with a debt racked up from the Revolutionary War, and pits forth throughout the centuries until the present day, when it was restored for public viewing in 1976. An essential glimpse into the roots of our country, you won't want to miss the oldest bank building in America on your Pennsylvania trip.

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
300 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA   19102
215-670-2327

Home of the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra, the distinctively designed Kimmel Center is the cultural hub of Philadelphia, if not Pennsylvania itself. Its signature vaulted glass ceiling has witnessed thousands of top-notch performances, ranging from the classical groups which call the Kimmel their home to a variety of jazz and pop performers. Catch the resident Philharmonic for a symphony you're not likely to forget, or enjoy the refined intimacy of the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. A must for the cultural connoisseur traveling to Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh & Countryside

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
6300 5th Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA   15232
412-361-0873

The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts doubles as both a historic landmark (designated in 1971) and a community arts center, where residents and visitors to Pennsylvania alike can take in the culture of modern art through exhibitions on both the national and international levels.

Slovenian Heritage Museum
270 Martin Road
Enon Valley, PA   16120
724-336-5180

Slovenian culture and heritage from Slovenia to Pennsylvania is celebrated and taught at this one-of-a-kind museum, which showcases the Slovenian people's eccentric history and dress. On display are authentic costumes, household items, artwork and crafts. A one-hour drive from Pittsburgh, a visit to this informative display provides the perfect off-hand excursion from the bustling factory metropolis of Pittsburgh for visitors to the area.

August Wilson Center for African American Culture
425 6th Avenue, Suite 1750 - Regional Enterprise Tower
Pittsburgh, PA   15219
412-258-2700

This center for the preservation of the art, culture and history of African Americans presents the vital role this ethnic group has played in the formation and development of the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Catch a travelling exhibition celebrating this fascinating history, or participate in an educational program for the whole family to enjoy and discuss.

Alleghenies & Valleys

Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art
1210 11th Avenue
Altoona, PA   16601
814-946-3131

For the art connoisseur traveling to Pennsylvania, this museum of art is a must-go. Exhibits include a collection of art from the country wide, as well as focus exhibits on local and regional artists. Take in the pictures in front of you, and fortuitously catch an art luncheon as you dine and discuss the fine works of art hung upon this cultural center's walls.

Slifer House Museum
80 Magnolia Drive
Lewisburg, PA   17837
570-524-2245

This museum was once the home of Civil War-Era businessman Eli Slifer, for whom the museum is named. No longer residentially functional, the house enjoys a safe spot on the National Register of Historic Places. We're glad that this Pennsylvania assortment of decorative arts, period artifacts, and other pre-bellum memorabilia contained within the site is free from developmental harm. Activities and goings-on at the museum include concerts, musicals, and the occasional ice cream social.

Jewish Museum of Eastern Pennsylvania
2300B Mahantongo Street
Pottsville, PA   17901
570-622-5890

Who are the Jews of Pennsylvania? Where did they come from, and when did they arrive here? Is the term "Jewish" a nationality, like "American?" The large exhibits featured in this educational and inspirational haven of Jewish knowledge will answer these questions and more.

PA Great Lakes Region

Debence Antique Music World
1261 Liberty Street
Franklin, PA   16323
814-432-8350

Have you ever wondered where that sound, when the villain is about to trap the heroine in your favorite old movie, comes from? From the first primitive string instrument to the Casio keyboard of platform legend, the technology of music has evolved exponentially. A chronological insight into this development is offered at Debence, where you can tinker and toy with carousel band organs, music boxes, nickelodeons, and even an instrument you can play without have to touch it, all on your visit to the state of Pennsylvania.

Erie Art Museum At Discovery Square
411 State Street
Erie, PA   16501
814-459-1744

Come quick or you'll miss out on what's currently being admired by Eerie's art-loving populace at the Eerie Art Museum in Pennsylvania - the museum showcases nearly 20 changing exhibits annually, making this one of the most diverse and rapidly changing art galleries in not only Pennsylvania but the entire U.S. Subjects range from the historic to the contemporary and encompass folk art, community-based work and public art as well as traditional media. A collection of 5,000 objects of reverentially historic proportions add glimmer to the allure of this blooming center of art.

Watson-Curtze Mansion
356 W. 6th Street
Erie, PA   16507
814-871-6890

This mansion standing just under 120 years old will intrigue and beguile the senses and curiosities of visitors to Pennsylvania's history-rich great lakes region. Built in 1891, the manor which once belonged to a wealthy Erie industrialist symbolizes the ultimate in Victorian elegance, its exquisite embellishments a reminder of that era's rich decorative past. Attention to detail is key at this mansion - the smallest embellishment on a furnishing, frieze, or stained glass window is of the largest proportion.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

First National Bank Museum
170 Locust Street
Columbia, PA   17512
717-684-8864

This bank is full of surprises and twist endings - things that would never have been thought to exist in a world like the Pennsylvania banking world. But when visitors treat themselves to a tour of this rare historic preservation, they will learn about the federal government's secret debts dating from the Civil War, and the stories of two millionaires who helped to found and conduct the Pennsylvania Underground Railroad. When the ears become tired, the eyes will stand up to the occasion to witness the bank's authentic architectural details from the childhood years of this great country.

National Watch & Clock Museum
514 Poplar Street
Columbia, PA   17512
717-684-0878

This is where Pennsylvania has designated its learned citizens to instruct the less acquainted on an all-too-familiar, yet so often overlooked presence in our lives - our time-tellers. How did we start telling time in the first place? When did sundials evolve to atomic satellites? Topics like Stonehenge and the Engle Clock and features such as vivid dioramas and more than 15,000 tick-tocking treasures turn what could be a dry subject into a wonderful treasure trove of easily swallowed information.

Doll House Museum
2004 State Street
Harrisburg, PA   17103
717-233-3099

Girls the world throughout will want to come down to the Doll House Museum of Pennsylvania to witness the rich and fascinating history of the phenomenon which lead from China dolls to the modern-day ubiquitous Barbie doll and her 14,000 accessories. For the men, displays on G.I. Joes and Hot Wheels make this a uniquely unisex destination.

Northeastern PA Mountains Region

Toy & NASCAR Museum
1 Fenner Avenue
Sciota, PA   18354
570-402-7565

Who would have thought that a small town in the middle of the most mountainous regions of Pennsylvania would hold a superlative title such as the world's largest toy collection? That's right, a man named Ed's passion for collecting toys, dolls, trucks, circus figures, Pez, fire trucks, Harley, NASCAR, and more.

Houdini Museum Tour and Magic Show
1433 North Main Avenue
Scranton, PA   18508
570-342-5555

As the world's only building whose sole purpose lies in the exhibition of master magician Harry Houdini, this museum has no shortage of Houdini-related exposure and the like. Participate in a paranormal program designed for the supernaturally inclined, and learn about one of the world's most mysteriously shrouded figures, all in Pennsylvania.

Everhart Museum of Natural History, Science and Art
1901 Mulberry Street
Scranton, PA   18510
570-346-7186

Founded by the renowned Dr. Isaiah Everhart, a Pennsylvania-based philanthropist and ornithological expert, the Everhart Museum is a repository for an astounding number of artifacts which expose both our natural and cultural history in a light never before seen.

PA Wilds Region

Grice Clearfield Community Museum
119 North 4th Street
Clearfield, PA   16830
814-768-7332

Classic and so useful - is there any reason not to love antique cars? Now the fan of the classic car can catch 75 antique cars displayed under one common roof. Autos from the 1950's on upwards make this venerable Pennsylvania collection a must-see. With so many automobile rarities and one-of-a-kinders on display, we're sure even the most car-cultured connoisseur will find something new.

Penn-Brad Oil Museum
Route 219
Bradford, PA   16701
814-362-1955

Pennsylvania is an oil-rich land, a seeming mecca of natural resources, and now there is a museum built to celebrate just that aspect of its history. The preservation of the philosophy, spirit and accomplishments of the oil country community which once thrived in this very locale is the goal of this museum. Guided tours conducted by real oil country veterans on a volunteer basis will see the relaying of fascinating information from oil veteran to natural newbie like yourself.

Zippo/Case Visitors Center
1932 Zippo Drive
Bradford, PA   16701
814-368-1932

The curators of this curious Pennsylvania museum have garnered so much clout for their comprehensive accumulation of Zippo memorabilia, displays, sculpture, and more, that they now inhabit a space on "Zippo Drive." Exclusive items not for sale elsewhere may be found in the gift shop.

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