Children's Museums

State Museum of PA

Name: State Museum of PA
Address: 300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120, Harrisburg, PA, US
Telephone: (717) 787-4980
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (397 reviews)

📍 300 North St, Harrisburg, PA 17120

📞 (717) 787-4980

🌐 www.statemuseumpa.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	9 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday	9 AM–4:30 PM
Friday	9 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday	9 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday	12–4:30 PM

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About State Museum of PA

Historic look at the Keystone State. Sprawling museum next to the State Capitol building showcasing the history of Pennsylvania. The museum's 3rd floor, including the Natural History section and Planetarium, is closed through August 2, 2026 for renovations, significantly reducing available exhibits during an extended period. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 397 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Natural History Museum
Location: Harrisburg, PA — official museum of the Commonwealth
Best For: All ages
Hours: Wed-Sat 9am-4:30pm, Sun 12pm-4:30pm (closed Mon-Tue)
Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children (1-11)

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The museum's 3rd floor, including the Natural History section and Planetarium, is closed through August 2, 2026 for renovations, significantly reducing available exhibits during an extended period
⭐The State Museum of PA features a wildlife gallery with natural dioramas depicting iconic Pennsylvania fauna, which has been highlighted as a visitor favorite
⭐The museum offers interactive hands-on programs including 'Tracks and Scat' and 'Wild Canines of PA' exhibits as part of its Curiosity Kids programming
⭐The planetarium is a notable feature of the museum with 28 mentions in visitor reviews, indicating it is a significant draw for visitors

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Plan your visit for Wednesday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm or Sunday 12pm-4:30pm, as the museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Note that the 3rd floor (Natural History and Planetarium) is closed through August 2, 2026, so plan accordingly and focus on available exhibits on lower floors.
💡Don't miss the Wildlife Gallery with natural dioramas of iconic Pennsylvania wildlife—visitors consistently highlight this as a favorite exhibit showcasing the state's natural wonders.
💬With admission at just $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 1-11, this is an affordable family outing. Consider visiting multiple times as the museum plans to reopen closed sections, making return visits worthwhile.
💡Bring children to the Curiosity Kids programs and hands-on interactive exhibits like 'Mammals of PA,' 'Tracks and Scat,' and 'Magnets & Magnetism' for engaging learning experiences tailored to young visitors.
💬Arrive with realistic expectations about museum size—it's mid-sized rather than sprawling, with some exhibits currently closed. Focus your visit on the available interactive and historical exhibits to maximize your experience.