Lancaster Museums and Art Gallery

(Lancaster, Pennsylvania - PA, USA)

The museums in Lancaster are entertaining, informative and extremely varied, and considering the size of the city, are in relatively good supply. Dedicated to a range of topics, including local history in the Lancaster area, natural history and science, these museums are certainly worthy of some time, particularly if the weather is a little on the inclement side.

Located close to the Central Market, the Fulton Theater and the Lancaster County Convention Center, both the Heritage Center and the Quilt and Textile Museum offer a taste of days gone by. Popular with all the family, the Children's Museum (Hands on House) is particularly appealing, full of activities and easy to locate, being just off the northeasterly Landis Valley Road and near both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania building and the Olde Hickory Shopping Center.

Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster County

Address: 13 West King Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603, United States
Tel: +1 717 299 6440
The Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster County features an impressive collection of historic paintings dating back to the 18th century, together with antiques, period furnishings and local artifacts.
Open hours: mid-March to December, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday - 09:00 to 14:00
Admission: free, donations suggested

Quilt and Textile Museum

Address: 37 North Market Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603, United States
Tel: +1 717 397 2970
The Quilt and Textile Museum resides within a rather splendid Beaux-Arts building, which once functioned as a bank, before it closed during the time of the Great Depression. In 1982, this attraction was fully restored, with its many impressive architectural features remaining in good condition - including the high barrel-vaulted ceiling and various mouldings. The Heritage Center aquired this building and the Esprit Collection of quilts in 2002, which is now believed to be amongst the most extensive in existence, anywhere on the planet.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 09:00 to 14:00, extended hours during holiday seasons
Admission: charge, discounts for children, students and seniors, children under six free

Hands on House, Children's Museum

Address: 2380 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, Philadelphia PA, 17601, USA
Tel: +1 717 569 5437
The Hands-on House, Children's Museum is a great facility in Lancaster for children between the ages of two and 10 years. The emphasis is on fun and learning through interactive exhibits, as opposed to lectures, and the museum is a great learning tool for parents too.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday - 11:00 to 16:00, Friday - 11:00 to 20:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge

North Museum of Natural History and Science

Address: 400 College Avenue, Lancaster, Philadelphia PA, 17601, USA
Tel: +1 717 291 3941
Covering just about everything in the natural world including dinosaurs, Native Americans and a whole host of animals, the North Museum of Natural History and Science boasts many hands-on exhibits and a chance to learn about the earth and space.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and seniors, children under three free

Demuth Museum

Address: 120 East King Street, Lancaster, Philadelphia PA, 17602, USA
Tel: +1 717 299 9940
Dedicated to the life and accomplishments of renowned American artist Charles Demuth (1883 to 1935), the Demuth Museum was founded in 1981. This building was actually once the home of Demuth and today, a notable collection of his original watercolor paintings are on display. Visitors will also be able to enjoy some pretty landscaped gardens, a historic tobacco shop and a number of old buildings. Temporary themed exhibitions provide further interest.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00 (hours can vary, cloesd during the month of January)
Admission: free