You are here

Home / Visit

Getting Here

Science History Institute
315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2702
Tel: 215.925.2222

Getting to our museum, library, and conference center is easy! We are conveniently located near Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia’s Old City, and close to Interstates 95 and 76, Amtrak’s 30th Street Station (for trains from New York, Washington, D.C., and other popular stops along the Northeast Corridor), and the Philadelphia International Airport.

By Car

I-95: Take Exit 22, following the signs for the Historic Area and Independence Hall. Go straight on 2nd Street to Market Street. Turn right onto Market and go two blocks to 4th Street. Turn left onto 4th Street and go one block to Chestnut Street. Turn left onto Chestnut Street. The Institute is on the left between 4th and 3rd Streets.

I-76: Take the exit for I-676 E towards the Ben Franklin Bridge. Follow North 6th Street and continue to Chestnut Street. Make a left onto Chestnut Street. The Institute is on the left between 4th and 3rd Streets.

Amtrak

Taxis are available from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station for the two-mile trip to the Institute. From 30th Street Station you may also take the Market-Frankford Subway (the Blue Line), which is part of SEPTA, the public-transportation system serving the Greater Philadelphia region. Enter the subway at the corner of Market and 30th Streets. Take the eastbound train to the 2nd Street stop. Walk west on Market Street one block until you reach 3rd Street. Turn left onto 3rd Street. Walk one block to Chestnut Street; turn right onto Chestnut. You’ll see our main entrance shortly on your right.

Airplane

Taxis are available from Philadelphia International Airport for the 11-mile trip to the Institute. The rate from the airport is approximately $30. The SEPTA Airport Line train stops at each airport terminal and reaches both the 30th Street Station and the Market East Station, where you can change to the Market-Frankford Subway line (see under Amtrak). Please see SEPTA online or ask at the airport information desk for schedules and directions. The Center City Hotel Shuttle System, located on the Baggage Claim level of Philadelphia Airport, is another option.

Mass Transit

SEPTA buses stopping near us include routes 5, 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, 48, 57, and 121. All SEPTA Regional Rail Lines serve Jefferson Station at 10th and Market Streets, which is a few blocks’ walk or a quick ride on the bus or subway. SEPTA Market-Frankford Line has stations at both 2nd and 5th Streets on Market, just around the corner. In addition to SEPTA service, the Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop stops directly in front of our building.

Parking

There are several parking garages located near the Institute.

We recommend

  • Bourse Garage, 400 Ranstead Street (Enter on 4th Street.)
    Tel: 215.592.8548

Additional lots and garages, in order of proximity:

Wheelchair Access

A wheelchair-accessible pedestrian gate is available at our parking-lot entrance on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Market Streets. The pedestrian gate is unlocked during regular business hours and for events. If you’re traveling by car, drive up to the parking-lot gate, which will open automatically during regular business hours and events. You may park in any open spot marked “Visitor” or in one of two spots reserved for persons with disabilities. To enter the building, call our receptionist via the intercom at the East Entrance for visitors and staff.

Learn more about accessibility at the Science History Institute.