Getting Here
Getting to the Science History Institute is easy! We are conveniently located at 3rd and Chestnut Streets 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
Driving
Get directions on Google Maps.
Parking
The Institute’s private parking lot has two accessible parking spaces for those with a disability placard.
There are also several parking garages located nearby:
- Bourse Garage: 400 Ranstead Street (enter on 4th Street)
- Park America: 27 South 3rd Street
- Parkway Corporation: 19 South 2nd Street
- Short Parking Corp: 37 South 2nd Street
- Autopark at Olde City: 125 South 2nd Street
- Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District: 400 Arch Street
- Patriot Parking: 101 Market Street
By Public Transit
Amtrak
Taxis are available from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station for the two-mile trip to the Institute. You may also take the Market-Frankford Subway (the Blue Line), which is part of SouthEastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA), the public-transportation system serving the Greater Philadelphia region. Take the eastbound train to the 2nd Street stop. We’re only a couple of blocks away.
SEPTA
SEPTA buses stopping near us include routes 5, 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, 48, and 57. 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’s Market-Frankford Line has stations at both 2nd and 5th Streets on Market, just around the corner.
PATCO
There is a PATCO station located at 8th and Market Streets, which is a few blocks away, or you can then take a SEPTA bus (see above).
Philly PHLASH
The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop bus stops across the street from our building (Stop #16) at the Museum of the American Revolution. See map.
By Bike
There are bike racks located on Chestnut Street in front of the main entrance to the building. You may also use Indego, Philadelphia’s bike share program. There are a number of bike share stations located nearby.
By Airplane
Taxis are available from Philadelphia International Airport for the 11-mile trip to the Institute. The SEPTA Airport Line train stops at each airport terminal and stops at Jefferson Station at 10th and Market Streets.
Wheelchair Access
A wheelchair-accessible pedestrian gate is available at our parking-lot entrance on 3rd Street between Chestnut and Market Streets. 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.
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Hours & Admission
Our museum is free and open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
Exhibitions
Our exhibitions explore the diverse and surprising histories behind the science that shapes our world.
Events
The Science History Institute produces a wide range if virtual and in-person events that are free and open to the public.