Philadelphia is a lively city full of art, tradition, museums, and history. Because we’ve got so much going on in our enormous city, things can get a little… strange. Check out these weird Philadelphia places for when you want to stray off of the beaten path.
1. The Insectarium
One of America's largest bug museums is right in Philadelphia! If you've got a fascination for the creepy crawly critters we share our Earth with, you'll love a visit to this fascinating museum. Crawl through a spider web, hold a tarantula, and enjoy the sight of the stunning rare butterflies.
Address: 8046 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia
2. Whispering Benches
The Whispering Benches have been mesmerizing Philadelphians for years. These stone benches are at the Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park, and if you sit on either end of one of the long benches, you can whisper and be clearly heard on the other side. Address: Avenue of the Republic, Fairmount Park
3. The Mütter Museum
The Mütter Museum is a fascinating collection of medical oddities, from a wall of skulls to deformed limbs, and even a slice of Einstein's Brain. If you can stomach it, this might become your favorite museum in the city. Address: 19 S 22nd St, Philadelphia
4. Pizza Brain
Pizza Brain is home to the largest collection of pizza memorabilia in the world. You can browse the collection while you wait for your tasty slice! Check out the artwork on the walls, the newspaper clippings throughout the building, and enjoy all of the Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles figures scattered throughout this Pizza Museum and restaurant. Address: 2313 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia
5. The Stoogeum
The only Three Stooges museum in the world is right in Ambler! The Stooges fan club has collected more than 100,000 pieces of Stooge-related items, dating back to 1918. They're open every Thursday and often hold screenings or workshops. Address: 904 Sheble Lane, Ambler, PA
6. Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine Shoe Museum
The Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine Shoe Museum is a tiny museum that you can visit by appointment only. Their rotating display shows off about 250 shows at a time, from their collection of nearly 1,000. Spot sandals from ancient Egypt, celebrity shoes, and even ice skates that won the Stanley Cup. Address: 148 N. 8th Street, Philadelphia
7. The Masonic Temple
The mysterious Masonic Temple is a stunning work of architecture and art. Outside, the impressive building looks like an enormous cathedral, and inside, the varying styles of architecture will take your breath away. It's a national historic landmark and is still used to this day as home to the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. 1 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia
8. Laurel Hill Cemetery
There's no doubt that Laurel Hill Cemetery is haunted and historic. It might seem weird to suggest a picnic on these sacred grounds, but the stunning views from the cemetery and the gorgeous landscaping have made this site almost more of a park than a burial ground. Civil War heroes, pioneers of early Philadelphia industry, and even several Titanic passengers are buried here, and the cemetery is continually hosting events such as lantern tours, fundraising dances, and movie screenings. 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia
9. Mummers Museum
The Mummers are a huge part of weird Philadelphia history, and it's only fitting that their museum is as bright, colorful, and unique as they are! Enjoy historic costumes, photographs of past parades, and plenty of musical Mummer memorabilia. Address: 1100 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia
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