onebaygirl

This view is from Avalon.

We made reservations almost a week before and didn’t wind up needing them. We got in before our reservation time and it wasn’t crowded at all. I thought we would need reservations based on my visit to Florence 4 1/2 years ago in the summer when I didn’t have reservations and missed my opportunity to see the David. My recommendation is to get the reservations just to be safe and see what happens when you get there.

I took a day trip from New York by Amtrak. It’s only just over an hour ride. The museum is about a 15 minute walk from the station. The Rodin Museum is also close by. My original plan was to visit the Rodin Museum, then the Philadelphia Museum, but I went on Presidents Day. Both museums are normally closed on Mondays, but only the Philadelphia Museum was open for the holiday. That turned out to be fine, because I spent a lot of time in the Philadelphia Musueum and still didn’t see everything. So, I have another day trip or two ahead of me for both museums!

I was surprised that adult admission was $20. I always heard that the MOMA is the most expensive museum in the nation at $20. Maybe that’s misinformation. Anyway, I asked for the adult admission and then they only charged me the student admission of $16. I don’t know if it was a mistake or if it was because I answered yes when asked if this was my first visit to the museum. I did give back $2 in the museum shop though. I bought something with a price tag of $20 and was charged $22. I was thinking I’m just unfamiliar with PA taxes, but I later looked at my receipt and saw that I was charged no tax. So I don’t know what the deal is with that. Maybe price tags are marked with member discounts, but that shouldn’t be. I’ve never seen that at any other museum. Just a warning to watch out.

Other than that, everything was pleasant. They have extensive impressive collections and the cafe was decent as well. They also have cell phone tours where you can call a number from your cell phone for the audio tour. The website has podcasts you can download as well. It’s also very family friendly. There were many bathrooms throughout the galleries marked with changing stations. Whether with children or not, it’s nice not to have to run too far out of the galleries to find a bathroom.

Worth visiting!