Plus, where to celebrate International Museum Day ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Monday, May 18 

Your Daily Guide

Good morning, Philly! One thing I love about this city is the plethora of museums. I can easily spend hours wandering around. In honor of International Museum Day, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is offering free admission today.

No time to spare today? Scroll below for museums that are always free in Philly.

What Philly's Talking About

Bill Proposes Licenses for E-Bikes

Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. wants food delivery service workers to apply for a license if using an e-bike, and he wants third-party companies to register employees who use e-bikes. Young says it’s to hold companies and employees accountable, as his office has received complaints about e-bikes speeding on sidewalks. [KYW]

Founder of Her Supper Club on Michelin Star, Writing a Cookbook, and … Las Vegas?

Chef Amanda Shulman has been collecting accolades, from a Michelin star to James Beard nominations. She shares why Philly was the best place to open her first restaurant, discusses her work on a new cookbook, and teases the possibility of one day opening shop in Vegas. [🔒Philadelphia Business Journal]

  • Related: As Shulman eyes other cities, restaurants from out of town (ahem, New York City) are eyeing Philly to expand their own brands. What makes Philly so attractive to these restaurateurs and which ones are worth dining at? [🎧 City Cast Philly]
PODCASTMonday, May 18

Are Out-Of-Town Businesses Taking Over Philly’s Food Scene?

Who Will the Uber Tax Impact More?

Uber continues to fight Mayor Parker’s proposal to tax ride-share trips in order to fund the school district. Two studies from Chicago provide some perspective as to whether wealthier or low-income riders would be most impacted by the tax. [The Conversation]

This Unsung Enslaved Chef Could Receive a New Honor

A local historian is nominating Hercules Posey, considered the nation’s first “celebrity chef," for a historical marker. Posey was one of nine people enslaved by President George Washington in Philadelphia. The marker would be a permanent way to educate the public on Posey’s story as mentions of slavery at the President’s House exhibit continue to be fought over in court. [Philly Voice, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

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Philly Museums That Are Always Free

Some artifacts and a photo op at the Fireman’s Hall Museum in Old City. (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)

Some artifacts and a photo op at the Fireman’s Hall Museum in Old City. (Asha Prihar/City Cast Philly)

Philadelphia is a museum city — that’s no secret. But if you’re really dedicated to getting to know all the city’s galleries and exhibitions, it can get kind of pricey.

The good news: Philly has a number of spots where you can browse and discover new things, while also giving your wallet a break. Here’s a sampling of places you can go to learn and explore art, history, science, and more — all with free admission every day.

Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center

Did you know you can learn lots about water on the banks of the Schuylkill? This historic site right behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art features exhibits on water wheels, aquatic wildlife, water-related technology, and even art.

  • 📍 640 Waterworks Drive (Fairmount)
  • 🗓️ Open Wednesday–Saturday

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Grant funding allows for free admission at this large collection. Visit to learn about American Jewish history and the experiences of Jews living in the United States from the 17th century to the present day.

  • 📍 101 S. Independence Mall East (Old City)
  • 🗓️ Open Wednesday–Sunday

Fireman’s Hall Museum

Step into this renovated, late-19th-century firehouse to learn about Philly’s firefighting history and fire safety. You’ll find the fire marks that adorned houses and old fire engines.

  • 📍 147 N. 2nd St. (Old City)
  • 🗓️ Open Tuesday–Saturday

Wagner Free Institute of Science

This National Historic Landmark has offered free science and natural history education since the 1850s. There are free evening science courses for adults, and you can also take a self-guided tour of the museum’s minerals, taxidermied animals, and fossils during its regular daytime hours.

  • 📍 1700 W. Montgomery Ave. (Cecil B. Moore)
  • 🗓️ Open Tuesday–Friday, first Saturday of the month
More Free Museums

What To Do

Monday, May 18

Tuesday, May 19

More Philly Events
Alt text: "Philly Foodworks ad showcasing a bowl of fresh strawberries on a table with assorted produce. Text offers 20% off and free strawberries with code CITYCAST."

Eat Better While Supporting Local

Content: Philly Foodworks, our favorite online farmers market, has over 700 local items and delivers right to your door. When you shop with Philly Foodworks, you’ll discover new foods, eat healthier, and support the Philly community. 90% of every dollar spent stays local. By reducing food miles, adopting sustainable farming practices, and decreasing waste, you're building a strong local food system.

🛍️ What would you bring back from a trip to Philly? The owners of Tokyo’s Philly-themed bar, Nihonbashi Philly, just took back over 100 souvenirs. Here are the pieces of Philly being repped back in Japan.

— Siani Colón

Asha Prihar wrote today’s segment on free museums. The article has been updated to reflect current operating hours and exhibits.

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