1. HomepageHomepage
  2. United States
  3. Pennsylvania
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Current: Rosenbach Museum and Library
  Manage this page
4.21 rating
  Save museum

Rosenbach Museum and Library and its collection

Rosenbach Museum and Library
Source

The Rosenbach Museum & Library, located in Philadelphia, is a unique institution that was established in 1954. It is dedicated to the preservation and display of manuscripts, rare items, and original book illustrations. The museum's collection includes a wide range of materials, from the Ulysses manuscript by James Joyce to the artistic legacy of Maurice Sendak.

Location and Architecture of the Rosenbach Museum & Library

The Rosenbach Museum & Library is housed in two adjacent townhouses from the mid-19th century, located in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. These townhouses are part of the Delancey Place ensemble, which is under monument protection. This adds a historical and architectural charm to the museum, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Collection Highlights at the Rosenbach Museum & Library

The collection of the Rosenbach Museum & Library is quite diverse and includes some very significant items. Among these are the only existing copy of the first edition of Benjamin Franklin's Almanac Poor Richard's Almanack, the Ulysses manuscript by James Joyce, and a variety of medieval manuscripts and prints. These items provide a unique insight into the literary and artistic history.

Read more…

DERosenbach Museum & Library
ITRosenbach Museum & Library
FRRosenbach Museum

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Specialized & Alternative Specialized & Alternative Historic house Language & Literature Person & Artist Medieval art & Early Renaissance art

#15 History & Anthropology in Philadelphia #11 Historic houses in Philadelphia #2 Language & literature museums in Philadelphia #10 Person & artist museums in Philadelphia #22 History & Anthropology in Pennsylvania #16 Historic houses in Pennsylvania #2 Language & literature museums in Pennsylvania #1 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Pennsylvania #13 Person & artist museums in Pennsylvania #16 Language & literature museums in United States #16 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United States #158 Person & artist museums in United States

#15 History & Anthropology in Philadelphia #11 Historic houses in Philadelphia #2 Language & literature museums in Philadelphia #10 Person & artist museums in Philadelphia #22 History & Anthropology in Pennsylvania #16 Historic houses in Pennsylvania #2 Language & literature museums in Pennsylvania #1 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in Pennsylvania #13 Person & artist museums in Pennsylvania #16 Language & literature museums in United States #16 Medieval art & Early Renaissance art museums in United States #158 Person & artist museums in United States

More…

Rosenbach Museum and Library
2008-2010 Delancey Place
PA 19103 Philadelphia
Pennsylvania

Images of Rosenbach Museum and Library

Visitor information Rosenbach Museum and Library

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday
10:30 – 18:00
Friday
10:30 – 18:00
Saturday
10:30 – 18:00
Sunday
10:30 – 16:30
More opening hours

Admission

0 – 11Free
12 – 17$7.50
18 – 64$15.00
65+$10.00
MembersFree
Students (with a valid student ID)$7.50
More ticket prices

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Rosenbach Museum and Library.

Location & Map

2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia

Discover all museums in Philadelphia

Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Rosenbach Museum and Library have been found.

Rosenbach Museum and Library Reviews

Rosenbach Museum and Library has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Rosenbach Museum and Library in Philadelphia is a literary treasure trove that appeals to book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Housed in a 19th-century townhouse, this intimate museum offers visitors a chance to explore rare books, manuscripts, and art collections.

    Many visitors appreciate the museum's extensive collection of literary works, including first editions and original manuscripts from renowned authors such as James Joyce, Bram Stoker, and Lewis Carroll. The Marianne Moore room, dedicated to the American modernist poet, is often highlighted as a particular point of interest.

    The guided tours receive high praise for their informative and engaging nature, with knowledgeable staff providing insights into the collections and the history of the Rosenbach brothers. Visitors often comment on the passion and expertise of the docents, which significantly enhances the museum experience.

    The museum's size is both an advantage and a drawback. While some appreciate the cozy, intimate atmosphere that allows for a close-up view of the exhibits, others find the space somewhat limited, wishing for more extensive displays.

    The library's reading room is noted as a quiet, studious environment where researchers can access rare materials. However, some visitors mention that advance planning may be necessary to fully utilize these resources.

    Special exhibitions and events, such as readings and lectures, are generally well-received, adding depth to the museum's offerings. However, a few visitors note that the frequency and variety of these events could be improved.

    The museum's location in the historic Rittenhouse Square area is often cited as a plus, with many visitors combining their trip with exploration of the surrounding neighborhood.

    While most find the admission price reasonable given the quality of the collection and tours, a small number of visitors feel it's slightly high for the size of the museum.

    Overall, the Rosenbach Museum and Library is well-regarded for its unique collections, knowledgeable staff, and intimate setting, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in literature, history, and rare books.

    Read more…

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

Write a review

Your review helps other people learn about great and less great museums. If you've visited Rosenbach Museum and Library, you can write your review below! Please pay attention to our content guidelines before you post your review.

Nearby and in or around Philadelphia

Discover museums near Rosenbach Museum and Library in or around Philadelphia.

Discover all museums in Philadelphia