Explore the Main Line Area’s Top Museums, Entertainment and Culture
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These music venues, museums and historical sites are some of the top attractions to bring friends or family in the Philadelphia suburbs.
The Main Line region is home to a vast array of museums, galleries, community arts centers, theater companies, performance venues and historical sites. Bring a Main Line visitor for a day trip and see all the region has to offer.
Our Picks
HERR’S SNACK FACTORY
See how chips and other snacks are made and learn the history of one of the region’s most iconic and successful food empires. Visit herrs.com
JOHN JAMES AUDUBON CENTER AT MILL GROVE
The recently expanded center boasts an 18,000-square-foot facility with the artistic works of John James Audubon. The property also has trails and kids’ exhibits. Visit johnjames.audubon.org
BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE
BMFI opened in 1926 as the Seville Theater. Nearly a century later, it’s been added to the National Register of Historic Places and boasts four theaters, classroom space and a cafe. The lineup includes a mix of current films, older favorites and special screening events. Visit brynmawrfilm.org
ROSE VALLEY MUSEUM AT THUNDERBIRD LODGE
William Lightfoot Price created a historic artists’ haven in the tiny hamlet of Rose Valley. This museum celebrates its unique architecture and Price’s unique colony. Open weekends and by appointment. Visit rosevalleymuseum.org
Galleries & Museums
3 Roberts Gallery
3 S. Roberts Road, Bryn Mawr, (610) 304-4074, 3robertsgallery.com
A relative newcomer, 3 Roberts has a bright, airy space and features new artists on a rotating basis.
ADM Gallery & Studio
3719 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 291-0768, admgalleryandstudio.com
Venezuelan artist Ana Delia McCormack showcases her work along with pieces by other artists.
Avery Galleries
100 Chetwynd Drive, Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-4501, averygalleries.com
Avery features a range of paintings in various disciplines, from the Hudson River School to Impressionism to Modernism.
Barbara Moore Fine Art
1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, (484) 776-5174, barbaramoorefineart.com
Located in the Chadds Ford Barn Shops, Barbara Moore’s cozy gallery features the work of dozens of artists.
Brandywine River Museum of Art
1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-2700, brandywinemuseum.org
A renovated 19th-century mill houses works from the renowned Wyeth family, along with visiting exhibitions.
Church Street Gallery
12 S. Church St., West Chester, (215) 989-1449, churchstreetgallerywc.com
This gallery highlights the works of area artists, hosting opening receptions for new exhibitions. Dogs are welcome.
Community Arts Center
414 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford, (610) 566-1713, communityartscenter.org
A beautiful 1889 estate owned by Henry P. Dixon has been converted into a family-friendly arts center. It offers classes for children and adults, plus a wealth of art exhibits throughout.
Community Arts Phoenixville
207 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (610) 628-2086, communityartsphoenixville.org
Classes range from painting to photography, with sessions for both kids and adults. The gallery also features works in different mediums.
Devon Fine Art
1604 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli, (610) 644-4949, www.devonfineartllc.com
Contemporary and modern works on display and available for purchase.
Gallery 222
222 E. King St., Malvern, (610) 608-6636, gallery222malvern.com
Gallery 222 has become a popular spot, thanks to its mixed-use space and open garden and patio.
HL Chalfant
1352 Paoli Pike, West Chester, (610) 696-1862, hlchalfant.com
HL Chalfant is known for its American furniture, decorative accessories and fine art from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, along with ceramics, metals and textiles.
List Gallery
Parish Hall, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, (610) 328-8000, swarthmore.edu
Swarthmore College’s List Gallery typically mounts four exhibitions a year, featuring work from alums and distinguished and emerging artists.
Main Line Art Center
746 Panmure Road, Haverford, (610) 525-0272, mainlineart.org
MLAC hosts year-round exhibits, plus a range of classes, events and camps for adults and children. The center also has robust programs for those with special needs.
Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center
419 Green Lane, Manayunk, mrartcenter.org
Founded in 1953, the center mounts all types of exhibitions, from juried shows to pop-ups.
McClees Galleries
9 Summit Grove Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 642-1661, mccleesgalleries.com
McClees Galleries’ roots date back to the 1800s. Its specialty is 19th- and 20th-century American and European paintings.
Merritt Gallery
385 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, (610) 645-9945, merrittgallery.com
Merritt’s eclectic inventory includes sculpture, photography, paintings and more.
Nicholas Santoleri’s Artist Studio
1515 West Chester Pike, West Chester, (610) 995-2047, santoleri.com
Award-winning Chester County artist Nicholas Santoleri showcases his work by appointment.
Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art
601 E. Main St., Collegeville, (610) 409-3500, ursinus.edu
Ursinus College’s Berman Museum of Art features a range of exhibits, including student work.
Wayne Art Center
413 Maplewood Ave., Wayne, (610) 688-3553, wayneart.org
The first art center on the Main Line, WAC debuted in 1930. Today, the center features local and regional artists, along with marquee exhibits and events like CraftForms and its Plein Air Festival.
Woodmere Art Museum
9201 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill, (215) 247-0476, woodmereartmuseum.org
Located in charming Chestnut Hill on the outskirts of the city, Woodmere offers outdoor sculptures and rotating exhibits, along with lectures and many other programs.
Dance, Music & Theater
118 North
118 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 971-2628, 118northwayne.com
A relative newcomer to the Main Line’s live music scene, this intimate venue features a range of local, regional and national acts.
Act II Playhouse
56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, (215) 654-0200, act2.org
Comedy is king at Act II, its dynamic lineup a mix of borrowed and original work. Other offerings include standup comedy nights, kid-friendly shows and the occasional music act.
Anthony Wayne Theater
109 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne, (610) 225-2442, reelcinemaspa.com
Debuting in 1928, the Anthony Wayne remains an iconic visual presence on the Main Line, thanks to its stunning Art Deco exterior and old-school marquee. Today, the theater screens indie films and major Hollywood releases.
Ardmore Music Hall’s Chris Perella at his newly remodeled live music venue. Photo by Tessa Marie Images
Ardmore Music Hall
23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (610) 649-8389, ardmoremusic.com
This newly renovated venue has become the region’s go-to spot for consistently great musical talent, ranging from beloved singer/songwriters and jam bands to established national acts. Cool events like its Funky Brunch enhance the community vibe.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
824 Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-9898, brynmawrfilm.org
BMFI opened in 1926 as the Seville Theater. Nearly a century later, it’s been added to the National Register of Historic Places and boasts four theaters, classroom space and a cafe. The lineup includes a mix of current films, older favorites and special screening events.
Burlap and Bean
204 S. Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square, (484) 427-4547, burlapandbean.com
On select nights, this gem of a coffee shop becomes a listening room, showcasing local, regional and national talent.
Colonial Playhouse
522 W. Magnolia Ave., Aldan, (610) 622-5773, colonialplayhouse.net
A charming theater offering popular Broadway shows and more.
COLONIAL THEATRE Perhaps best known as the theater featured in cult classic, The Blob, the Colonial was built in 1903 as an opera house. Today, it screens box office hits and throwbacks. It also hosts concerts and special events like the annual Blobfest.
Colonial Theatre
227 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (610) 917-1228, thecolonialtheatre.com
Footlighters Theater
58 Main Ave., Berwyn, (610) 296-9245, footlighterstheater.com
Founded in 1929 and relocated to Berwyn in 1973, this nonprofit offers classic live theater performances.
Hedgerow Theatre
64 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley, (610) 565-4211, hedgerowtheatre.org
There isn’t a bad seat in the house at this historic venue. It’s among the only US theaters to host a residency program in a range of disciplines.
Kennett Flash
102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, (484) 732-8295, kennettflash.org
A nonprofit performing arts organization that operates an all-ages, cafe-style listening room showcasing national, regional and local music, comedy, and more.
Keswick Theatre
291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, (215) 572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com
This refurbished 1920s-era venue hosts national live music acts, comedians, children’s programming and more.
Media Theatre
104 E. State St., Media, (610) 891-0100, mediatheatre.org
A cultural centerpiece of Media’s downtown, Media Theatre offers professional versions of Broadway classics, children’s programs, acting classes, and summer camps.
A production at People’s Light in Malvern. Photo by Mark Garvin
People’s Light
39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, (610) 644-3500, peopleslight.org
People’s Light is consistently known for its topnotch work, from solo performances to more topical fare.
Players Club of Swarthmore
614 Fairview Ave., Swarthmore, (610) 328-4271, pcstheater.org
Experience seven main-stage shows at this 300-seat venue, plus a slew of more offbeat productions in its black-box space.
SALT Performing Arts
1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs, saltpa.com
Look for quality year-round productions of all types at SALT, from cutting-edge musicals to family favorites.
Spotlight Theatre
129 Park Ave., Swarthmore, (610) 328-1079, spotlighttheatrepa.org
Now in its 79th season, Spotlight performs fun musicals, whimsical plays and thought-provoking shows at Swarthmore United Methodist Church.
Steel City Coffeehouse
203 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (484) 924-8425, steelcitycoffeehouse.com
Steel City hosts everything from open-mic nights to local singer/songwriters.
Tower Theater
69th and Ludlow streets, Upper Darby, (610) 352-2887, venue.thetowerphilly.com
Named one of the 10 best live music venues in the United States by Rolling Stone, the Tower is a favorite of big-name acts.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
226 N. High St., West Chester, (610) 356-2787, uptownwestchester.org
Uptown! Entertainment Alliance has transformed this former armory into an impressive home for live performance, film and education.
AMERICAN HELICOPTER MUSEUM AND EDUCATION CENTER Learn about helicopter aviation and get an up-close look at these machines. On select days, you can even ride in one. Photo by Ed Williams
History & Attractions
American Helicopter Museum and Education Center
1220 American Blvd., West Chester, (610) 436-9600, americanhelicopter.museum
American Treasure Tour Museum
1 American Treasure Way, Oaks, (866) 970-8687, americantreasuretour.com
An offbeat popular culture museum full of nostalgia, oddities, curiosities, colors and sounds.
Antique Ice Tool Museum
825 Sconnelltown Road, West Chester, (610) 738-7081, antiqueicetoolmuseum.org
Explore the history of the ice industry through tools, vehicles and other artifacts.
Brinton 1704 House
21 Oakland Road, West Chester, (610) 399-0913, brintonfamily.org
Open for tours May-October, the structure was built in 1704 by Pennsylvania Quakers and is one of the oldest restored homes in the country.
Caleb Pusey House
15 Race St., Upland, (610) 874-5665, calebpuseyhouse.com
An English vernacular house dating back to 1683 and restored in the 1960s. Original proprietor Caleb Pusey created nearby Chester Mills with William Penn. The house is open for tours by appointment only on Saturdays May–October.
Chadds Ford Historical Society
1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-7376, chaddsfordhistory.org
Explore life in Chadds Ford in the 18th century and beyond. The society offers a lecture series, a themed escape room and events.
Chester County Historical Society
225 N. High St., West Chester, (610) 692-4800, chestercohistorical.org
Guests can explore Chester County’s rich history via exhibits, garments, flags and more.
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
3900 N. Sandy Flash Drive, Newtown Square, (610) 566-1725, colonialplantation.org
Tucked away in Ridley Creek State Park, this 112-acre plantation offer a glimpse of life in the late 1700s, complete with period attire and demonstrations. The plantation is open from late March through late November.
Delaware County Institute of Science
11 Veterans Square, Media, (610) 566-5126, delcoscience.org
Explore the natural world through fossils, shells, animal specimens and more. October–May, the institute also offers a free lecture series.
Finley House
113 W. Beechtree Lane, Wayne, (610) 688-2668, radnorhistory.org
In the former home of Captain John Pugh, who fought in the Revolutionary War, the kitchen dates back to 1789 and much of the rest to the 1800s. Open Tuesday–Saturday and by appointment.
Harriton House
500 Harriton Road, Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-0201, harritonhouse.org
Dating back to 1704, this stone home encompasses over 300 years of local history. Visit the grounds anytime, or take a pre-booked guided tour of the house Wednesday–Saturday.
Haverford Township Historical Society
1682 Karakung Drive, Havertown, (484) 452-3382, averfordhistoricalsociety.org
Discover Haverford’s history at the Lawrence Cabin, Nitre Hall and Federal School, which date back to the 1700s and 1800s.
Henry Muhlenberg House
201 W. Main St., Trappe, (610) 489-7560, trappehistoricalsociety.org
The former home of the Lutheran minister dates back to about 1755 and is furnished to reflect life in 1787.
Herr’s Snack Factory
271 Old Baltimore Pike, Nottingham, (800) 284-7488, herrs.com
Highlands Historical Society
7001 Sheaff Lane, Fort Washington, (215) 641-2687, highlandshistorical.org
Dating back to the late 1700s, the Georgian mansion and two-acre formal garden sit on 44 acres. Pre-booked tours offered Tuesday–Friday.
Historic Grange Estate
143 Myrtle Ave., Havertown, thegrangeestate.org
Located above Cobbs Creek, this historic 10-acre property embodies over 300 years of local history dating back to 1682. Explore the carriage house, springhouses, barn and more. Pre-booked tours offered Saturday and Sunday April–October. Holiday tours November–January.
Historical Society of Montgomery County
1654 DeKalb St., Norristown, (610) 272-0297, hsmcpa.org
A research library, displays and events spotlight Montgomery County’s heritage.
Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area
204 Church St., Phoenixville, (610) 935-7646, hspa-pa.org
The museum offers genealogy information, along with photographs, yearbooks, and over 300 pieces of Etruscan Majolica and other artifacts.
Hope Lodge
553 S. Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, (215) 646-1595, historichopelodge.org
Quaker Samuel Morris—a farmer, miller and iron master—started building the Georgian-style Hope Lodge in 1743. It was also a Revolutionary War encampment.
John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove
1201 Pawlings Road, Audubon, (610) 666-5593, johnjames.audubon.org
National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum
50 S. 1st Ave., Coatesville, (610) 384-9282, steelmuseum.org
Once known as the Steel City, Coatesville had a long relationship with iron and steel thanks to the Lukens family. This museum celebrates that history through interpretative exhibits and educational programs and much more.
Paper Mill House Museum
2 Paper Mill Road, Newtown Square, (610) 975-0290, historicnewtownsquare.org
Get a look at an 1850s general store, alongside local history. Open Saturday in July and August.
Pennsylvania Veterans Museum
12 E. State St., Media, (610) 566-0788, paveteransmuseum.org
The museum honors veterans through educational programs and exhibits.
Pennypacker Mills
5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, montcopa.org
Gov. Samuel W. Pennypacker’s antiques collection is on display at this mansion, offering a glimpse into his political life and life in general in the early 1900s.
QVC STUDIO PARK Tour this state-of-the-art broadcasting facility, where you’ll see and experience how QVC products are sourced, tested, presented on air, and delivered to millions. You may even catch a program in progress with a favorite host or guest. Photo by Tessa Marie Images
QVC Studio Park
1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, (800) 600-9900, qvc.com
Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge
41 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley, (484) 444-2961, rosevalleymuseum.org
Sanderson Museum
1755 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-6545, sandersonmuseum.org
Christian Carmack Sanderson was born in 1882 and went on to become a prolific collector of American artifacts. More than 200 years’ worth can be seen at this museum, including sketches and paintings from the renowned Wyeth family. Open Saturdays and Sundays March-November; advanced reservations required.
Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum
301 Iven Ave., Wayne, (610) 909-4919, mickeyvernonsportsmuseum.com
Located in the Radnor Township Municipal Building, this museum celebrates Delaware County’s Emlyn Tunnell and many other exceptional athletes from the region. Open Monday-Friday.
Thomas Massey House
469 Lawrence Road, Broomall, (610) 353-3644, thomasmasseyhouse.org
Thomas Massey came to the colonies as an indentured servant, eventually earning his freedom and becoming a landowner. His 1600s-era home is a testament to his perseverance. It’s also one of the oldest English Quaker homes in Pennsylvania. Open Sundays May–October.
Upper Darby Historical Society
Marvine and Mansion Avenues, Drexel Hill, (610) 924-0222, udhistory.com
This society works to preserve Upper Darby’s history, including Colleen Brook Farm, which is available for tours by appointment.
GEORGE WASHINGTON’S HEADQUARTERS Visit the place where the father of our nation planned his successful campaign during his encampment at Valley Forge. Photo courtesy of G. Widman/Visit Philadelphia
Washington’s Headquarters
1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1099, valleyforge.org
Waynesborough Historic House
2049 Waynesborough Road, Paoli, (610) 647-1779, historicwaynesborough.org
Revolutionary War Gen. Anthony Wayne’s homestead is now a registered National Historic Landmark. Open select days spring-fall.
WHARTON ESHERICK MUSEUM Renowned American artist Wharton Esherick’s 12-acre property features his home and workshop, where he worked in sculpture, furniture and other mediums. Explore it all Tuesday-Sunday on pre-booked tours of his unique studio, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Photo courtesy of G. Widman/Visit Philadelphia
Wharton Esherick Museum
1520 Horseshoe Trail, Malvern, (610) 644-5822, whartonesherickmuseum.org
World of Scouting Museum
1601 Valley Forge Road, Valley Forge, (610) 935-8001, worldofscoutingmuseum.org
Explore scouting history over the past century at this museum, which includes antique uniforms, badges and awards, historic photographs, and more. Archive open Monday–Friday.
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