Your Guide to the Main Line Area’s Museums, Theaters and More

With so much talent in our western suburbs, there’s no need to travel to Philadelphia for exceptional performances.

Galleries & MuseumsHistory & AttractionsMusic, Dance & Theater 

Galleries & Museums

ADM Gallery & Studio

3719 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, (610) 291-0768

Venezuelan artist Ana Delia McCormack showcases her work along with pieces by other artists.

Avery Galleries

100 Chetwynd Drive, Bryn Mawr, (610) 896-0680

- Advertisement -

Avery features a range of paintings in various disciplines, from the Hudson River School to Impressionism to Modernism.

Brandywine Museum of Art

1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-2700

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

This gallery highlights the works of area artists, hosting opening receptions for new exhibitions. Dogs are welcome.

- Partner Content -

Community Arts Center

414 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford, (610) 566-1713

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.

Devon Fine Art LLC

1604 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli, (610) 644-4949

Contemporary and modern works on display and available for purchase.

Gallery 222

222 E. King St., Malvern, (610) 608-6636

- Advertisement -

Gallery 222 has become a popular spot, thanks to its mixed-use space and open garden and patio.

HL Chalfant: American Fine Arts & Antiques

1352 Paoli Pike, West Chester, (610) 696-1862

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) 328-7811

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

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, (209) 719-1287

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

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

Merritt’s eclectic inventory includes sculpture, photography, paintings and more.

Nicholas Santoleri’s Artist Studio

1515 West Chester Pike, West Chester, (610) 995-2047

Award-winning Chester County artist Nicholas Santoleri showcases his work by appointment.

The Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art

601 E. Main St., Collegeville, (610) 409-3500

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

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

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.

History & Attractions

American Helicopter Museum & Education Center

1220 American Blvd., West Chester, (610) 436-9600

Learn about helicopter aviation and get an up-close look at these machines. On select days, you can even ride in one.

American Treasure Tour Museum

1 American Treasure Way, Oaks, (866) 970-8687

An offbeat popular culture museum full of nostalgia, oddities, curiosities, colors and sounds.

Anthony Wayne House

2049 Waynesborough Road, Paoli, (610) 647-1779

Revolutionary War Gen. Anthony Wayne’s homestead is now a registered National Historic Landmark. Open select days spring-fall.

Antique Ice Tool Museum

825 Sconnelltown Road, West Chester, (610) 738-7081

Explore the history of the ice industry through tools, vehicles and other artifacts.

Brinton 1704 House

21 Oakland Road, West Chester, (484) 624-9235

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

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

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 Center

225 N. High St., West Chester, (610) 692-4800

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

Tucked away in Ridley Creek State Park, this 112-acre plantation offers 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

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

In the former home of Captain John Pugh, who fought in the Revolutionary War, the kitchen dates to 1789 and much of the rest to the 1800s. Open Tuesday-Saturday and by appointment.

The Grange Estate

143 Myrtle Ave., Havertown, (610) 446-4958

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.

Harriton House

500 Harriton Road, Bryn Mawr, (610) 525-0201

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

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

The former home of the Lutheran minister dates to about 1755 and is furnished to reflect life in 1787.

Herr’s Snack Factory

271 Old Baltimore Pike, Nottingham, (800) 284-7488

See how chips and other snacks are made and learn the history of one of the region’s most iconic and successful food empires.

The Highlands Mansion & Gardens

7001 Sheaff Lane, Fort Washington, (215) 641-2687

Dating back to the late 1700s, the Georgian mansion and two-acre formal garden sit on 44 acres. Pre-booked tours offered Tuesday-Friday.

Historical Society of Montgomery County

1654 DeKalb St., Norristown, (610) 272-0297

A research library, displays and events spotlight Montgomery County’s heritage.

Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area

204 Church St., Phoenixville, (610) 935-7646

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

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

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.

The National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum

50 S. 1st Ave., Coatesville, (610) 384-9282

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, educational programs and much more.

Paper Mill House Museum

2 Paper Mill Road, Newtown Square, (610) 975-0290

Get a look at an 1850s general store, alongside local history. Open Saturdays in July and August.

Pennsylvania Veterans Museum

12 E. State St., Media, (610) 566-0788

The museum honors veterans through educational programs and exhibits.

Pennypacker Mills

5 Haldeman Road, Schwenksville, (610) 287-9349

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.

The Rose Valley Museum at Thunderbird Lodge

41 Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley, (484) 444-2961

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.

Sanderson Museum

1755 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-6545

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

Located in the Radnor Township Municipal Building, this museum celebrates Delaware County’s Emlen Tunnell and many other exceptional athletes from the region. Open Monday-Friday.

Thomas Massey House

469 Lawrence Road, Broomall, (610) 353-3644

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

This society works to preserve Upper Darby’s history, including Collen Brook Farm, which is available for tours by appointment.

Washington’s Headquarters

1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1000

Visit the place where the father of our nation planned his successful campaign during his encampment at Valley Forge.

Wharton Esherick Museum

1520 Horseshoe Trail, Malvern, (610) 644-5822

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.

Visit Philadelphia
Photo by G. Widman / Visit Philadelphia

QVC Studio Park

1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester, (800) 600-9900

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.

QVC
By Tessa Marie Images

Music, Dance & Theater

118 North

118 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne, (610) 971-2628

An essential part of the region’s burgeoning live music scene, this intimate venue features a range of local, regional and national acts, plus a tasty food menu.

Act II Playhouse

56 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, (215) 654-0200

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.

Ardmore Music Hall

23 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, (610) 649-8389

The region’s go-to spot for consistently great musical talent, ranging from beloved singer/songwriters and jam bands to established national acts. Cool special events enhance the community vibe.

Bryn Mawr Film Institute

824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 527-9898

Opened in 1926 as the Seville Theater, BMFI boasts four theaters, classroom space and a cafe. The lineup includes a mix of current films, older favorites and screening events.

Colonial Playhouse

522 W. Magnolia Ave., Aldan, (610) 622-5773

A charming theater offering popular Broadway shows and more.

Footlighters Theater

58 Main Ave., Berwyn, (610) 296-9245

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

There isn’t a bad seat in the house at this historic venue, dating back over 100 years. It’s among the only theaters in the United States to host a residency program in a range of disciplines.

Kennett Flash

102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, (484) 732-8295

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

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

A cultural centerpiece of Media’s downtown, Media Theatre offers professional versions of Broadway classics, children’s programs, acting classes and summer camps.

People’s Light

39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, (610) 644-3500

People’s Light is consistently known for its top-notch work, from solo performances to more topical fare.

Players Club of Swarthmore

614 Fairview Road Swarthmore, (610) 328-4271

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, (610) 488-2585

Look for quality year-round productions of all types at SALT, from cutting-edge musicals to family favorites.

Spotlight Theatre

129 Park Ave., Swarthmore, (484) 326-5172

Now in its 79th season, Spotlight performs fun musicals, whimsical plays and thought-provoking shows at Swarthmore United Methodist Church.

Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery

203 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (484) 924-8425

Steel City hosts everything from open-mic nights to local singer/songwriters.

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center

226 N. High St., West Chester, (610) 356-2787

Uptown! Entertainment Alliance has transformed a former armory into an impressive home for live performance, film and education.

Villanova Theatre

800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, (610) 519-7474

Villanova University students in the school’s Theatre and Studio Art program hone their craft in entertaining, well-executed and often thought-provoking productions.

The Colonial Theatre

227 Bridge St., Phoenixville, (610) 917-1228

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.

The Colonial Theatre
Photo by Ed Williams

Related: 7 Can’t Miss November Events Happening Around the Main Line

Main Line Today Restaurant Week runs October 13-26!