ROSENBACH MUSEUM

 

Rosenbach Museum and Library
2010 Delancey Place
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 732-1600
Hours: September-July, Tuesday through Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm
Tours: Guided one-hour tour as visitors arrive, last tour at 2:45pm
Admission: $5.00

The Rosenbach Museum and Library is housed in a three-floor townhouse from 1863, complete with Persian rugs and British, French, and American antiques which date back to the 18^th century.  Compiled by collectors Philip A. and A.S.W. Rosenbach, the museum offers many treasures of art and literature, with a special emphasis on originality and first editions.  It’s definitely worth a visit.

Some of the most noted attractions include artworks, books, and manuscripts by various important craftsmen, including Sully, Canaletto, and Lawrence, among others.  Original drawings by Daumier, Fragonard, and Blake are on display as well, and make up the general assembly of over 300,000 manuscripts . Of particular interest and achievement is the only known copy of the first edition of Poor Richard’s Almanack, written by Benjamin Franklin.

The highlight of the museum, and its most famous attraction, is the original manuscript of James Joyce’s epic Ulysses.  This priceless artifact is prominently displayed and is worth the price of admission alone.  All in all, the Rosenbach Museum and Library is a must-see for all fans of historic literature and any well-cultured individual.