A man of amazing talent and stature, Benjamin Franklin, is celebrated as one of the founding fathers of America and for being an influential figure in history. It follows naturally that his contributions have inspired generations of Americans. The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia is one such landmark that celebrates the man. The institute serves as a science museum, education center and event venue. Apart from exhibits that date back centuries, there are interactive rooms, so patrons can experience it all themselves. A session in the escape room will test your noggin, while the sports zone pushes your physical fitness levels. Explore the inner workings of the heart and brain or let the marvel of space exploration leave you spell bound. The iconic Benjamin Franklin National Memorial statue watches over the proceedings from the centrally located rotunda. The Franklin Institute definitely warrants a visit if you're around Philly.

The National Museum of Jewish American History chronicles the existence of Judaism in the country and its cultural impact on society. Established in 1976, this 100,000 square-foot (9290 square-meter) space is replete with over 20,000 displays that testify the Jewish-American tie dating back to the Colonial period. Learn Hebrew traditions, explore their interactive exhibits, watch engaging films at the theater, browse through artifacts and read through literary work by Jewish writers. Visit the museum store to take home postcards, curios and unique souvenirs.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art features over 240,000 objects filled with treasures spanning across continents and cultures, drawn from a collection of more than 400,000 works of art like prints, drawings and photographs. The huge stone edifice of the museum, supported by majestic Doric columns, looks over the Schuylkill River. Scale the steps made famous in the 'Rocky' movies.

Few artistic geniuses have captured the human form and condition in sculpture-like Auguste Rodin. Marvel at perhaps his most famous work, The Thinker, and wonder at the introspective nature of man and the might that is thought and creation. The Kiss and other noteworthy sculptures are also on hand including his last work, Gates of Hell. Apart from the French Rodin Musee, the Philadelphia locale is considered the largest collection of his masterpieces.