Free activities and events in New York City

Founder’s Hall Museum Weekend Open Houses

Published: June 26, 2024; Aithor: Julia Sonrisa

After being closed since May 2022 for building renovations, the Founder’s Hall Museum is open again for visitors. The museum is now self-guided, allowing for more flexible visitation.

Regular visiting hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors are also welcome to attend our special Saturday Open Houses on April 20 and May 18 from noon to 4:00 p.m.

Housed in a magnificent Greek Revival landmark, the Founder’s Hall Museum offers a glimpse into the complex life of Stephen Girard, America’s first multi-millionaire. It illuminates the legacy of a school that he founded, which has fascinated Philadelphia visitors since the 19th century, became the focus of a key Northern civil rights case in the 20th century, and continues to educate youth today.

Come behind the wall at Girard College to explore our monumental building and historical collections. From 18th-century decorative arts to civil rights photographs to ginger cakes, the Founder’s Hall museum is full of fascinating history and quirky surprises. In addition to our permanent exhibit, our new changing exhibition space currently features an exhibit on science education in the 19th and early 20th centuries

Before you go

• This open house event is free and open to everyone. Advance registration is helpful for us, but walk-in visitors are very welcome.
• Founder’s Hall is a National Historic Landmark. The museum is located on the second floor and requires climbing a flight of stairs to view.
• Because Girard College is an active school, you will quickly check in with security when arriving on campus.
• Parking is free on-site; we are accessible by several bus lines and are a half-mile walk from the Girard Avenue subway stop.
• Check out the website for more information about our programs, collections, and online resources

Free!

Registration

Detailed information and discussion of the event.