The Rosenbach

If you have even a smidge of interest in real history or antique books and manuscripts, please visit this quaint museum. So many special and noteworthy tomes to see and hear history of their acquisitions. Our tour guide’s enthusiasm was infectious. I am so glad Intook a chance on the RosenbachVisited onWeekdayWait time1 hr+Reservation recommendedYes

Highly recommend, a hidden gem in Philly. The Rosenbach’s has a long family history and they did rare book collection. The tour Guide Joe is a great great person, knows a ton about this house and the interiors and tells story in an alluring way. I love the paintings in the house and also the shelves filled with books. Happen to find a pop-up book Alice in Wonderland and I’m absolutely mesmerized by it.

One of the best museum tours I’ve ever been on. The guides were knowledgeable and the museum is packed with hidden gems - such as books from the 1400’s! It also provides a glimpse into the history of Philadelphia. Recommend purchasing tickets beforehand as they have scheduled tours throughout the day. You can walk around a small exhibit for free, but we chose to purchase the $12.50 ticket to get access to a tour of the entire museum.

I had an amazing experience on my first trip to this museum. I learned about the Rosenbach brothers’ lives, and how one of them started to collect priceless books. Some of them were around the 1300s. The tour guide, who’s name is Steve, gave me and my dad a tour all over the house in a nice professional manner. He was amazed how I gave him history facts, and offered me to take a course on becoming a tour guide. Anyways, I would recommend that you go to the museum for an interesting experience. Thank you!

Lovely tour guide even on their first day!, gorgeous house and decor, and incredible, first-edition books!!! So interesting to learn about the Rosenbachs and share in their wonder of literature. Some of the works were by Austen, Franklin, Carroll, Dickens... the list goes on. Pretty little back garden as well. Highly recommend visiting and/or or attending some of their events.

Hidden gem on a beautiful block with a large collection of old books and guided tours. Books going back to the invention of the printing press with the oldest around 1482. On the downside, sadly you can't touch/hold any books, some sections closed off since COVID, and there used to be a Maurice Sendak collection that is no longer present. Historical marker outside the museum. Only $5 admission with a student ID.

I was unaware that a tour was required. There is minimal access to the collection without a tour one 10x10 room with 5 items exhibited. We are archivist here for a conference and not permitted access to reading room without an appointment. Overall disappointing though interesting collection it seemedVisited onWeekdayWait timeNo waitReservation recommendedNo

This might be my favorite museum of all time! The collection of books is second to none. The atmosphere of the museum is cozy and unlike any place I’ve been before. The docents at the Rosenbach are thrilled to answer questions and give guided tours, which I recommend doing! This past year, I became a member of the Rosenbach, and I am so glad that I did.

Such a lovely garden! I am thrilled that the board has decided to allow guests from the public to enjoy this beautiful piece of the city, so rarely seen. I was lucky enough to see it on a simply wonderful sunny day. I hope you'll enjoy the photos, and that the photos encourage others to stop in and check out the garden.

My experience at this museum was amazing, to say the least! My tour was led by Andrew, who was welcoming and knowledgeable. He was able to answer any questions and give more insight into the books and artifacts we were seeing. This place is a hidden gem, really. The collections here are nothing short of incredible and it's a must-see for anyone in the area, regardless of if you're a book nerd or not. There's something here for everyone with an appreciation for history, literature, and/or antiques. I was astonished by everything I saw. My favorite had to be the copies of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in the three volumes. FIRST EDITION-- such an incredible find. I still can't get over this!! I'm in shock and I'll have to visit again one day post-covid to be able to hold them. And a bookcase that belonged to Melville!! What a find!! There's so much more that you'll have to just see for yourself : Huge recommendation to everyone visiting Philly.