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Rosenbach Museum and Library Review

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Rosenbach Museum and Library

Address: 2010 Delancey Pl., Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, PA | Map It
Phone: 215/732-1600
www.rosenbach.org

Category: Museums/Galleries
Location: Rittenhouse Square

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 3.2/5

Fodor's Review:

This 1863 three-floor town house, and an adjoining building are filled with Persian rugs and 18th-century British, French, and American antiques (plus an entire living room that once belonged to poet Marianne Moore), but the real treasures are the artworks, books, and manuscripts here. Amassed by Philadelphia collectors Philip H. and A. S. W. Rosenbach, the collection includes paintings by Canaletto, Sully, and Lawrence; drawings by Daumier, Fragonard, and Blake; book illustrations ranging from medieval illuminations to the works of Maurice Sendak, author of Where the Wild Things Are; the only known copy of the first issue of Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack; and the library's most famous treasure—the original manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses. The Rosenbach celebrates "Bloomsday" on June 16 with readings from Ulysses by notable Philadelphians. The library has more than 130,000 manuscripts and 30,000 rare books.

Cost: $8, free Tues.
Open: Tues., Thurs., and Fri. 10-5, Wed. 10-8, weekends 10-5; guided tours on hr 11-4; additional tour Wed. at 6:30

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by bachslunch from US on 10/20/08
The tour shows you the house where the Rosenbachs lived (has some terrific decorative art on site) and temporary exhibits showcasing books from the library's collection. Kind of expensive, but enjoyable.