Rosenbach Museum and Library

"Fun with the Family"

To get a feeling of a traditional, stately Philadelphia neighborhood, stroll around theblocks surrounding Rittenhouse Square. On Rittenhouse Square, the Rosenbach Museum and Library houses an astounding collection of rare books, manuscripts, antique furniture, silver, porcelain, and works of art in the beautiful home of the Rosenbach brothers, who lived here from 1948 until their deaths in 1952 and 1953. This wonderful museum is more suited to older children and literary folks, although occasionally there are special exhibits of illustrated books that may appeal to youngsters.
Among the more than 30,000 rare books and 300,000 manuscripts are letters penned by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln. You may also see Lewis Carroll’s own copy of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the manuscript for James Joyce’s Ulysses, and the notes for Bram Stoker’s
Dracula.
The museum’s new Maurice Sendak Gallery is dedicated to showcasing the works and personal collections of the popular author, a longtime supporter of the museum.
One of the best-loved creators of contemporary children's books, Sendak has authored and illustrated eighty-four books in a career spanning nearly seven decades. The museum owns more than 3,000 original drawings by Sendak. On display may be originals from Where the Wild Things Are, Higglety Pigglety Pop! or Chicken Soup with Rice or drawings from such lesser known books as Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present, Very Far Away, or Pierre. The Rosenbach Museum Shop offers books and prints signed by Maurice Sendak, as well as an assortment of unsigned Sendak books, prints, toys, and more.
For information about wheelchair accessibility, call (215) 732–1600, ext. 25, or visit www.rosenbach.org.