Allentown, situated in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, has a rich and colorful history that includes Native American peoples, the American Revolutionary War, and a strong German influence. In addition to its various historical museums where visitors can learn about the city’s interesting history, Allentown also boasts various other museums that will interest people with diverse interests. Here are a few examples of exciting museums to visit next time you’re in Allentown.
Allentown Art Museum
Featuring a collection of over 19,000 works of art that’s been amassed over 85 years, the Allentown Art Museum is an important regional art institution. In the Kress Gallery, visitors can view a collection of Dutch, Flemish, Italian, and rare German paintings and sculptures that depict the cultural transformations that took place during the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Europe. On 20 February this year, the museum received the good news that the Rembrandt painting, “Portrait of a Young Lady” (1632), which forms part of this collection, is actually authentic.
The American galleries in the museum display works by American artists from the 1700s to the present and include art pieces by Benjamin West, Franz Kline, Keith Haring, and Louise Nevelson. Visitors can also view a room that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, namely the library from the second Francis W. Little House. In addition, the museum hosts various rotating exhibitions. A current exhibition, for instance, is “Evolution of the Spiritual: Europe to America,” which explores the connections between European and American art.
Lehigh Valley Heritage MuseumÂ
The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum is the home of one of the largest historical societies in America, namely the Lehigh County Historical Society. The museum boasts six galleries that feature both rotating and permanent exhibits that display over 35,000 historical artifacts, 200,000 vintage photographs, and 3 million documents. At the BB&T Bank Historical Exhibit Gallery, visitors can learn about Lehigh Valley’s history from before the European settlement to the present day.
The museum is also home to a fine library that boasts comprehensive historical records and rare documents. Apart from hosting the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, the society also administers seven museum sites in the city that visitors can view by appointment, such as the Historic 1770 Trout Hall, the Historic 1756 Troxell-Steckel Farm Museum, and the Historic 1893 Claussville School.
Museum of Indian Culture
The Museum of Indian Culture is a resource center where visitors can learn about the histories of Native American peoples through various exhibits and educational activities. In the Northeastern Woodlands Room, visitors can view various exhibits that showcase the cultures and histories of the Delaware/Lenape Indians and other Northeastern Woodlands tribes. “The Great Native American Toolkit” exhibition, displays prehistoric stone tools and ancient bone fishing tools used by these tribes.
There’s also an Inter-Tribal Room that features a variety of regalia from Native American tribes in the western hemisphere. Here visitors can appreciate a wide collection that includes beadwork, dolls, basketry, pottery, and other cultural artifacts.
These are only three of the many exciting museums you can visit in Allentown. Whether you’re into history, art, science, engineering, or architecture, the city offers something of interest for everyone.
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