Visitor Information

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Chemical Heritage Foundation
315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2702
Tel: 215-925-2222 • Fax: 215-925-1954
www.chemheritage.org

CHF is located in the heart of Independence National Historical Park in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia. We are within easy reach of Interstates 95 and 76, Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station (for Amtrak trains from New York, Washington, D.C., and other popular stops along the Northeast corridor), and the Philadelphia International Airport.

Visiting Hours and Policies

Public Touring of the Exhibits:
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
(Please note our holiday closings.)

• To arrange a guided tour, please complete a tour request.
• All visitors on site are required to wear a visitor's badge or name tag.
• For further details on visiting CHF's exhibits, see our museum visitor information page.

Use of the Othmer Library:
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Monday–Friday
(Please note our holiday closings.)

• Researchers are asked to contact staff to make an appointment in advance of a visit to the library. Please e-mail reference@chemheritage.org or call 215-873-8205. A photo ID is required upon arrival.

Wheelchair Access
A wheelchair-accessible pedestrian gate is available at our parking lot entrance on 3rd Street, between Chestnut and Market streets. The pedestrian gate is unlocked during regular business hours and for events. If traveling by automobile, drive up to the parking lot gate, which will open automatically during regular business hours and events. You may park in any open spot marked "Visitor" or in one of two handicapped spots. To enter the building, call our receptionist via the intercom at the East Entrance for Visitors and Staff.

Holiday Closings
When planning your visit to the museum or library of the Chemical Heritage Foundation, please note that CHF will be closed on the following dates in 2010:

• New Year's Day (1 January)
• Martin Luther King Day (18 January)
• Memorial Day (31 May)
• Day after Indepedence Day (5 July)
• Labor Day (6 September)
• Thanksgiving and the day after (25–26 November)
• Christmas Eve (24 December)

From Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway)
Exit at I-676/US 30 East (Vine Street Expressway). Travel approximately one mile, and get off at the exit for I-676/US 30/Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which brings you onto 6th Street. Stay right as you exit to avoid going over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Follow 6th Street three blocks south to Market Street. Turn left onto Market Street (you will pass the Liberty Bell Pavilion on your right after you turn onto Market). Take Market to 4th Street and turn right onto 4th. Go one block, then turn left onto Chestnut Street. CHF is on the left between 4th and 3rd streets.

Traveling South on the NJ Turnpike
Take Exit 4 and follow Route 73 north to Route 38. Take Route 38 west to US 30. Take US 30 west over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to I-676. Take the 6th Street exit and go south on 6th Street three blocks to Market Street. Turn left onto Market Street (you will pass the Liberty Bell Pavilion on your right after you turn onto Market). Take Market to 4th Street and turn right onto 4th. Go one block, then turn left onto Chestnut Street. CHF is on the left between 4th and 3rd streets.

Traveling North on I-95
Take Exit 22, following the signs for I-676 west and Callowhill Street. Take the Callowhill Street exit and go one block to 4th Street. Turn left onto 4th Street and go south about five blocks to Chestnut Street. Turn left onto Chestnut Street. CHF is on the left between 4th and 3rd streets.

Traveling South on I-95
Take Exit 22, following the signs for the Historic Area and Independence Hall. Go straight on 2nd Street to Market Street. Turn right onto Market and go two blocks to 4th Street. Turn left onto 4th Street and go one block to Chestnut Street. Turn left onto Chestnut Street. CHF is on the left between 4th and 3rd streets.

Traveling by Amtrak
Taxis are available from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station for the two-mile trip to CHF.
From 30th Street Station you may also take the Market-Frankford Subway (the Blue Line), which is part of SEPTA, the public transportation system serving the Philadelphia area. Enter the subway at the corner of Market and 30th Streets. Take the eastbound train to the 2nd Street stop. Walk west on Market Street one block until you reach 3rd Street. Turn left onto 3rd Street. Walk one block to Chestnut Street; turn right onto Chestnut. You’ll see CHF’s main entrance shortly on your right.

Traveling by Airplane
Taxis are available from Philadelphia International Airport for the 11-mile trip to CHF. The rate from the airport to CHF is approximately $30. The SEPTA R1 Airport train stops at each airport terminal and reaches both the 30th Street Station and the Market East Station, where you can change to the Market-Frankford Subway line (see under Traveling by Amtrak). Please see SEPTA online or ask at the airport information desk for schedules and directions. The Center City Hotel Shuttle System, located on the Baggage Claim level of Philadelphia Airport, is another option.

Taking Mass Transit
SEPTA buses stopping near CHF include routes 5, 9, 17, 21, 33, 38, 42, 44, 48, 57, and 121. All SEPTA Regional Rail Lines serve Market East Station at 10th and Market Streets, which is a few blocks' walk or a quick ride on the bus or subway. SEPTA Market-Frankford Line has stations at both 2nd and 5th Streets on Market, just around the corner. In addition to SEPTA service, PHLASH and other visitor trolleys also make stops within easy reach of CHF as they navigate through Old City.

Parking
Please use the Bourse Garage which is located on Fourth Street, between Market and Chestnut Streets. Fourth Street runs south. The Bourse Garage is situated between the Ritz Movie Theatre and the Omni Hotel on the west side of the street.

Hotel Information
Below is a list of hotels within walking distance of CHF. Visitors to the Chemical Heritage Foundation may be eligible for discounts (subject to availability). Please see below for details.

Holiday Inn Philadelphia Historic District
400 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel: 215-923-4633 or 1-800-THE-BELL (842-2355)
Distance from CHF: 3 blocks

2010 Rates (applicable 1 January–30 December):

• Standard Room Non-Smoking:  $139 plus tax (currently 15.2%)
• Upgraded Room Non-Smoking:  $149 plus tax (currently 15.2%)

Parking is $22/per night with in and out privileges.

The rate is NOT valid with additional discounts, special events or with coupons.  Reservations can be made directly with the hotel by calling 215-923-8660 or toll-free at 800-842-2355 and asking for the Chemical Heritage Foundation rate. 

Omni Hotel at Independence Park
401 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel: 215-925-0000 or 1-800-843-6664
Distance from CHF: 1 block

2010 Rates (applicable 1 January–30 December): 

• $199 plus tax (currently 15.2%)

Coupons and other promotions do not apply. When calling to make a reservation, please ask for the Chemical Heritage Foundation rate. For questions or problems, please contact Jason Gaspari, Business Travel Sales Manager, at 215-932-4211. 

Penn's View Hotel
Front and Market Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel.: 215-922-7600 or 800-331-7634
Fax: 215-922-7642
Distance from CHF: 4 blocks

2010 Rates (applicable 1 January–30 December): 

• $132 and up, plus tax (currently 15.2%)

Rates are based on availability. Rates are not applicable to coupons or other such promotions. Questions? Call sales manager Nick Dominijanni directly at 215-922-72600 or e-mail nickD@pennsviewhotel.com.

Sheraton Society Hill
One Dock Street (2nd and Walnut Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel: 215-238-6053
Fax: 215-238-6652
Distance from CHF: 3 blocks

2010 Rates (applicable 1 January–30 December): 

• Standard Level: $150 plus tax (currently 15.2%)
• Club Level: $190 plus tax (currently 15.2%)

Rate is subject to availability; coupons and other promotions do not apply. Please contact Courtney Anderson, courtney.anderson@sheraton.com.

Additional hotels near CHF: