Pennsylvania Hospital is opening a public museum this May to commemorate its role in shaping modern medicine ahead of its 275th anniversary.
The Penn Medicine hospital will transform its Pine Building into an exhibition space in time for Philadelphia’s America250 celebrations. The exhibition’s eight galleries will each be dedicated to a specific story highlighting the hospital’s advancements — including those across Penn Med.
“Pennsylvania Hospital is a jewel in the crown that is Penn Medicine, where our staff draw energy from our rich history to shape the future of medicine,” Pennsylvania Hospital CEO Alicia Gresham wrote in a Penn Med announcement. “It is an honor to preserve this vibrant legacy while steering the hospital forward as we continue to make history through innovation, discovery, and advances that propel Penn Medicine’s mission.”
The hospital’s developments — including research on the brain, women’s health, and pharmaceuticals — will be showcased throughout the exhibits, alongside interactive video installations and hands-on activities that connect its legacy to modern medicine.
In an effort to commemorate the hospital’s historic influence, the museum will feature a preserved library, surgical amphitheater, and newly restored apothecary.
Stacey Peeples, curator and lead archivist at Pennsylvania Hospital, emphasized that the hospital is significant to Philadelphia and United States history.
“I am thrilled to illuminate the huge contributions of generations of caregivers, patients, and staff, so that every visitor can share in the pride we feel in the history of Pennsylvania Hospital,” Peeples wrote.
Peeples added that the hospital has maintained a continuous role in scientific innovation — citing developments from “brewing healing teas from herbs grown on hospital grounds” to “caring for soldiers during the American Revolution.”
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Founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Bond, Pennsylvania Hospital holds the distinction of being America’s first chartered hospital and has established itself through programs across various specialties.
The hospital currently hosts over 500 licensed inpatient beds and saw over 54,000 emergency department visits in fiscal year 2025.
In 2024, Penn Presbyterian and Pennsylvania Hospital were surpassed in care levels by other major Philadelphia medical institutions — including Temple University Hospital, Lankenau Medical Center, and Riddle Hospital.
