5 new museums to check out this fall

Autumn brings with it a new crop of everything, including TV shows, fashion… and museums. As summer winds down and cooler temps beckon us back indoors, check out these noteworthy new American museums.

Photo: Courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution

Museum of the American Revolution: Philadelphia

We the people of the United States are excited to check out this museum that opened on April 19, 2017, the 243rd anniversary of the “shot heard round the world” that sparked the Revolutionary War. Among the museum’s permanent collection are life-sized battle scenes; the George Washington’s War Tent theater experience; and hundreds of artifacts from George and Martha Washington, including weapons, letters and other personal items.

Photo: Smith Group JJR.

Museum of the Bible: Washington, DC

Whether you read Scripture religiously or just want to know more about one of history’s most important books, make plans to check out this museum scheduled to open November 17, 2017. Three floors explore the history, narrative and impact of the Bible through exhibits like the Drive Thru History of the Bible Theater, an immersive re-creation of a first-century village and a flight simulator highlighting biblical passages inscribed on monuments around the nation’s capital. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how the Bible impacts government, music and even fashion.

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Photo: Interspectral/Valentin Mellstrom

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science: Miami

Frost Science, as the cool kids have already nicknamed it, opened in May 2017 in downtown Miami. There are amusements for all ages, including a planetarium, aquarium and loads of hands-on learning. Coming in October 2017 is “Brain: The Inside Story,” a traveling exhibition featuring art, brain-scan imaging and more.

Photo: Barry Brecheisen

American Writers Museum: Chicago

Reading is usually a solo activity, but this museum, which opened in May 2017, brings bibliophiles together. The permanent collection celebrates American novelists, poets, children’s authors and others through interactive exhibits. Also check out the temporary exhibits like “Beat Journey: Jack Kerouac’s ‘On the Road,'” featuring the writer’s original scroll manuscript, on display through October 27, 2017.

Photo: Aranguren & Gallegos Arquitectos and Wolfberg Alvarez & Partners

Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami:

This museum launched in 2014, but will move to its new permanent home in Miami’s Design District on December 1, 2017. Check out its inaugural exhibition, “The Everywhere Studio,” featuring artists from post-war to today. Be sure to tour the sculpture garden’s large-scale installations.