Nation's Oldest Hospital to Open Museum

Pennsylvania Hospital to transform historic Pine Building into interactive medical history museum.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Pennsylvania Hospital, the nation's oldest hospital founded in 1751, will soon open a new museum in its historic Pine Building. The museum will feature eight interactive galleries detailing the hospital's 275-year history and role in shaping modern medicine, including exhibits on its pioneering work in psychiatric care, establishing the first maternity ward, and providing care during pivotal moments in American history.

Why it matters

As the nation's oldest hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital has been at the forefront of medical innovation and progress for nearly three centuries. The new museum will allow visitors to explore the hospital's rich history and understand its significant contributions to the development of modern healthcare in the United States.

The details

The museum will transform the hospital's Pine Building, which dates back to the 18th century, into a space featuring preserved historic areas like the hospital's library, surgical amphitheater, and restored apothecary. Exhibits will highlight the hospital's role in providing care to Revolutionary War soldiers, responding to the 1918 influenza pandemic, and establishing the country's first maternity ward in 1803.

  • Pennsylvania Hospital was founded in 1751.
  • The museum is set to open to the public in May 2026.

The players

Pennsylvania Hospital

The nation's first chartered hospital, founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond.

Stacey Peeples

The lead archivist at Pennsylvania Hospital, who is overseeing the development of the new museum.

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What they’re saying

“Pennsylvania Hospital is not only linked to the history of just Philadelphia — but to the history of the United States of America. 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.”

— Stacey Peeples, Lead Archivist, Pennsylvania Hospital (Becker's Hospital Review)

What’s next

The museum is scheduled to open to the public in May 2026, coinciding with the 275th anniversary of Pennsylvania Hospital's founding.

The takeaway

The new museum at Pennsylvania Hospital will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and pioneering medical innovations of the nation's oldest hospital, which has played a pivotal role in shaping the development of modern healthcare in the United States.