This bizarre attraction near the Liberty Bell may be Philly’s weirdest museum

Philadelphia mural artist Meg Saligman is the creative force behind the project. ‘Ministry of Awe’ feels somewhere between an immersive theater experience, an interactive art installation, and a bizarre fever dream. Her studio’s work can already be seen throughout the city as large-scale murals representing Philadelphia’s culture and history. Teaming up with local artists, makers, engineers, and designers allowed her to take that artistic storytelling indoors in a much more explorable format.

An average visit through the museum takes around 30 to 45 minutes, perhaps longer for guests who stop to interact with the attraction’s many tech-driven elements. Visitors exploring the building’s meandering floors encounter works of art that can be difficult to describe in the best possible way.

Stairwells glow with over-the-top rainbow visuals while former office spaces inside the bank now contain endlessly looping record players, strange video screens, and interactive moments that range from playful to mildly absurd.

Inside the strange six-story experience

One room encourages visitors to pretend to commit bank forgery, while another invites guests to sign their own death certificate before reaching the “Heavens” near the top of the building. Elsewhere, a massive eyeball watches over the lobby like a high-tech deity looming above the attraction.

Each installation throughout the museum was created by different artists, who were given substantial creative freedom to loosely interpret the building’s banking and religious themes. While there are hints of backstory explaining what the Ministry actually is, the creators note there is no fixed storyline or required path through the attraction. Visitors are encouraged to wander and discover the experience at their own pace.

There are also plenty of photo opportunities throughout the building, including the transformed bank vault in the lobby, now covered in reflective gold surfaces that create perfect lighting for selfies and social media photos.

AI systems have also been incorporated into portions of the attraction, not to generate the artwork itself, but to create additional layers of interactivity within some exhibits.

The Ministry also employs actors from Philadelphia’s Pig Iron Theatre Company, adding unexpected live interactions throughout the experience. The performers roam select rooms, demonstrate interactive elements, and help bring parts of the surreal environment to life.

Fans of immersive attractions like Meow Wolf and other interactive art experiences may recognize familiar elements here, including environmental storytelling, performer interactions, and hands-on exploration.

A fitting stop during America 250 celebrations

As Philadelphia prepares for increased tourism surrounding America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, Ministry of Awe offers a dramatically different experience from the city’s traditional historic attractions. The immersive museum sits within walking distance of many of Old City’s most visited landmarks, making it an easy add-on for visitors already touring Independence Hall, Elfreth’s Alley, or the Liberty Bell.

The contrast is part of what makes the attraction memorable. Outside, visitors explore the streets where America’s founding history unfolded. Inside, they enter a surreal world of strange art installations, glowing staircases, hidden tunnels, and interactive spaces designed for exploration.

The experience was also designed with families in mind, including small tunnels and climbing netting areas for children to explore throughout the building.