know before you go

Before You Enter the Vault, please read:

House Rules of the Bank

  • Your ticket includes a timed entry. Please arrive about 10 minutes early so your transaction begins smoothly.

  • This bank has six stories, many levels, and no conveyor belts (there are stairs and elevators, however. All levels ,except the 5th floor and basement, are accessible and ADA compliant). Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

  • Photos are allowed, but we invite you to experience the space before documenting it. The best souvenirs are the ones you carry out with you.

  • Large bags, backpacks, strollers, and free-standing camera equipment (tripods, light stands, etc.) aren’t permitted inside. Lockers are available to store essentials.

  • MoA is designed for all ages and levels of engagement. Young explorers are encouraged - just keep curious hands and wandering minds accompanied.

  • There’s no required route, no right order, and no single way through. If one path feels closed, another is usually nearby.

  • Performers may invite interaction, but you always choose your level of engagement. Observation counts.

  • For safety and care of the space, certain items aren’t allowed. Please review the full list below before arriving.

  • Interest compounds here. We hope you leave a little changed.

parking

There are numerous parking lots and garages within easy walking distance of the Ministry of Awe in Old City. Street parking is also available throughout the neighborhood. For the best rates and guaranteed spots, we recommend using SpotHero, meterUP, or similar parking reservation apps.

Nearby public parking lots and garages include:

Please note: Parking in Old City can be limited due to narrow historic streets and heavy foot traffic, especially on weekends and during events. Be sure to read posted signs carefully for time limits and permit restrictions.

public transport-ation

Old City is very walkable and well served by public transportation. MoA is a short walk from the 2nd Street stop on the Market–Frankford Line, or 8th & Market PATCO station. Jefferson Station is the closest Regional Rail stop and a number of SEPTA buses can get you to the neighborhood from across the city.

SEPTA Subway (Market–Frankford Line)
Take the Market–Frankford Line (“The El”) to either:
• 2nd Street Station, or
• 5th Street / Independence Hall Station

SEPTA Bus
Several bus routes stop near Old City, including those along Market Street, Front Street, and Columbus Boulevard. Routes 5, 17, 21, 33, and 38 all serve the area.

PATCO (From New Jersey)
Visitors coming from New Jersey can take PATCO to:
• 8th & Market Station
• Franklin Square Station (7th & Race)

Courtesy & Flow

  • When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a Functionary who welcomes you in, shares a few house guidelines, and invites you to begin your exploration. After that, the experience is self-directed: you choose where to wander, what to engage with, and how long to linger.

  • Most visitors spend about 90 minutes to two hours, though there’s no fixed path or time limit.

    Some people linger, others move quickly. You’re encouraged to explore at your own pace, follow your curiosity, and stay with moments that resonate. No two visits are exactly the same.

  • Yes — absolutely. Just be mindful of the people behind you and avoid blocking pathways for extended periods.

  • Because this world is meant to stay in motion. Keep the flow moving so everyone can explore without bottlenecks (we don’t do “frozen assets” here).

PhotoS & Video

  • Yes - photography and video are allowed. The Ministry’s simple ask is... Be here first. Share later.

  • No. Flash photography is NOT permitted anywhere in the experience.

Touch & Interaction

  • Sometimes. Touch is an invitation, not a right.
    Some objects are designed to be held, activated, turned, exchanged, or interacted with. Others are not.

  • Look for signage or cues from a Teller/Functionary. If you’re unsure, wait and ask — the work will tell you, or a team member will.

  • You may be invited into conversation, play, or participation — but participation is always optional.

  • No. You can decline silently, politely, and without explanation. The Ministry respects refusal.

  • To abstain or withdraw, cross your arms over your chest. This signals that you’re observing and would like to opt out. Consent goes both ways.

Safety & Accessibility

  • The Ministry of Awe is a shared, immersive art experience. Please help us keep it safe, welcoming, and wondrous for all.

    • Treat the artwork, installation, and property with care. Do not tamper with, remove, or damage any part of the space.

    • Be respectful of others. Harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

    • Outside food or beverage is not permitted. Alcohol, smoking or vaping is not allowed anywhere in the installation.

    • Move thoughtfully, keep pathways clear, and be mindful of accessibility needs.

    • Children must be supervised at all times.

    • Personal photography is welcome; please respect others’ space and consent and please post after you leave the experience.

    Staff may ask anyone who does not follow this Code of Conduct to leave the installation.

    Come curious.
    Move at your own pace.
    And remember - there’s almost always more than one way through.

  • For the safety of our staff and guests and to keep the space clean, the following items are not allowed in the building:

    • Weapons of any kind, including: Firearms of any kind, including concealed carry, pocket knives, pepper spray and spiked jewelry.

    • Vape pens or electric cigarettes (vaping is  not permitted inside the building or exhibit)

    • Cigarettes, cigars, or pipes ( smoking is not allowed inside the building or exhibit)

    • Outside food and beverages, alcohol, flasks, or other containers. Empty water bottles are ok! We have a water fountain and bottle filler inside. 

    • Recreational or illegal drugs, including recreational or medicinal cannabis

    • Markers, stickers, or spray paint

    • Strollers. Guests are encouraged to “baby-wear”

    • Large bags, luggage, and backpacks. There are lockers available for backpack sized items. We cannot hold luggage.

    • Skateboards and Heelys shoes

    • Professional recording equipment, drones, selfie sticks, or tripods

    • Bad attitudes

  • Some areas feature low lighting by design.

  • Yes. Please be mindful of uneven surfaces, tight corners, and transitions between spaces.

  • No running. This is for your safety and for the experience of others.

  • If you need assistance at any point, flag down a Functionary (team member) — they’re there to help.

  • Emergency exits are clearly marked throughout the building. Please familiarize yourself as you move between spaces.

  • NOTICE: As of 3/23/26 our elevator is being serviced and not operating. We apologize for the inconvenience and impact to your visit. If you already have tickets, info@moaphilly.org and we will happily rebook you.

    Yes. Ministry of Awe is ADA compliant.

    The first through fourth floors are accessible by elevator. The basement and fifth floor do not have elevator access. Some areas include steps, varied flooring textures, and changes in elevation that may affect mobility - everyone will have their own experience, regardless of mobility.

Lockers & Personal Items

  • Yes, lockers are available for guest use.

  • Please share one locker per group whenever possible. Pooling resources helps keep things moving and reduces crowding.

FAQs

  • It’s for humans of all ages and levels of engagement.

    Ministry of Awe isn’t specifically designed for children, but it’s designed to be accessible and engaging across generations. Younger visitors will find interactive elements, visual delight, and playful discovery, while older visitors often engage more deeply with the themes, questions, and layered storytelling. Families, dates, solo explorers, and groups all move through the space in different ways - and this is intentional.

  • The experience spans approximately 8,500 square feet across six levels inside a converted historic bank building.

  • The Ministry is limiting capacity. Ticketing will be timed to ensure you’ll have space to explore.

  • Yes - Ministry of Awe is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

    The project has been made possible through a mix of community fundraising, private philanthropy, grants, and the extraordinary contributions of artists and supporters who believed in the vision early on. Every ticket sold helps sustain artists, performers, and future programming. This isn’t a venture-backed attraction. It’s a community-rooted cultural institution.

  • If you miss your scheduled time, don’t worry - we’ll do our best to help. While all sales are final and we can’t offer refunds, we’re happy to exchange your ticket for a new time slot, based on availability. Please contact us as soon as possible and we’ll work with you to find the next best option.

  • It’s part of the story and the invitation. MoA is designed to prompt reflection — what you spend your life on, where you invest your attention, and when you quietly withdraw from yourself. You can take that as play, poetry, or both.

  • Questions?
    For practical concerns, visit our FAQ or reach out to the branch concierge at info@moaphilly.org or call 215-792-6857. For existential ones… just bring them with you. They’re welcome here.