It is run by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to preserve and interpret the Commonwealth's history and culture.

On March 28, 1905, Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker signed legislation establishing the museum for "the preservation of objects illustrating the flora and fauna of the state, and its mineralogy, geology, archeology, arts and history.

[3] The museum's central hall features a large statue of William Penn, who founded the Province of Pennsylvania in 1681 during the British colonial era.

[4] The museum includes a multi-media planetarium, as well as four floors of exhibits and displays covering Pennsylvania history from prehistoric times through current events.

Among the features are an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibitions related to the American Civil War and an extensive collection of industrial and technological innovations, including artwork, paintings, dioramas, and other audio-visuals aid in the interpretation.