Discover Lancaster: Market, Theatre and Museums

Lancaster brings together a variety of cultural and museum experiences with a remarkable history: Central Market was founded in 1730 and is the oldest continuously operating public market in America. There is also a theatre built on the foundations of the pre-Revolutionary prison and museums with their own areas of focus. This means you can choose among market history, stage performances, historical tours and natural science for your trip.

Market History and Theatre

Another historical thread leads to the Fulton Theatre. It was built on the foundations of Lancaster’s pre-Revolutionary prison. The history and present-day life of the stage come together here: the theatre produces musicals and plays. Its performers and set designers include outstanding talent from Broadway, as well as from national and local circles. If you would rather make a performance the focus than visit a museum, the Fulton Theatre offers a distinct cultural occasion during your time in Lancaster.

Historical Tours and Art

President James Buchanan’s Wheatland is a National Historic Landmark. The LancasterHistory Museum & Research Center is the starting point for tours of Wheatland. This information helps you plan your visit: the tour does not simply begin at any location; it starts at the named museum and research center. Wheatland’s educational and public programs also include monthly Special Subject Tours. This provides a themed program format in addition to the tours.

The Demuth Museum of Art on King offers a different focus. It is a small museum in a historic row house and hosts special exhibitions. The setting of the house and the exhibitions make it a distinctive option for visitors interested in art and historic buildings. Visitors spend an average of 30–45 minutes there per visit.

A Different Perspective: Nature and Science

The North Museum of Nature and Science features live animals. This adds a natural science focus to the historical and artistic themes. When choosing your experiences, you can ask yourself whether you would rather focus on market history, theatre, a historic house, art, or nature and science. When planning together, family members with different interests may find it easier to decide which offerings to consider more closely. Each of the places described represents its own subject; choose the focus that best matches your travel interests.

This thematic approach can also be helpful when looking for a holiday rental: if you are mainly interested in stage performances or historical themes, you will set different visiting priorities than if you are interested in art or natural science. This way, you can get to know Lancaster through specific experiences instead of limiting your trip to a single cultural focus. Find more area pages here: Leacock-Leola-Bareville, Narvon, Mountville, Smoketown, Salunga-Landisville, Gordonville, Christiana and Mt Joy.

For the overall travel overview: Lancaster.