Philadelphia Arts
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (K. Privitera/PHLCVB)
By Debra Griboff (Posted 3/2/23)
Philadelphia looms large in American history. And at a time of great political partisanship, it’s worth remembering our extraordinary beginnings and how the country united as a nation.
Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The National Constitution Center is devoted to the Constitution of the United States, a singular document that has sustained the U.S. for almost 250 years. NCC regularly hosts debates and speeches, including then-presidential candidate Barack Obama’s historic address on race in March 2008.
The Museum of the American Revolution offers multimedia presentations of our founding — and the courage it took to oppose the British crown.
That’s one of the great draws of the City of Brotherly Love — its diversity and eclectic art offerings.
Most attractions are located in a defined space — from Rittenhouse Square, a lovely park bordered by cafes, bookshops and boutiques, to the busy waterfront. The Philadelphia Museum is often known for Rocky’s running up its steps — but the real treasures are found inside.
The Avenue of the Arts has a number of cultural must-sees, including the Academy of Music, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, The Rodin Museum, which house has the largest collection of the sculptor's works outside of Paris, while the ICA celebrates the art of our time. One of the more whimsical sculptures outside City Hall is Claes Oldenburg's 45-foot clothespin.
Especially impressive is the National Museum of American Jewish History. The building offers three floors of the museum’s core exhibition, while others have rotating exhibits, such as “The Future Will Follow the Past: An Exhibition by Jonathan Horowitz” which runs through 2023. It explores the transformative changes America has experienced since 2020 and addresses antisemitism, racial violence, immigration, women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
From Jews in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, to the great waves of immigration and the creation of Hollywood, the history of American Jews is inseparable from American history.
Philadelphia also boasts a compact Center City, which explains its many walking tours. From Franklin’s Footsteps to architectural tours that focus on different areas of the city.
March is Women’s History Month and it’s worth catching the Badass Women’s History Tour of Philadelphia — from colonial women to women in medicine. It’s all the names you should know but don’t. It’s history as it should be told: fully.
The Franklin Institute offers an exploration of science, as well as “Disney 100: The Exhibition,” which reveals a century of magic from the famed studio.
The first Sunday of the month means free admission to the Barnes. This month, the art of math, with an emphasis on geometry, perspective and perception, is on display.
In addition to its museum options, Philly is also blessed with a variety of music, including the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. Pianist Emanuel Ax, violinist Leonidas Kavakos and cellist Yo-Yo Ma perform on March 18, while renowned violist Itzhak Perlman is slated for May 4. The city has a jazz tradition, too, boasting native sons Clifford Brown and Jimmy Smith. There are loads of jazz clubs, such as Chris' Jazz Café and South Jazz Kitchen.
Transport is easy: The SEPTA and the Phlash trolley -- is everywhere. Market Street, a main thoroughfare, is the nucleus; many sights are on or near it.
Don’t leave without sampling the city’ fast-food favorite: the Philly cheesesteak. There’s also loads of culinary options at the Reading Terminal Market.
For more info: www. visitphilly.com