Philadelphia Culture
Historical Attractions and National Landmarks
Venture off the beaten path to discover a side of Philadelphia culture that you won't find in the guidebooks!
Academy of Music Broad and Locust Streets
(215) 893-1999
Home to the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ballet and Broadway at the Academy.
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
(215) 299-1000
Founded in 1812, this is the oldest continuously operating scientific research exhibit in the Western Hemisphere, featuring plenty of dinosaurs sure to delight fans of all ages.
African American Museum
701 Arch St.
(215) 574-0380
This museum houses one of the most significant collections of African-American history and culture in Pennsylvania.
Chinatown
10th and Arch Street
Chinatown is a predominantly Asian American neighborhood located within the Center City district in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While similar in concept to the "Chinatowns" of many major U.S. cities, this ethnic enclave possesses a great deal of distinctly Philadelphian architecture and cultural character.
Edgar Allen Poe House
532 North 7th Street
(215) 597-8780
“For the most wild, yet most homely narrative which I am about to pen,” so begins Poe’s famous short story “The Black Cat,” written while living in this house with his family. Writer, editor, popular poet and inventor of the detective story, Edgar Allan Poe still thrills readers today. Come imagine Poe’s life on Seventh Street, his only surviving residence in Philadelphia.
Fireman’s Hall
147 North 2nd Street
(215) 923-1438
Fireman's Hall Museum, located in a restored firehouse in the heart of Philadelphia's historic Old City district, is one of the nation's premier fire museums. Here, the history and heroic moments of Philadelphia firefighting, both past and present, are celebrated through the museum's exhibits, public programs and award ceremonies. Owned by the City of Philadelphia, the museum is operated by the Philadelphia Fire Department and supported by the Philadelphia Fire Department Historical Corporation.
Franklin Institute Science Museum
20th St & Ben Franklin Pkwy.
(215) 448-1200
The most recognizable part of The Franklin Institute to the public is The Franklin Institute Science Museum. The spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin Institute is to inspire an understanding of and passion for science and Technology learning. One of the best museums in Philadelphia, the Franklin Institute is a must-see attraction.
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes Church)
(215) 389-1513
Horticultural Center
North Horticultural Drive and Montgomery Avenue
The Horticulture Center, a modern exhibition hall and greenhouse, was built for the Bicentennial celebration in 1976. It sits on the site of the former Horticultural Hall, an 1876 Centennial Exposition building. A trip to the Horticulture Center will be time well spent. Within its walls are a visitor center and greenhouse where one can see many tropical plants and a fine collection of statues interspersed in the greenery.
Italian Market
9th Street and Washington Avenue (Along 9th Street Between Wharton and Fitzwater)
You can literally find almost anything at the market. Dozens of vendors line the street, selling the freshest vegetables, fish, meats, spices and produce from their stalls, while gourmet shops and restaurants occupy storefronts in between.
Japanese House and Garden
4700 States Drive
(215) 878-5097
This seventeenth-century authentic Shoin-style Japanese house & garden in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park was built in 1954 as a gift from Japanese people to American for the Museum of Modern Art. The house was relocated to Philadelphia in 1958. Renowned artist Hiroshi Senju donated 20 murals in 2007, Shofuso is the only house of its kind outside of Japan. The Japanese House is considered a major cultural asset to the city and an international tourist attraction.
Kimmel Center
260 South Broad Street
(215) 893-1999
Located on Avenue of the Arts, this vibrant venue hosts symphonies, orchestras and tributes to local artists.
Mann Center for the Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Avenue
(215) 893-1999
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is the region's only nonprofit outdoor cultural arts center offering a diverse season of world-class entertainment.
Merriam Theater
250 South Broad Street
The Merriam Theater keeps with the Broadway touring tradition by importing recent hits and long running musicals for runs of varying length in Philadelphia. The theater has been extensively restored so that one can get a sense of the more elaborate days of theatergoing in the early 20th Century.
Mummers Museum
100 South 2nd Street
(215) 336-3050 The Mummers Museum opened in 1976, and is dedicated to the Philadelphia celebration of the new year. The museum houses a rich collection of mummers' paraphernalia and memorabilia, including spectacular costumes, a few of which date back to the turn of the 20th Century. It includes an on-site gift shop offering unique mummers products, an online store accessible from this website, and a luxurious banquet hall which is available for rental. The museum conducts interesting programs for both children and adults, and offers complimentary outdoor string band concerts during periods of mild weather.
Mural Arts Tour
1729 Mount Vernon Street
(215) 685-0754
A 2-hour tour that admires the lively murals in and around Philadelphia’s metro area. Tours are only offered Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am and leave from the Independence Visitors Center.
Mutter Museum
19 South Twenty Second Street,
(215) 563-3737
Philadelphia Magic Garden
1020 South Street
(215) 733-0390
Outdoor mosaic wonderland serves as unofficial headquarters of the famous mirror – and – tile art that glorifies buildings all over the South Street district.
Rodin Museum
22nd St & Ben Franklin Pkwy.
(215) 763-8100
Considered the greatest collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures outside of Paris.
Suzanne Roberts Theatre
480 South Broad Street
(215) 985-0420
The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is a symbol of new growth, and stands as eloquent testimony to Suzanne's artistic vision and to the vital role she has played in enabling Philadelphia Theatre Company and the community we serve to embark on a bold new future with confidence.
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
3260 South Street
(215) 898-4000
University of Pennsylvania's treasure trove of ancient history is as much a resource for scholars as it is entertainment for visitors. Founded in 1887, the building houses some 32 exhibit galleries with more than one million objects, from mummies to Native American tools to Buddhist artifacts. On weekends and holidays, the museum holds workshops and demonstrations, children's events, lectures and cultural festivals in conjunction with its exhibits. – – The Collection – Within the museum is a library with enormous archival offerings for researchers.
Walnut Street Theater
825 Walnut Street
(215) 574-3550
The production standards are high here, even if the aesthetics aren't the most adventuresome. The Walnut is best known (and loved by its more than 40,000 annual subscribers) for its lavish and popular musicals. The mainstage theater is comfortable, with good sight lines and acoustics. Things get a little edgier in the Walnut's Studio 3 theater, where you'll see new plays and reinterpretations of classics in an intimate black-box setting. With five shows on the mainstage, and five more in the studio each year, you're sure to find something to see.
For more information about Philadelphia art, museums, performances and more, speak with our concierge.