The Philadelphia Museum of Art features over 240,000 objects filled with treasures spanning across continents and cultures, drawn from a collection of more than 400,000 works of art like prints, drawings and photographs. The huge stone edifice of the museum, supported by majestic Doric columns, looks over the Schuylkill River. Scale the steps made famous in the 'Rocky' movies.
Philadelphia's South Street is home to one of the most remarkable creations of art in the city. Known as the Magic Gardens, this work by artist Isaiah Zagar spans almost an entire block and engulfs everything in sight including the pathways and building walls. The continuously evolving work is a colourful riot and incorporates tiles, bottles, bicycle tires, spokes; pretty much anything you could think of. With this stunning landscape and installations, the artist draws you into his world for a peek into his mind. This one is not to be missed.
Spreading across 9200 acres (3723.11 hectares) with 63 parks, Fairmount Park is among the biggest city park systems in the nation. It features picturesque trails, rolling hills, streams, historical structures, woodlands, public arts and more. The Centennial Arboretum, Horticulture Center, Japanese House and Garden and Philadelphia Museum of Art are some of the interesting sites located in this massive expanse. It also has recreational centers and sporting fields.
A jewel of the Independence National Historic Park, the Liberty Bell spans layers and layers of long-standing history. In 1751, William Penn asked that the new bell being cast for the Pennsylvania Statehouse be engraved with the words, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” When the bell first rang to call citizens to the first reading of the Declaration of Independence, little did it know that it was going to change the course of the country forever. It was later dubbed the 'Liberty Bell' by abolitionists, who adopted the bell as a symbol of their fight for freedom for all Americans. A copper-clad, 2,080-pound (940-kilogram) icon of American independence, The Liberty Bell yet serves as a symbol of pride, inspiration and freedom.
Few artistic geniuses have captured the human form and condition in sculpture-like Auguste Rodin. Marvel at perhaps his most famous work, The Thinker, and wonder at the introspective nature of man and the might that is thought and creation. The Kiss and other noteworthy sculptures are also on hand including his last work, Gates of Hell. Apart from the French Rodin Musee, the Philadelphia locale is considered the largest collection of his masterpieces.
A working-class Philadelphian himself, Dr Albert Coombs Barnes established the foundation in 1922 to promote appreciation of the fine arts among the common man. Over the years, the Barnes Foundation has procured one of the most noteworthy collections of early French modern and post-impressionist paintings in the world. Works by artists like Renoir, Cezanne, Monet, Picasso and Rousseau are part of the collection. The collection has only toured once and then only a fraction of it was sent out. It is necessary to call ahead for a reserved admission ticket.
The Goldie Paley Gallery at Moore College of Art and Design features contemporary art, architecture, photography and crafts by national and international artists. The mission of the gallery is to seek out and present works of art that might not otherwise be seen by the Philadelphia community. Goldie Paley Gallery inspires creative thought by featuring artists who are not always in the mainstream of cultural consciousness, but whose art is often cutting-edge and profound.
The St. Paul's Church is a beautiful hstoric church with pristine white exteriors that give it a ancient look. Established in 1828, it displays a mix of Rural Gothic and Gothic Revival styles of architecture. This church is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The church continues to be active and hosts services regularly.
The St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historic church located in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania. This Gothic style gray stone structure was first built in 1861 and modifications were made by Jay Cooke and Horace Trumbauer over the years. The stone structure of the church also features a two story clock tower and an adjoining cemetery. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Nitre Hall is built in 1805 in a property expanding 9 acres (3.6 acres). The owner of the Nitre Hall Powder Mills was the resident owner of Nitre Hall, and lived in it till his death. The building consists of three floors, with the custodian staying on the ground floor and the top two floors showcase exhibits and other Colonial age items. The Hall is opened from May through October and in December for special occasions and events. It is frequented by schools for field trips, and members of different historical societies.
The existing structure of the Arch Street Presbyterian Church was constructed in 1855 and features an impressive Classical Revival style design that places it in stark contrast with the surrounding modern buildings. With a vast and eventful history, the church has survived periods of decline with grace and perseverance, standing tall even today. The church is truly a beautiful sight, with a design reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture, and interiors that are beautifully decorated with elegant columns and a graceful dome, Far from being just a pretty building, the church not only continues to serve as a place of worship, it also supports a number of groups, charities and outreach programs to better the lives of not only its own, but of the community as a whole.
Conceptualized and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Beth Sholom Synagogue is a city landmark. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, this synagogue comes under the purview of Frank Lloyd Wright Historic Society. Its design is deemed to be one of the finest works of Wright and the site can be explored through the tours conducted.