The Curtis Institute is internationally acclaimed for training aspiring musicians for careers as performing artists for more than 70 years. Only one student per instrument is selected each year. Students stage free public recitals every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the school year. Special events, guest musicians, and concerts are also scheduled. Call for information on recital times and dates.
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.
This contemporary arts center is helping to serve as a catalyst to the neighborhood's burgeoning arts scene, and offers new and established artists the opportunity to present their work to the public. Housed inside the former Crane Plumbing Company building (circa 1905) are several galleries—including a space for live music and performing arts called the Ice Box and a large open air patio referred to as the Green Space. In addition to several exhibits are painters, photographers, and sculptors busy at work on their next project in one of the many studio spaces. Admission to all events are free which makes this a perfect place to spend some time while in the city. The only drawback—Crane Arts LLC is closed during the month of August.
The American Philosophical Society has an earned reputation of being a leader in the promotion of scholarly research, publication and library resources in the sciences and humanities for over 250 years and has played a significant role in American culture and history. The society, most famously started by Benjamin Franklin, has seen many prominent members like George Washington, Charles Darwin, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein and Robert Frost. The building, in which the society and all its resources have been housed, is just as much part of Philadelphia's history as the society. After years of financial struggles and permit issues, the Philosophical Hall was completed in 1789 and became the site of the society's meetings, library and gallery of artifacts. Today, the historic structure is a landmark in the city, a museum and still serves as the administrative offices to the prestigious APS.
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.