The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the new home of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Accommodated within the center is Verizon Hall for orchestral presentations, the Perelman Theater for chamber music concerts, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center. A variety of Philadelphia's performing arts groups serve as resident companies, presenting their artistry each season along with performances by visiting guest artists and ensembles.
One of the city's most unique parks and outdoor spaces, Race Street Pier stands close to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, jutting out into the Delaware River. Manicured lawns cover one part of the pier, while a beautiful raised promenade occupies the rest of the space. From joggers in the morning to picnicking families and tourists looking for some calm by the river, the park sees a lot of visitors throughout the day, and is an excellent bet for people-watching. Panoramic vistas of the city make it a favorite hangout for photographers. Check website for more.
Architect James H. Windrim designed Smith Memorial Playground in 1899 as per the wills of Richard and Sara Smith. Located in Fairmount Park, the place is regarded as one of the best playgrounds in Philadelphia. Spread over 6.5 acres (2.63 hectares), the playground welcomes over 1,000 kids every day. Featuring several activities that are conducive for physiological, behavioral and social development of the children, Smith Memorial Playground provides several opportunities for creative, unstructured play. The place also includes an adorable playhouse that caters to kids younger than 5 years of age. Often sought for private events such as birthday parties, Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse is a true local gem.
For those who love wine and wan to make their own, The Wine Room of Cherry Hill presents a fabulous chance. Spread across 8000 square feet(743.22 square meters), this Hands On Winery is among the new wave of DIY winemakers. The brainchild of Kenton and Kathy Nice who are behind Coda Rossa Winery, you can join other wine enthusiasts and make your own label. Using only fresh grapes, this winery offers two seasons in wine-making every year. Fall is for Californian wines while spring is Chilean wines. The entire process is divided into four different sessions, each going up to two hours. From crushing to pressing, barreling and then bottling, you will learn the art of wine-making at this place. Feel like a professional as you use licensed winery tools and Italian wine presses. Sample wines before you start making your own. The prices vary as it all depends upon the quantity and variety of wine. Definitely an experience not to be missed.
Please Touch Museum is a must-visit when in town. Located in Memorial Hall, it features whimsical installations, interactive exhibits and optical illusions. Create music with your feet by stepping on the Walking Piano, meet characters from Alice in Wonderland, cross rivers in the rainforest and manoeuvre a flying machine. Visitors can attend activities and programs on various topics, from history to science, in an educational yet fun way. Make a pit stop at their Please Taste Café, or attend a folk performance or puppet show at their theatre. A popular attraction among children is their wooden carousel and yearly themed Storybook Ball where their favourite fairy tales come alive.
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.