The Rosenbach Museum & Library is cozily nestled away in a residential area within the two historic townhouses at 2008 and 2010 Delancey Place. The 19th-century townhouses boasts original manuscripts and handwritten copies of some of the world's most important literary works. The most highly prized of all the rarities on display is the original handwritten manuscript for James Joyce's 'Ulysses'. The museum celebrates 'Ulysses' every June 16th with the Bloomsday festival. Apart from the library's extensive collection, the historic house museum also showcases period furniture and decorative artwork from the 16th to the 20th Centuries making for a diverse chronicle of historic culture and the literary arts.
Mario Lanza was a Philadelphia-born tenor who was popular in Hollywood and New York during the 1950s, a sort of operatic "Rocky" in the sense of being a local hero. The museum features a life-size bust of the singer, as well as posters, paintings, gold records, photos, newspaper clippings and telegrams that document Lanza's rise to fame. Vintage films are shown daily.
The Palestra is the basketball court housed on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. It opened in 1927 and has hosted more games, visiting teams, and NCAA tournaments than any other college facility in the country. It was the site of the first NCAA championship in 1939. It has a capacity of 8,722 and is a short walk from all the attractions of University City.
This is a very large public library where you will find any book you want. Come, read and relax.
Located in the beautiful and historic Old City district and housed in a 1902 firehouse, The Fireman's Hall Museum is a great attraction for the whole family. The museum is dedicated to upholding the history of firefighting in Philadelphia and celebrating its heroes both past and present. The gallery in the museum has many pieces of antique fire equipment on display that demonstrate how far the technology of the profession has come over that last century. The museum frequently hosts awards ceremonies and benefits for local firehouses and community events. The admission is free but donations are graciously accepted.
Built in 1837 by William Strickland (famous architect of The Merchants' Exchange Building and The U.S. Mint), the National Mechanics Building is a prized landmark in Philadelphia. The building has been home to a variety of businesses; once the Mechanics National bank, a church, and a club. Now, the historic landmark is one of the city's most popular bars and restaurant. Keeping with the old-world feel, the bar has created a warm but quirky atmosphere filled with off-kilter accents and peculiar decor from home-made light fixtures to strange wall hangings. One thing not reflective of the peculiar history is the food and beer menu, which is brimming with fresh and local cuisine. Featuring gastro pub favorites like grilled flank steak with steak frites and seasonal vegetables, the National veggie burger (house favorite) and nostalgic dishes like home-made tomato soup with grilled cheese make this local pub a must-see. The beer menu is filled with local, national and international brews that will make any beer-lover rejoice in the heart of the Old City. Check out the happy hour on weekdays from 5p-7p for great prices on food and selected beers.