Formerly the largest prison facility in America, the Eastern State Penitentiary is now Philadelphia’s major tourist attraction. What was once the most expensive prison in the country now stands in ruins, but that does not stop curious tourists from visiting the attraction. A first-of-its-kind, the penitentiary implemented previously unheard ideas of incarceration, which prioritized reformation over punishment. Today, the vaulted cell blocks and central rotunda invite many a tourists keen on knowing the eventful history of this fascinating establishment. What adds to the curiosity of the masses is the fact that the prison was home to notorious inmates such as ‘Slick Willie’ Sutton and Al Capone.
Though William Penn left the Anglican Church to become a Quaker, he practiced religious tolerance. The Anglicans built this 1727-44 beautiful structure, based on Christopher Wren's designs in London. There are still services on Sundays and holy days, plus architectural tours. George Washington's seat is marked by a plaque. The Christ Church burial ground, the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin and his family, is at the corner of 5th and Arch Streets.
The National Constitution Center is dedicated to the research and education of the United States Constitution among the masses. This museum curates an unrivaled collection of exhibits, relics and multimedia displays that offer an avid glimpse into the country's rich heritage. Explore their interactive exhibitions, view the replica of the Emancipation Proclamation and acquaint yourself with the American War of Independence. Play make-believe by recording your voice while reading the Presidential Oath of Office and rub shoulders with 42 bronze statues of the pioneers of the constitution. Visitors can also admire model government buildings and photographs of Pulitzer award recipients, print their own news and play a game of trivia. This complex is also home to the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach.
Union Transfer is a joint collaboration of Four Corners Management, R5 Productions and The Bowery Presents. Housed in a historic brick structure dating back to 1889, this music venue opened in 2011 and is now among the prominent concert spaces in town. It features three fully equipped bars and a few concession stands. Most of their shows are for all ages. Some of their previous listings are Metermaids, Jello Biafra, The Antlers, Mischief Brew, Sage Francis and Guantanamo School of Medicine.
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.
Enjoy the beauty and art of horticulture at the pleasure garden, Chanticleer Garden. A 35-acre (14-hectare) public botanical garden that dates back to the early 20th Century, this landscape has artistry in full bloom. It is a breathtaking spread of flora, trees and lawns that have been planted to perfection. The garden's gate has been created with carved stone roosters, better known as chanticleers in French, from where it gets its name. It is open from April to October. The house and grounds were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.