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.
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.
Sit on the sloping lawn or in the reserved boxes under the high shed awning. Pick up a drink or some food from the stalls by the back fence—everything from hot dogs to a full-course salmon dinner served by waiters. This outdoor stage is the summer home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, plus a schedule of jazz, rock, big band, the Philly Pops, opera, theatre, and dance. The acoustics can be unreliable and Philadelphia's erratic weather can be a problem, but you can sit in Fairmount Park, hear a good show, and look at the soft night lights of the downtown skyline.
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.
In the 19th century, the Academy was the American equivalent of the best European art schools. A host of genres and mediums from the most prominent names in American art are constantly on display, with new pieces rotating their way into the collection. Some of America's best artists either taught or were students here, including Thomas Eakins and Mary Cassatt. The building itself is a work of art designed by Frank Furness, an influential 19th-century American architect.
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.
Located on Carter Drive in West Chester, The Center for Performing Arts is a prestigious institute that offers several instructional programs on performing arts. Be it dance, music or theater, the CPFA has a volley of distinguished programs on offer. The campus includes an auditorium where several of the institute's productions are staged. For the schedule of interesting courses and events, check their website.
Philadelphia Distilling is the brainchild of Robert Cassell that was established in the year 2005. This microdistillery produces beverages such as Gin and Vodka. They also provide tours from Thursdays to Sundays and explain the process of making the drinks. You could also enjoy a glass of any of the beverage in the form of creative cocktails.
Portside Arts Center is housed in a renovated warehouse in Philadelphia, PA. Established in 2008, the center is divided into four visual arts classrooms, an art gallery, and two music studios. The center is home to many temporary art exhibitions and they also provide art education programs for those interested. The venue is available for private events and parties and also provides special outreach programs and summer camps for the student community.
The sprawling Sweeney Field serves as the home turf of Saint Joseph's University Hawks and lies in the heart of the northern part of the city. The multi-purpose ground was established in the year 1929 and was initially designed as a football facility. Over the years, it underwent several structural and design changes, which included building the Bluett Theater. Along with soccer ties, Sweeney Field also plays venue to field hockey and lacrosse league matches.