Museums & Performing Arts

Museums

One of the greatest cultural centres in the U.S.A., Philadelphia and its countryside are filled with distinguished museums displaying paintings and sculpture by the world's master artists. The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the third largest in the U.S.A., displays impressive collections of art and architecture from the Americas, Europe and Asia. The Barnes Foundation includes one of the finest collections of early French Modern and post-Impressionist paintings in the world. The Rodin Museum contains the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris. Works by some of the U.S.'s greatest artists can be found in museums in the city centre and the countryside.

Many galleries in Philadelphia and the countryside display works by popular and emerging artists, which are on view and for sale. On the first Friday of every month, Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood hosts "First Friday," when more than 40 art galleries stay open late and hold special events.

Philadelphia is like one big museum with more than 2,700 works of public art designed by artists from around the world. Along streets, beside office buildings and throughout Philadelphia's 8,900 acres of parks, you will find outdoor works of art and three centuries of architecture.

CITY CENTRE

Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St.& the Ben Franklin Parkway
Showcasing more than 2,000 years of human creativity, the collections and special exhibitions present masterpieces of painting, sculpture, decorative arts and architectural settings from Europe, Asia and the Americas. The striking neoclassical building is an oasis of beauty and enriching activities, including family programmes, lectures, concerts and films. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; until 8:45 p.m. Friday. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Broad & Cherry Sts.
Opened in 1876 to celebrate the U.S.A.'s Centennial, America's first art museum and school of fine art is a National Historic Landmark. The Academy's renowned collection of American paintings and sculpture spans three centuries and includes works by the country's greatest artists. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission.

Rodin Museum, 22nd St. & the Ben Franklin Parkway
This museum houses the largest collection of Rodin sculptures and drawings outside of Paris, including "The Thinker,'' "The Burghers of Calais'' and the "Gates of Hell.'' Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Admission: Donation.

Institute of Contemporary Art, 36th & Sansom Sts.
Part of the University of Pennsylvania, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is Philadelphia's leading venue for recent developments in the visual arts. ICA presents the innovative work of established and emerging artists through acclaimed exhibitions, educational programmes and publications. Open noon-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Admission.

COUNTRYSIDE

The Barnes Foundation, 300 N. Latch’s Lane, Merion
The Barnes Foundation houses one of the finest private collections of early French Modern and post-Impressionist paintings in the world. The collection also includes pieces of antique furniture, pottery, African sculpture, Native American jewelry, and wrought-iron objects. Open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday from September-June; and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in July-August. 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Reservations are required. The Barnest Collection will be joining the other art museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway when it moves to its new home. Admission.

Brandywine River Museum, Rts. 1 & 100, Chadds Ford
Showcasing American art in a 19th-century gristmill, this museum is known internationally for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still-life and landscape paintings. Wildflower gardens feature plants native to the Brandywine Valley, surrounding the museum in glorious colour from spring through to autumn. Open 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily; closed Christmas. Admission.

Delaware Art Museum, First USA Riverfront Arts Center, 800 S. Madison St., Wilmington, Delaware
The State of Delaware's fine art institution offers distinguished collections of 19th- and 20th-century American art and illustration, a renowned collection of English Pre-Raphaelite art, and changing exhibitions. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Admission.

Performing Arts

Cultural entertainment is plentiful in Philadelphia, especially on the Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia's premier arts district. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the city's magnificent performance hall, presents performances by the world famous Philadelphia Orchestra, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and the PHILADANCO dance company. The acclaimed Pennsylvania Ballet and Opera Company of Philadelphia perform at the Academy of Music, the oldest concert hall still in use in the U.S.

Numerous performing companies provide a range of U.S.-influenced entertainment, including jazz, gospel and rock and roll. Popular contemporary artists perform live concerts throughout the year at theatres, outdoor stages and stadiums.

Academy of Music, Broad & Locust Sts.
Opened in 1857, the beautiful Academy of Music is the oldest concert hall in America still in use. The Academy is home to the Pennsylvania Ballet, Opera Company of Philadelphia and a full season of great performances by various artists.

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Broad & Spruce Sts.
Thr Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is a gift to the performing arts, architecture and public space. The centrepiece of Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts, the Kimmel Center, houses two separate buildings. The 2,500-seat Verizon Hall, designed in the shape of a cello, hosts performances by the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. The 650-seat Perelman Theater presents a variety of dance and musical performances. Architect Rafael Vinoly's masterful design features an arched glass roof rising 150 feet above ground. Occupying an entire city block, the Center serves as a public plaza in the centre of the city's arts district and includes a restaurant, gift shop and rooftop garden.

Philadelphia is also home to many theatres, offering Broadway-style shows and original plays and musicals, including:

Forrest Theatre
Freedom Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre
Wilma Theatre
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Society Hill Playhouse

Performance schedules:
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Pennsylvania Ballet
Opera Company of Philadelphia
Philadelphia Theatre Company
Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®
PHILADANCO dance company