Midtown Village
Market to South streets | 6th to Broad streets
Midtown Village has always held a special spot in Philadelphia's story. It was here that Benjamin Franklin electrified the world when he conducted his infamous kite and key experiment, as well as helping found the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, the nation's first true public library that permitted people to borrow books. It was here that the second incarnation of the Philadelphia branch of the United States Mint operated from 1833-1901. It was here that the pioneering "King of Merchants," John Wanamaker, built his impressive department store that changed retail shopping forever - especially when it became the first store to implement electric lights, extending hours of operation into the evening. It was here that John Stetson set up the headquarters for his world-renowned hat company.
Today, Midtown Village continues its tradition of being a revolutionary neighborhood. Street signs adorned with rainbow-colored stripes evoke the eclectic neighborhood's GLBT pride. A thriving section of Center City, "The Gayborhood" is a homey residential area with plenty of open air and green space, in addition to hosting a unique collection of bookstores, businesses, boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafés, and entertainment.
In addition to the Macy's that now resides in the historic Wanamaker building, Midtown's blocks are lined with shops selling clothing and shoes (both sold TAX-FREE in Philadelphia) and so much more. Cutting through the heart of Midtown Village, between 9th and Broad streets along Pine Street, is Antique Row - a haven for collectors, decorators, and anyone who loves a touch of the past. Jewelers Row, America's oldest diamond district since 1851, glitters between 7th and 8th on Sansom Street with more than 300 jewelers and plenty of discount prices.
America's oldest theater, the Walnut Street Theatre, continues to entertain audiences at 8th and Walnut with numerous musicals and plays coming through each year. Just across the neighborhood's western Broad Street border, the Avenue of the Arts features the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Performance goers - and everyone else for that matter - will also enjoy Midtown's array of delicious dining destinations before a show, such as Valanni Restaurant & Lounge ("Medi-Latin" food) and Mercato (Italian).
Midtown Village has also been beautified by the Mural Arts Program of Philadelphia, which has painted more than 2,700 buildings across the City over the past quarter-century. At 6th and Lombard streets, visitors can also find Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, founded 1781, the oldest piece of ground in America continuously owned by African Americans.
