Philly’s Top 5 Art & Culture Spots: A Visitor’s Guide

Thinking about planning a trip that packs in a whole lot of beauty, history, plus a little bit of that quirky Philly feel? Philly, it’s almost, is like a treasure trove when you want places that’ll feed your mind and lift your spirits, so too it’s a great spot for any traveler! We’re going to look at what you definitely shouldn’t miss in the City of Brotherly Love. From world-renowned museums with amazing exhibits to those historical corners where America got its start, we’re gonna peek at the spots that provide a window into the essence of Philadelphia.

1. The Philadelphia Museum of Art: More Than Just Steps

Most people probably know this place from the Rocky films, yet, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, very, is a cultural landmark that is much bigger than a cinematic backdrop, anyway. You could wander for days through galleries filled to bursting with artwork that runs from the Renaissance all the way to right now. What I am saying, its collections are incredibly varied.

For art geeks, it might be the impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings that really grab you. Think Renoir, Monet, plus Van Gogh. But there’s plenty if that isn’t up your alley: sculpture gardens to chill in, design pieces that’ll have you thinking about the furniture in a totally different light, and special exhibits that seem to pop up all the time, actually. You might be able to get into an exhibit that you otherwise thought that you might have missed!

Here’s a pro-tip; if you go on the first Sunday of the month or every Wednesday evening, then you only pay what you can! So, really, it can be the perfect time to see some priceless artworks, even if you happen to be keeping a tight check on your funds. The “Pay What You Wish” policy gives anyone a chance to access the magic of this museum, first.

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2. Independence National Historical Park: Where History Comes Alive

Where the USA’s biggest decisions occurred is here. As I was saying, it is right here at the Independence National Historical Park! You can stroll on down the same pathways as the Founding Fathers, seeing for real the very rooms where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, for example.

One place that just grabs attention is Independence Hall, in fact, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Can you imagine being in the same room where the course of a country was planned? To be honest, It’s just mind-blowing to stand there and soak up all that history.

After Independence Hall, definitely stop over at the Liberty Bell Center and see the iconic symbol of freedom, well, the cracked Liberty Bell! Listen to all the stories surrounding the bell, then think about what liberty really means to people throughout time. Pretty incredible, right?

Visiting this park that, it is safe to say, teems with the stories of our past is totally free, though some buildings do require tickets (that are also free). Makes it a superb option for a history enthusiast who may be on a budget. Be certain to plan; you won’t regret this blast into the past.

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3. The Barnes Foundation: An Eclectic Collection

Forget the usual museum experience; honestly, The Barnes Foundation presents an unique way to see art. So, Albert Barnes created an awesome collection of Post-Impressionist, early modern paintings, American paintings, plus African sculpture, that can make a person stop to appreciate it, literally. These pieces aren’t just displayed; they’re set up in unique, carefully curated groupings that encourage one to see connections and have conversations between them, so.

You will come across lots of Renoirs, Cézannes, Matisses, and Picassos there. What is interesting is, though, that they’re blended along with metalwork and decorative arts, offering this novel approach to how people appreciate art.

If you have to pick just one piece, maybe think about Matisse’s The Joy of Life. A big, awesome painting which just shows so vividly the artist’s bold use of color plus his capacity to create emotions by paint, by the way. Seriously, don’t pass up on spending a few minutes sitting right in front of it, actually absorbing what it has to give.

Buy those tickets in advance; The Barnes Foundation carefully controls the quantity of people allowed at a given point so everyone can have a really absorbing, unhurried encounter. Plan ahead if you would love to get in!

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4. Eastern State Penitentiary: History Behind Bars

If you would like something absolutely different coming from the art museums, then visit Eastern State Penitentiary for a little glimpse into the grimmer past in Philly. In a way, This ancient jail, is very, now abandoned, once housed a number of the nation’s most well-known criminals, by the way. Exploring the decaying cells gives a fascinating—and spooky—peek into what penal life was like. It definitely stands in sharp comparison to any museums around town.

As I was saying, Al Capone was an inmate at this prison! During the tour listen carefully for any haunting echoes! What a compelling, scary spot it can be!

During specific periods the penitentiary puts on specific activities such as spooky evening trips during Halloween, actually! Seriously plan ahead what kind of a encounter you desire as these occasions could affect the vibe considerably. You should get the perfect mood and ambience if you perform just a little advance planning!

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5. Mural Arts Philadelphia: Art on the Streets

You can visit Mural Arts Philadelphia as well! When the entire city has become a big art piece for one to experience; well then you do not even need to visit art at just a museum or in a building! Instead, Philly’s Mural Arts Program’s awesome, very, murals can definitely turn just every neighborhood inside an open-air art gallery. This project started in 1984, so, in order to fight graffiti! Also, since then, it’s made over 4,000 awesome artworks.

Explore some taking walks to check out such art! In fact, one will find excursions devoted to specific themes of the works, by the way. Themes incorporate the lives of regular people or take on weighty problems, yet the murals will certainly inspire one to begin checking what Philly’s neighborhoods have to give, actually.

Take a walk and bring that camera. Not just might you enjoy the cool art, but really you receive an exceptional perspective around town way too! So, keep in mind which these jobs regularly come about in some less popular regions around town, this will give people the chance to support local companies.

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