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Philadelphia's dynamic arts and culture scene has exploded in recent years thanks to major headlining exhibits, a thriving theater community and reinvigorated public spaces. Here, a rundown of the places and events that have captured our attention.
Refresher Course
The companies that call the Kimmel Center home.
With so many companies beneath the Kimmel Center umbrella these days—eight, to be exact—here’s a refresher on who plays where: The Philadelphia Orchestra and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops take the stage at Verizon Hall. Perelman Theater is home to Philadanco, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and American Theater Arts for Youth. And the Academy of Music hosts the Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Ballet.
Headliners
New attractions and events have recently drawn international attention to the City of Brotherly Love.
Grand Opening of the National Museum of American Jewish History More than 25,000 artifacts tell the story of the American Jewish experience at this Independence Mall museum, the only one of its kind in the US. Its star-studded opening gala last November—attended by Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and Jerry Seinfeld—was just as newsworthy. 101 S. Independence Mall E.; nmajh.org
The First-Ever Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts
An all-day street fair drew thousands to Broad Street in April, but there was plenty to do on the other 24 days of this inaugural, Parisian-inspired festival that featured more than 135 events and 1,500 artists. pifa.org
The Philadelphia Science Festival Launch
Education was the focus of this new two-week, citywide event, which partnered major museums with universities to spread the word about science through discussions, exhibits and even a one-day carnival. philasciencefestival.org
Wonderful Walks
Philadelphia and its environs abound with lush greenery and pretty blooms.
Stop and smell the flowers at one of these nationally acclaimed horticultural havens. Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square) has more than 1,000 acres of seasonal greenery including Christmas trees, spring lilies and fall chrysanthemums that are never the same twice. Clear your mind, Zen-style, at the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden (5070 Parkside Ave.) while touring the authentic teahouse, garden and koi pond. Romantics will want to visit Chanticleer Gardens (786 Church Road, Wayne), a fairy-tale oasis dabbed with streams and orchards alongside a gorgeous estate. For winter walkers, The Morris Arboretum (100 E. Northwestern Ave.) attracts visitors with a captivating mix of rare conifers and hollies, and remains a stunner year-round with flowering magnolias, azaleas, dogwoods and hydrangeas. The Tyler Arboretum (515 Painter Road, Media) is a perennial favorite for its 20-plus miles of hiking trails that range from an after-lunch stroll to an all-day affair.
The City's Best Cultural Events and Venues
GRAND PERFORMING ARTS SPACES
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts 260 S. Broad St.
Academy of Music 230 S. Broad St.
Walnut Street Theatre 825 Walnut St.
Merriam Theater 250 S. Broad St.
