Culture Philadelphia

independence hall, declaration of independence , constitution adopted.

philadelphia home many national historical sites relate founding of united states. independence national historical park center of these historical landmarks being 1 of country s 22 unesco world heritage sites. independence hall, declaration of independence signed, , liberty bell city s famous attractions. other historic sites include homes edgar allan poe, betsy ross, , thaddeus kosciuszko, government buildings first , second banks of united states, fort mifflin, , gloria dei (old swedes ) church. philadelphia alone has 67 national historic landmarks, third of city in country. philadelphia s major science museums include franklin institute, contains benjamin franklin national memorial; academy of natural sciences; mütter museum; , university of pennsylvania museum of archaeology , anthropology. history museums include national constitution center, atwater kent museum of philadelphia history, national museum of american jewish history, african american museum in philadelphia, historical society of pennsylvania, grand lodge of free , accepted masons in state of pennsylvania , masonic library , museum of pennsylvania, eastern state penitentiary , battleship new jersey museum , memorial. philadelphia home united states first zoo , hospital, fairmount park, 1 of america s oldest , largest urban parks.

the city home important archival repositories, including library company of philadelphia, established in 1731, , athenaeum of philadelphia, founded in 1814. presbyterian historical society, country s oldest continuous denominational historical society, located there.

arts

philadelphia museum of art

the city contains many art museums, such pennsylvania academy of fine arts , rodin museum, holds largest collection of work auguste rodin outside france. city s major art museum, philadelphia museum of art, 1 of largest art museums in united states. long flight of steps main entrance became famous after film rocky (1976).

the city home philadelphia sketch club, 1 of country s oldest artists clubs, , plastic club, started women excluded sketch club. has profusion of art galleries, many of participate in first friday event. first friday of every month, galleries in old city open late. annual events include film festivals , parades, famous being new year s day mummers parade.

academy of music, home of philadelphia orchestra, 1900–2001

areas such south street , old city have vibrant night life. avenue of arts in center city contains many restaurants , theaters, such kimmel center performing arts, home philadelphia orchestra, considered 1 of top 5 orchestras in united states, , academy of music, nation s oldest continually operating opera house, home opera company of philadelphia , pennsylvania ballet. wilma theatre , philadelphia theatre company have new buildings constructed in last decade on avenue. produce variety of new works. several blocks east walnut street theatre, america s oldest theatre , largest subscription theater in world; lantern theatre @ st. stephens church, 1 of number of smaller venues.

philadelphia has more public art other american city. in 1872, association public art (formerly fairmount park art association) created, first private association in united states dedicated integrating public art , urban planning. in 1959, lobbying artists equity association helped create percent art ordinance, first u.s. city. program, has funded more 200 pieces of public art, administered philadelphia office of arts , culture, city s art agency.

philadelphia has more murals other u.s. city, in part 1984 creation of department of recreation s mural arts program, seeks beautify neighborhoods , provide outlet graffiti artists. program has funded more 2,800 murals professional, staff , volunteer artists , educated more 20,000 youth in underserved neighborhoods throughout philadelphia.

philadelphia artists have had prominent national role in popular music. in 1970s, philadelphia soul influenced music of , later eras. on july 13, 1985, philadelphia hosted american end of live aid concert @ john f. kennedy stadium. city reprised role live 8 concert, bringing 700,000 people ben franklin parkway on july 2, 2005. philadelphia home world-renowned philadelphia boys choir & chorale, has performed music on world. dr. robert g. hamilton, founder of choir, notable native philadelphian. philly pops famous philadelphia music group. city has played major role in development , support of american rock music , rap music. famous rock acts in area such bill haley & comets, todd rundgren , nazz, hall & oates, hooters, ween, , cinderella call philadelphia home. hip-hop/rap artists such roots, dj jazzy jeff & fresh prince, goats, schoolly d, , lisa left eye lopes hail city.

cuisine


pat s steaks , geno s steaks

the city known hoagies, scrapple, soft pretzels, water ice, irish potato candy, tastykake, , home cheesesteak, developed german , italian immigrants. philadelphia boasts number of cheesesteak establishments, 2 locations in south philadelphia perhaps famous among tourists: pat s king of steaks , across street rival geno s steaks.

its high-end restaurants include morimoto, iron chef masaharu morimoto s first restaurant, vetri, famous on east coast take on northern italian cuisine, , lacroix, staple restaurant situated in rittenhouse square. italian specialties have been supplemented many new vietnamese , other asian restaurants, both budget , high-end.

mcgillin s olde ale house, located on drury street in center city, oldest continuously operated tavern in city.

philadelphia home landmark eatery founded in 1892, reading terminal market. enclosed public market hosts on hundred merchants offering pennsylvania dutch specialties, artisan cheese , meat, locally grown groceries, , specialty , ethnic foods.