Arts and Culture
Philadelphians participate in and enjoy a host of cultural and artistic mediums, venues, and experiences. Whether you're interested in art, theater, dance, history, science, classical music, or touring bands, Philly's got it covered.
The Academy of Music is home of the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Ballet, and many touring Broadway shows throughout the year. Location: Broad Street.
The Academy was America’s first natural history museum. Acquired by Drexel in 2011, It has an extensive display of natural artifacts dating from prehistoric to modern times. The Dragon Route of the Drexel Bus Service travels back and forth to The Academy from the University City campus. Location: 19th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Features rotating exhibitions which address African-American history and heritage. The museum also hosts live performances focusing on the contributions and perspectives of African-Americans. Location: 7th and Arch Streets.
Science has never been so much fun! Large collections of interactive exhibits make this museum seem more like an amusement park.
Exhibitions of contemporary art. Programs range from lecture series, screenings of art films, children’s programs, and one-person shows. Location: 36th and Walnut Streets.
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts presents nearly 400 performances a year that reflect the diverse population and interests of Philadelphia. Location: 300 S. Broad Street
The former prison is now a U.S. National Historic Landmark, open to the public as a museum for tours. In the fall it is home to one of the most famous haunted house experiences in the country. Location: 501 N. 22nd Street
The Mütter Museum’s collections are centered around the human specimens and medical models used to teach medical students in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Location: 19 South 22nd Street.
American Jewish history is explored and illustrated through historical, cultural, and architectural exhibitions. Location: 55 North 5th Street.
The oldest art school and museum in the U.S. A fine collection of American paintings and sculptures is complemented by the display of works by local painters. Location: 118 North Broad Street.
Founded in 1876, "The Art Museum" America’s third largest art museum contains a vast collection of European and 20th-century paintings as well as Oriental, Medieval, and American collections. The 72 stone steps before the entrance of the museum have become known as the "Rocky Steps" as a result of their appearance in the triple-Oscar-winning film Rocky. Location: 26th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The best collection of Rodin’s sculpture outside of Paris, including “The Thinker,” and “The Gates of Hell.” Location: 22nd Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Displays architectural and anthropological artifacts dating from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Location: 33rd & Spruce Streets.
The first zoo in the United States, The Philadelphia Zoo houses over 1,300 animals and has features including a paddleboat lake, a rainforest themed carousel, and many interactive and educational exhibits. Location: 3400 W. Girard Ave