Exploring Philadelphia’s Top 10 Attractions This Week
If you’re headed to Philadelphia this week, then there are plenty of events that you need not overlook. From taking in some amazing artwork and visiting the most important historical sites that are located in the city, there are plenty of fun activities that you should go to.
If you’re a lover of art and you love art, then Philadelphia Museum of Art is unmissable. It’s filled with artwork that were created by some of the top artists in history.
1. Independence Seaport Museum
The museum is located at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and is a representation of the maritime history that was the history of Delaware Bay, Delaware Bay and the tributaries.
A kid-friendly museum, you’ll see science, history as well as art exhibitions. You can also climb aboard an actual model of the schooner 1797 Diligence and watch boats being constructed in the boat building shop.
The tour also includes two historic ships — the steel warship of 1892 Cruiser Olympia and the World War II submarine USS Becuna.
2. Swann Memorial Fountain
Swann Memorial Fountain Swann Memorial Fountain was the most prominent landmark in Logan Square, which had been originally a place to hold public executions, as well as a grassland. It was built by the sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder and built to commemorate the late Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, the founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society.
Adapted from an Native American “river god” style, the sculpture is comprised of three large native American figures to represent Philadelphia’s three main rivers. It is the Schuylkill River is represented by an individual woman wearing the neck of the swan; and the Delaware River symbolizes a man trying to shoot his bow The Wissahickon creek represents a young girl leaning against the Swan.
3. Wanamaker Grand Court Organ Wanamaker Grand Court Organ
The Wanamaker Grand Court Organ has always been a fixture at Macy’s Center City, but recently, it received a new look. The second-story grand court’s 117 golden pipes were repainted, oiled, and smoothed.
The organ was built in 1904 as part of the Saint Louis World’s Fair and came in Philadelphia by John Wanamaker, founder of Wanamaker’s department store. The process took about two years, and it required 13 freight vehicles.
4. The Blue Horizon
The historical facade of the old Blue Horizon is set to turn into the facade of a proposed “micro-hotel” under the Marriott’s millennial-focused Moxy brand. It will be a blow on the city’s preservationists.
Three three-story row homes constructed for the new wealthy in 1865 formed part of this property. In 1914 The Moose Lodge bought the property and asked Carl Berger, an architect to construct an auditorium, bar and ballroom.
5. Woodford Mansion
It’s an experience to visit a historical house that can make you feel as if it was a trip back to the past. Perhaps it’s the proximity to riches that it brings the visitor, or an insight into how the rich lived in generations of the past.
The Woodford Mansion is one of those must-see attractions that just will make you feel great to be there. The Philadelphia treasure will take the visitor on an incredible journey through time.
6. The Ben Franklin Bridge Pedestrian Tunnel Mural
Ben Franklin Bridge Ben Franklin Bridge, originally built in 1926 in commemoration of the United States Sesquicentennial was one of the largest suspension bridges that was built.
The bridge is equipped with roadways, PATCO Rail, and the bike and pedestrian path. It also boasts amazing murals that span the entire length. Spring 2019 will see the opening of the new bicycle ramp on the side of Philadelphia.
7. Independence National Historical Park
The park’s 55 acres in Philadelphia Independence National Historical Park preserves various sites that are associated with historical events of American Revolution and the nation’s birth history.
The park is situated in the Old City and Society Hill neighborhood in Philadelphia, the park is among the top popular historic districts in America.
Alongside Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in addition, there’s several other historic attractions within the park. This includes Franklin Court, Carpenters’ Hall, and Congress Hall, which all functioned as venues to host important events during the beginning days in the United States.
8. Sister Cities Park
Sister Cities Park is located in the midpoint of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, between City Hall an the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The park is a beautiful park that adds greenery to Philadelphia’s cultural and arts district.
The park’s main attraction is the 10-geyser fountain representing Philadelphia’s 10 sister cities around the world. The park also has there is a Children’s Discovery Garden with a lake and toy boat water feature for kids to play.
9. The Rodin Museum
Located along the Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Rodin Museum is home to one of the most extensive collection of Auguste Rodin sculptures that are not in Paris. It is home to the elegant building of beaux-arts and formal French gardens which showcase Rodin’s bronzes and marbles.
The museum was constructed on smaller scales and first opened around 1929. It was designed by Paul Cret and Jacques Greber. The gardens have undergone a 3-year renovation project led by Landscape architect OLIN.
10. Science History Institute
The Science History Institute, was formerly called the Chemical Heritage Foundation Museum, is located at the heart of Old City. It’s one of Philadelphia’s best-known historical science museums. Its fascinating collection of unique books, science instruments, as well as personal documents is what makes the museum so special.
The Object Explorer is the most popular exhibition. It lets you test common objects with the course of a series of questions to learn more about their origins. It’s an excellent opportunity to pass an hour or so!