Culture

Philadelphia has a rich collection of theaters and cinema and concert halls. The performing arts have always held a prominent place in the culture of the city. The city is home to the country’s oldest music hall and theatre. South Broad Street, also known as ‘Avenue of the Arts’ is filled with theatres and concert halls. Most art schools perform here.

The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts is the chief centre for arts. The Verizon Hall is used during the performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Peter Nero and the Philly Pops is famous for the classical as well as modern, rock-n-roll performances. The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society are two resident companies that perform in the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater.

The listings for entertainment shows appear in most newspapers. Tickets can be purchased from the venues. To obtain passes for Kimmel Center events, you would need to contact ‘Ticket Philadelphia’.

Music

The Academy of Music is the oldest music hall in the country. It saw its first public performance in 1857. The Opera Company of Philadelphia performs frequently at this venue.

Theater

Walnut Street Theatre, which is the oldest one in America, is situated in Philadelphia. Also famous is the Freedom Theatre, which has won numerous awards. Most plays enjoying success at Broadway are performed in the Forrest Theatre. The Prince Music Theatre is known for its musicals. Besides these, the Ardent Theatre Company and Wilma Theatre are also prominent.

Dance

The Pennsylvania Ballet performs mainly at the Academy of Music and Merriam Theater. Also, Kimmel Centre showcases the talent of Philadanco, which is an African-American dance troupe.

Films

Philadelphia has served as the backdrop for several films, including Rocky, Trading Places, Unbreakable, The Sixth Sense, and Philadelphia. Ritz Cinemas are the most famous. Some of the mainstream movies are featured in Ritz Five, Ritz East, and The Ritz at the Bourse. These cinemas also feature foreign-language and limited-release films.

Literary Notes

America’a favorite son, Benjamin Franklin, penned the famous Poor Richard’s Almanack in Philadelphia. For a glimpse into the life of this great statesman, read the biography Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.

The city is also home to Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher and The Murders in the Rue Morgue. The house of this famous literary giant has been christened as the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site.

W.E.B. Du Bois, an Afro-American writer and scholar, based some of his works in the city, including The Philadelphia Negro. This work studies the nuances of racism and its effects during the American Civil War. Other famous literary giants include Walt Whitman and James Michener. Bucks County is home to Pearl S. Buck, the author of The Good Earth. Her farmhouse at Perkasie has become a major tourist destination. The Philadelphia Story, written by Philip Barry, was converted into a film featuring the famous Catherine Hepburn. Peter Dexter’s God’s Pocket looks at the brave, old city with the eyes of journalist.

Excursions

• Valley Forge:
  The Valley Forge National Historical Park is one of the most popular sites of the American Revolution. George Washington’s army is known to have camped here during the winter of 1777. Washington’s headquarters and a memorial chapel are located here. The site is open to the public from 0900 hours to 1700 hours. The Wharton Esherick Museum lies in close proximity. The museum has displays of sculpted furniture, paintings, ceramics, and woodcuts. The huge King of Prussia mall is also located here.
• Pennsylvania Dutch Country:
  This stretch of beautiful hillocks and small villages is 64 miles west of Philadelphia. The Amish and Mennonite communities inhabit this area. They live without electricity, automobiles, and modern luxuries. The quilts and furniture that they use are renowned the world over. Their cuisine consists of shoofly pie, funnel cakes, dumplings, and homemade root beer. Photographing the members of the community is prohibited.   The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau offers guided tours and maps of the area. The Heritage Center of Lancaster County is museum having displays of the furniture, silverware, and quilts of the Amish community. The Amish Homestead is an 18th century farm.

• Bucks County:
  Farmhouses and covered bridges are the fame of the lush green country side of Bucks County. The county is home to art galleries, theatre groups, country inns, and wineries. Well-known lyricist Oscar Hammerstein made Bucks County home. New Hope has become a major tourist hotspot owing to the stone houses, narrow alleys, boutiques, and art galleries.
• Hershey:
  Hershey is located in the Derry Township of Pennsylvania, nearly 81 miles from Philadelphia. Hershey needs to be visited by every chocolate lover. Chocolates in all form, shapes, and sizes flood the area. Hershey Park is an amusement park that features nearly 60 attractions, including rides, roller coasters, and a zoo. The town also features Hotel Hershey and its Chocolate Spa and the Hershey Lodge. Hershey World with its 3-D movie is a famous destination. The special effects and the dancing candy bars are things to remember.

Events

Mummers Parade is held in January. The parade features string bands. It is held in Broad Street. The city also sees celebrations in February to commemorate the Chinese New Year. The Philadelphia Film Festival is held in late March or early April. It is held across various venues. The Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival is held at 2111 Sansom Street. Philadelphia Open House is a unique cultural event consisting of a tour of private homes and gardens. The Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is held in the month of June. The fourth of July witnesses wild celebrations. Also popular are the Elfreth’s Alley Fete Days, the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.