Institute of Contemporary Art: The Look Of The New

January 9, 2013 by greystar

Founded in 1963 at one of the most productive and exciting periods in American visual arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art has earned a reputation for identifying future talents early in their professional careers and giving them the support they need to develop their work. Andy Warhol had his first museum show here, for instance. For over half a century, the museum has been an essential part of Philadelphia’s cultural and artistic life, and it’s still going strong. The Museum hosts no permanent collection, but it presents a dozen new exhibitions each year. The ICA also offers a wide variety of educational programs and lectures on a diverse assortment of topics. Best of all, admission is absolutely free! The comforting, minimal space is a great place to take a date or just spend an afternoon lost in thought. The first Wednesday of every month is a great time to visit, as the Museum hosts music, participatory activities and more.

Institute of Contemporary Art
118 S. 36th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7108
http://www.yelp.com/biz/institute-of-contemporary-art-philadelphia

By Zereshk (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Institute of Contemporary Art, Museums, Philadelphia Attractions, Things to Do in Philadelphia

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia: Historic Library

December 4, 2012 by greystar

This special collections library was founded in 1814 to preserve and collect materials about antiquities, design and art in America. Scholars, students, architects, designers, history buffs, and curators avail themselves of these materials in the Athenaeum’s elegant reading rooms. Situated in an 1845 Italianate Revival brownstone building, the interiors are lushly designed, with vaulted ceilings and beautiful embellishments. A small bookstore features inventory on corresponding subjects. Open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia

219 S. 6th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 925-2688

http://www.yelp.com/biz/athenaeum-of-philadelphia-philadelphia

By Jane023 (talk) 17:30, 25 January 2011 (UTC) (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Museums, Philadelphia Attractions, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, Things to Do in Philadelphia

Rosenbach Museum and Library: An Amazing Collection

November 6, 2012 by greystar

Located in two beautiful townhouses on Delancey Place, the Rosenbach Museum and Library is one of Philadelphia’s most impressive storehouses of knowledge. Chartered to bring the collections of Philip and A.S.W. Rosenbach to the public eye, the Museum opened its doors in 1954. The Rosenbach brothers were Philadelphia institutions, becoming one of the most respected rare book dealers in America during the early part of the 20th century. They sold a huge variety of pricey manuscripts, but the materials they held back for their private collection are far more interesting. The townhouses are primarily furnished in the decorative arts style of the time, with gorgeous 18th century English pieces. The library, of course, is the crown jewel of the Museum, with a staggering collection of rare books. Sign up for a guided tour to have the opportunity to learn more about those volumes and even read from some – it’s a connection with history that you won’t soon forget.

Rosenbach Museum and Library
2008-2010 Delancey Place
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 732-1600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosenbach-museum-and-library-philadelphia

By Winterhalder [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Museums, Philadelphia Attractions, Rosenbach Museum and Library, Things to Do in Philadelphia

The Wagner Free Institute of Science: Investigate the Earth

August 28, 2012 by greystar

Situated just outside of the museum district in Philadelphia, The Wagner Free Institute of Science offers a wonderfully comprehensive overview of the vast realms of science — for free! Curators at the Institute have brought in various unique specimens to create vivid, 3-D exhibits that enthrall everyone who visits. Adults and children, alike, will love checking out the collections of minerals, fossils, shells, and mounted birds and mammals. A few must-sees of the Institute are the assembled dinosaur skeletons, as well as the first American saber-tooth tiger. In addition, people of all ages can receive more in-depth instruction through free, hands-on classes — some are geared toward young students, while the introductory college level courses are for adults of any level. Other offerings include the weekly lecture series, group discussions, as well as family-friendly festivals. The Wagner Free Institute is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

The Wagner Free Institute
1700 W. Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121
(215) 763-6529

By Linda Spashett Storye book (Own work) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Museums, Philadelphia Attractions, The Wagner Free Institute of Science, Things to Do in Philadelphia