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Philly’s Magic Gardens: Mystical Mosaics

January 23, 2013 by

If you’re in the City of Brotherly Love, you owe it to yourself to make a stop at the Magic Gardens, an astonishing folk art monument that has been a locus of the South Street neighborhood for over a decade. The work of sculptor and mosaicist Isaiah Zagar, the Magic Gardens comprise an indoor gallery surrounded by a humongous labyrinth, where all of the walls are coated with gorgeous tile collages. Zagar started work on the project in 1994 in the vacant lot next to his studio space, excavating tunnels and pathways and building a truly magnificent installation. A nonprofit organization bought the lot in 2002 with the intention of preserving it for the ages. The subject matter of the mosaics can be a little ribald, so it’s not for conservative souls. Admission is just five dollars. Bring a camera, because the sheer amount of detail in these pieces is hard to take in with just one visit.

Philly’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 733-0390
http://www.yelp.com/biz/philadelphias-magic-gardens-philadelphia

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Institute of Contemporary Art: The Look Of The New

January 9, 2013 by

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

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The Athenaeum of Philadelphia: Historic Library

December 4, 2012 by

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.

219 S. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-2688
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Rosenbach Museum and Library: An Amazing Collection

November 6, 2012 by

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

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The Philadelphia Orchestra: Classic Concerts

October 9, 2012 by

The Philadelphia Orchestra makes its home at the breathtaking Kimmel Center, and strives to deliver fabulous classical concerts to the Philadelphia public. The orchestra was started back in 1900, and has had an impressive history of renowned conductors, international tours, and countless popular recordings of classic masterpieces. The orchestra is currently under the direction of conductor Charles Dutoit, and continues to perform delightful symphonies from all eras and nations. With a goal to make music accessible, the orchestra offers reasonably priced package deals with ticket prices as low as $15 per concert. Also, the eZseatU ticket program offers an array of wallet-friendly options for college students. Though the Kimmel Center season officially begins in October, the Philadelphia Orchestra continues to offer free neighborhood concerts and educational programs to students all year long.

Philadelphia Orchestra
260 S. Broad Street
Suite 1600
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 893-1900

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The Kelly Writers House: Pick Up The Pen

September 25, 2012 by

Philadelphia has been home to many of the greatest men of American letters, so it’s no surprise that the city is seeking to keep its literary tradition alive at the Kelly Writers House. Founded in 1995 by a group of students, teachers, and alumni at the University of Pennsylvania, the facility is a thriving hotspot for the literary arts in all their forms, staging over 300 events yearly. Some of the biggest events include the Fellows program, which brings nationally famous writers in for a brief residency where they discuss their work, speaking with students during the day and then hosting a panel at night. These are typically packed to the gills. The interesting thing about the Writers House is that it actually is a house – events take place in the living room, and seats are often at a premium. Everything is free, but for popular programs it’s wise to RSVP.

The Kelly Writers House
University of Pennsylvania
3805 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 573-9748
http://www.yelp.com/biz/kelly-writers-house-philadelphia

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The Prince Music Theater

September 5, 2012 by

Named for renowned Broadway producer/director Hal Prince, the Prince Music Theater is housed in a restored 1920’s movie house. A visit to the theater is a fantastic way to support the arts, enjoy the thrill of live performance, and spend time in a gorgeously updated historic venue. Upcoming shows include a screening of La Boehme filmed on opening night at Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu, a cabaret benefit of Broadway musical performances, and a comedy called Defending the Caveman. Visit the Prince Music Theater's website for performance schedules and ticket info. 

1412 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 569-9700
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The Wagner Free Institute of Science: Investigate the Earth

August 28, 2012 by

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

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