Tag Archives: Philadelphia

What’s New in Philadelphia 

PHILADELPHIA (May 2022) – Discover what’s new or coming soon to Philadelphia, including top awards and accolades, new hotels, restaurants, museums and exhibits and more.

Awards and Accolades
Top publications regard Philadelphia as a must-visit destination

Condé Nast Traveler selected Philadelphia for its 2021 Gold List, joining only seven other destinations around the world. Condé Nast editor Betsy Blumenthal remarks that, “there’s really something special about Philadelphia,” citing the sprawling Fairmount Park and the city’s “Italian Market and its small world of vendors, about the mosaics glinting in the sun, the digestible chaos of Chinatown,” as a few of the characteristics that elevate Philadelphia to a destination worthy of the world’s attention. Philadelphia also landed on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2021, which spotlights the new experiences on view at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and a diverse culinary scene that is “vibrant as ever.” Travel + Leisure also named Philadelphia as one of 11 cities for Must-see Pieces of Public Art Around the World, citing iconic sculptures such as LOVE and Rocky, as well as the work done by Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Association for Public Art.

Additional Philadelphia praise comes from travel guide Frommer’s, which includes Independence Hall as one of their top places to visit, remarking on the tales shared by national park rangers that reveal mistakes, goals, and debates of the Framers and their ability to compromise for the sake of the founding of the nation. Fodor’s Travel likens Philadelphia’s history, culture, and food (and the city’s many pubs) to experiences found in London, perfect for U.S. travelers seeking a global experience in 2022 without leaving the country. Travel + Leisure highlighted Philadelphia’s many diverse neighborhoods and cultural experiences they offer. As voted on by USA Today 10Best readers, the Schuylkill River Trail was named one of the top riverwalks in the nation and the historic Reading Terminal Market was named the best public market in the United States.

Philadelphia’s food scene also continues to receive high honors, with Eeva being named one of Eater’s 11 Best New Restaurants in America. Two other restaurants in Philadelphia – Little Nonna’s and Vetri Cucina – made it on Thrillist’s list of 34 Best Italian Restaurants in America. Local chef, poet, and historian Omar Tate and his pop-up, Honeysuckle, received Esquire’s Chef of the Year and Pop-Up of the Year honors in 2020. Chef Tate was also recognized on Time Magazine’s Time100 Next List for 2021. Condé Nast Traveler has included Laser Wolf — an Israeli grill from the team behind the acclaimed Zahav — on their 2021 Hot List, naming the Fishtown eatery as one of the best new restaurants in the world.

Hotels
New hotels are open in Philadelphia, with other properties undergoing renovations

Philadelphia welcomed several new hotels over the past couple of years, including Hyatt CentricCanopy by Hilton, and Guild House Hotel – which was named one of The Best New Hotels in the World by Travel + Leisure for 2022. Several existing properties also received high honors. The Four Seasons (and its spa program) received Forbes’ prestigious Five-Star ranking, as well as a AAA Five Diamond Hotel Designation. Meanwhile, The Rittenhouse was named the top hotel in the mid-Atlantic by Condé Nast Traveler. Other hotels underwent renovations to deliver guests an updated experience, including the Sheraton Philadelphia DowntownWindsor Suites PhiladelphiaCourtyard Philadelphia South at Navy Yard, and Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.

Travelers can also enjoy new hotel options that debuted in 2021, including the Live! Casino & Hotel in the South Philadelphia Stadium District. In Center City, the new Element Philadelphia and luxurious W Philadelphia are now open, sharing a building and 45,000-square-feet of meeting and event space along Chestnut Street, just steps from popular downtown attractions. For more updates on Philadelphia’s hotel community, click here.

Dining
Liberty Point (pictured), Philadelphia’s largest restaurant in modern history, now open on the waterfront

Liberty Point made its debut as the largest restaurant in Philadelphia on the Delaware River waterfront on May 3, 2022. The 28,000 square foot restaurant (25,000 square feet of space outside and 3,000 square feet of space inside) is adjacent to and wrapped around the waterfront side of the Independence Seaport Museum. The giant indoor-outdoor space is able to host up to 1,400 people at a time. The design includes three main levels for food, drinks, and live entertainment, along with smaller sub-levels, a stage for live music, five bars and breathtaking views of the water. Liberty Point is the latest endeavor of FCM Hospitality, who also owns Craft Hall on Columbus Boulevard.

Museums & Attractions
The first major exhibition devoted to Matisse in the 1930s is set to open at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

A visit to Philadelphia in 1930 inspired Henri Matisse to develop a new creative approach and outlook that he would showcase in his work in the later part of his career. Matisse in the 1930s is the first exhibit to ever be dedicated to that pivotal decade in Matisse’s art. The special exhibition was made possible by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and the Musée Matisse Nice. Opening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art – the only venue in the United States to host this exhibit – Matisse in the 1930s will be on view from October 19, 2022 through January 29, 2023 before traveling to Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and then the Musée Matisse Nice. The exhibition will invite guests to immerse themselves in Matisse’s work. More than 100 of the artist’s works will be on display, including renowned and rarely seen paintings and sculptures, drawings, prints, and illustrated books.

Sean Scully: The Shape of Ideas at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
This spring, the work of Sean Scully, one of the leading abstract artists of our time, will be on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Sean Scully: The Shape of Ideas will highlight the artist’s unique contributions to contemporary art through his signature stripes and bold experimentation with scale and composition. The exhibition has been expanded to include additional paintings throughout several galleries, totaling more than 100 of Scully’s works. Sean Scully: The Shape of Ideas opened April 11 and will be on view through July 31, 2022.

World premiere exhibitions at The Franklin Institute
Harry Potter: The Exhibition invites wizards, witches and muggles of all ages to explore a collection of authentic film props at The Franklin Institute. The groundbreaking exhibition spans thousands of square feet and features 10 distinct areas. Guests can choose their house and wand at the beginning of the magical experience — decisions which will deliver a personalized journey as they encounter the characters, moments, beasts and settings from the Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and expanded Wizarding World franchises. The magical exhibition debuted in February and will be on view through September 2022. Another world premiere exhibition set to open at The Franklin Institute in February 2023 will celebrate 100 Years of the Walt Disney Company. The anniversary exhibit will celebrate a century of innovation and imagination from the creative empire, while also honoring its founder Walt Disney’s legacy. Galleries and hundreds of Disney artifacts – some never seen outside of the company’s vaults – will be on display. The characters and stories that the Walt Disney Company has brought to life from 1923 to 2023 will also be incorporated into the exhibit.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Franklin Institute are just two of Philadelphia’s vast collection of museums. There are so many more museums to explore throughout the city. For a list of museums that are now open in Philadelphia, click here and be sure to also check out our top can’t miss exhibits.

The Clay Studio opens state-of-the-art facility in South Kensington
The Clay Studio‘s new state-of-the-art, 34,000-square-foot, four-story home in South Kensington is the first-of-its-kind ceramic arts facility built from the ground up in the United States. Established in 1974, The Clay Studio is a non-profit arts institution dedicated to promoting and creating ceramic arts through artistic, educational, and community programs. Visitors to the building at 1425 North American Street will be greeted by The Clay Studio’s Inaugural Exhibition Making Place Matter. The exhibit features work by Peruvian-born artist Kukuli Velarde, American-born, Massachusetts-based artist Molly Hatch, and Egyptian American artist Ibrahim Said, now based in North Carolina. Through the use of clay, each artist explores the idea of place with regard to personal history, cultural heritage, and social justice. Making Place Matter will be on view through October 2, 2022. Also on view, artist Nitza Walesca’s Mi Herencia, Mis Raices… My Heritage, My Roots.. is inspired by the artist’s indigenous Puerto Rican, Taino heritage. A South Kensington resident herself, she creates innovative vessels based on traditional forms and adorns them with Taino symbols. Mi Herencia, Mis Raices… My Heritage, My Roots.. will be on view through May 29, 2022.

Outdoors
Recreational updates continue along the Delaware River waterfront

The central section of the Delaware River Trail was completed in Spring 2022 and offers a protected lane for biking, walking, jogging, and running along the eastern side of Columbus Boulevard. Stretching from Spring Garden Street to the north all the way to Washington Avenue to the south, this section of the trail now connects and adds to the accessibility of top waterfront destinations including Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Penn’s Landing. The trail is just one part of a larger project being undertaken by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, which will eventually include a new park spanning interstate 95 at Penn’s Landing as well as the transformation of “Graffiti Pier” in Port Richmond into a recreational park.

New family friendly attraction in Philadelphia – Silvija Travel Tips

Parents on the hunt for an exciting and educational break for the entire family should look no further than the US city of Philadelphia, which welcomes several new attractions this summer perfect for all children, big and small. Opportunities abound in the east coast gateway city, with four distinctive new attractions suitable for your family’s next holiday.

Inquisitive families can enjoy a close-up encounter of some of the world’s most thrilling insects at the new Xtreme Bugs Exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences, through a towering display of 20 gigantic bugs. For those looking for a high-flying adventure, Philadelphia’s first treetop obstacle course, Treetop Quest Philly, is now open through November.

At the Healthy Me, Healthy Family, Healthy Community gallery at the Please Touch Museum, children can unleash their curiosity by shopping in the supermarket, taking orders in the imaginative sandwich shop and making plastic pizzas in a faux wood-fired oven. Families looking to explore Philadelphia’s rich history are encouraged to visit the new In Franklin’s Footsteps: 275 Years at the American Philosophical Society exhibition showcasing materials from the Society’s renowned collections, including Benjamin Franklin’s library chair and Neil Armstrong’s signed copy of the moon landing transcript.

More information on Philadelphia’s newest attractions, including pricing and ticket options, is available below.

New Xtreme Bugs Exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences from 26 May 2018 – 21 January 2019
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the oldest natural history museum in the Americas and from 26 May 2018, families can come face-to-feet with 20 giant, moving, hissing and clicking insects from around the world. Some of the larger-than-life creepy-crawlies on display include an 18-feet-long wiggling centipede, a fluttering oversized monarch butterfly and a 12-feet-tall hissing pink orchid mantis. Xtreme Bugs will allow inquisitive children to experience a bugs’-eye view of the world, dig for ancient arthropods, play a bug facts game, and inspect live insects until 21 January 2019. General admission to the Academy costs £14 ($17.95) for adults and £11 ($13.95) for children (aged 3 – 12) when purchased online. Tickets to Xtreme Bugs cost £5 ($7) for non-members and £3 ($4) for individual members and family members. For more information, visit www.ansp.org.

Treetop Quest in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. Image courtesy of Treetop Quest Philly – Silvija Travel Tips

Treetop Quest Philly from April – November 2018
Those with a head for heights can enjoy a physical and mental challenge thanks to the city’s new Treetop Quest, Philadelphia’s first treetop obstacle course. With activities for kids as young as four-years-old and more challenging options for teenagers and adults, it’s an ideal outdoor activity for the whole family. Activities at Treetop Quest include tree-to-tree obstacles such as ziplines, monkey bridges, balance beams and complex courses. The experience is self-guided and uses a continuous safety system that is impossible to detach from the lifeline. In addition to the course, Treetop Quest has also introduced new hiking trails, a covered pavilion with picnic tables and nearby restrooms to the park which will be open seasonally on weekends from April to November, and daily throughout the summer. Tickets booked online cost from £13 – £37 ($17 – $49) per person, depending on age. For more information, visit www.treetopquest.com/philly.

The Please Touch Museum is a hands-on museum where adults and children can learn together. Photo courtesy of the Please Touch Museum – Silvija Travel Tips

Please Touch Museum’s New Permanent Exhibit: Healthy Me, Healthy Family, Healthy Community
For children who love to press every button, flick every switch, and pull every lever, Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum® is a wonderful place where such activities are not only allowed, they are encouraged. Since 1976, The Philadelphia Please Touch Museum has thrilled children and their families through hands-on interactive exhibits, including assembling and launching rockets in the Rocket Room and getting behind the wheel of a variety of vehicles in the Roadside Attractions exhibit. The museum’s newest permanent gallery, Healthy Me, Healthy Family, Healthy Community, encourages children to don aprons at the Bimbo Bakeries USA Bistro and Boboli Pizza Kitchen and craft sandwiches and pizzas for their parents. General admission to the museum costs £14 ($19) for adults and children when purchased online. For more information, visit www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.

In Franklin’s Footsteps: 275 Years at the American Philosophical Society from April – 30 December 2018
The American Philosophical Society was founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin and its new exhibit celebrates the museum’s 275th anniversary by displaying materials from the Society’s renowned collections. In Franklin’s Footsteps: 275 Years at the American Philosophical Society focuses on the work of its elected members and the contributions they have made in astronomy, exploration, palaeontology and many other fields. Ideal for older children and teenagers, items in the exhibit include Benjamin Franklin’s library chair and personal library books, Neil Armstrong’s signed copy of the moon landing transcript and Darwin’s handwritten draft of the title page for the Origin of Species. The exhibit is on display until 30 December 2018. For more information, visit www.amphilsoc.org.

For more information on Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website,
www.discoverPHL.co.uk