Historic Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the largest city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and is known for its rich history.

Liberty Bell Pavilion in the U.S. the liberty bell is a symbol of freedom and independence. In the late 19th century this bell went on a tour around the country to inspire a sense of freedom and conquer divisions left by the Civil War. In 1915 the tour was completed in Philadelphia and the liberty bell remained on display. Today it has a prominent home in a pavilion that offers exhibits and videos about its history.

Independence Hall previously served as the State House of the Colony of Pennsylvania and is the place where the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress met here again eleven years later to write the U.S. Constitution.

The highlight here is the Assembly Hall, where the Continental Congress met, the Declaration of Independence was signed, and where George Washington was chosen as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. It is located opposite the Liberty Bell Pavilion in Independence National Historic Park.

Independence National Historic Park is home to such famous sites as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Pavilion.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is home to one of the largest collections of art in the U.S. It is a neo-Classical building with a broad set of stairs. These stairs were immortalized by Sylvester Stallone in his triumphant run up them in the movie “Rocky”. Here you can view Renaissance and Baroque artwork and art of the 18th and 19th centuries. There is a collection of 20th-century European art. American art is represented by Philadelphia artists Thomas Eakins, Charles Wilson Peale, and others. You’ll also find Asian art.

The Eastern State Penitentiary was built in 1829 with the idea of rehabilitating criminals through solitary confinement. It was considered to be the world’s most expensive and high-tech prison. Some of its most notorious guests were Willie Sutton and Al Capone. You can see Capone’s cell as it was during his stay. The prison closed its doors in 1971 and opened again as a museum. Tours of the facility are available.

Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum offers a collection of American Art from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries including artwork by early American artists through to Andy Warhol. The museum is housed in a National Historic Landmark building and is part of the Fine Arts Academy. It also exhibits artwork by the students of the academy. The academy is known for being the oldest of its kind in the U.S.

The Barnes Foundation was established by Dr. Albert Barnes. It houses some of the world’s biggest collections of French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, among them the world’s largest collection of Renoir artwork and more Cezanne artwork than in France. There is also a large collection of African sculpture. It is free of charge on the first Sunday of the month and monthly on the first Friday visitors can view artwork in the evening, attend lectures, and enjoy live music and refreshments.

The Please Touch Museum is a great place for children. It is an interactive museum where children can learn through play. There is a kid-sized city with costumes so they can see how it is in various professions. Many other exhibitions delight children. They can explore the garden where the museum café grows its produce.

Outside is also the Dentzel Carousel in nearby Woodside Park.

The Philadelphia Zoo is home to many different animals from all over the world. The zoo is active in wildlife conservation and rehabilitation. An amazing habitat is the Big Cat Falls where the world’s largest cats can roam among plants and waterfalls and can explore the park through a system of tunnels that go under other habitats. The African Plains is home to animals like giraffes, hippos, and a white rhinoceros.

Outback Post is home to the wildlife of Australia including kangaroos and emus. Other habitats include Bear Country and Carnivore Kingdom where you can see dwarf mongooses and the red panda. At Monkey Junction you can see two pairs of spider monkeys. The mammal house is home to nocturnal residents.

Rodin Museum has around 100 works by famous French sculptor August Rodin. Among them plasters, bronzes, and marbles of some of Rodin’s most famous masterpieces. In the outdoor sculpture garden, you can see some of his best-known artwork including The Thinker and his seminal work, The Gates of Hell.

The Franklin Institute Science Museum is a creative museum that is a tribute to scientist Benjamin Franklin. It has a huge marble statue of a seated Franklin in one of the large halls. This is one of several museums under on rook and has displays of many of Franklin’s own experiments. Visitors have the opportunity to try their experiments in different fields. Here you’ll also find an IMAX Theater and the Fels Planetarium.

Fairmount Park is a lovely park that lies along the Schuylkill River and Wissahickon Creek. It is home to the Philadelphia Zoo, the Roding Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Japanese House and Garden. There are gardens to explore, ball fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, hiking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park is a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the nation’s first parks that was created to be both a public green space and a watershed protection area.

The City Hall is the largest municipal building in the U.S. It was built on solid granite and supports a 548-foot tower, the world’s tallest masonry structure without a steel frame. At the top of the tower is a 27-ton statue of William Penn and at his feet is an observation deck offering fantastic views of the city. Below is a fountain, lawns, and a café. You can get guided tours of the City Hall and observation deck.

Society Hill Historic District is an interesting neighborhood with 18th-century buildings, restored warehouses, new homes, colonial homes, and apartments. Attractions include Washington Square, the Polish American Cultural Center and Museum, Old St. Mary’s Church, the Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania Library.

You’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the Revolution, with an eternal flame in Washinton Square. It is the only tomb in America erected to the memory of the unknown Revolutionary War soldiers.