Philadelphia Links The Past With The Present
There was a time when Philadelphia was thought to be America’s most important city, and it played a major role in getting the country off to a good start. There are many interesting attractions here related to that era, including the pavilion where the Liberty Bell, a symbol of our freedom, is housed, and the Betsy Ross House, where tradition tells us the First American flag was made.
Independence Hall, a national landmark, is the place where the Declaration of Independence was created and approved, and the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation were signed, laying the foundation for our federal government and the freedom we take for granted today.
Independence National Historical Park, which covers 45 acres, is considered to be America’s birthplace, and Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are both located here. One section of the park, called Franklin Court, is devoted to informing the public about Benjamin Franklin’s many accomplishments and the interesting life he led. A variety of dining options may be found nearby, and picnicking is also allowed inside the park.
At the Franklin Institute of Science Museum, visitors enjoy seeing interesting permanent exhibits, special traveling exhibits and visiting the facility’s 5,500-square-foot sports stadium to ponder the life of the professional athlete. This venue’s versatility and universal appeal is highlighted by the well-known Giant Heart, the Space Command exhibition and an IMAX planetarium and theater.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the country, and some of its major exhibits include “Sunflowers” by Van Gogh, outstanding Medieval and Renaissance art, and works done by local artists as well. Throughout the year, programs are offered that make the museum experience both educational and enjoyable for young and old alike.
Along with the Academy of Music, sponsored by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the venue for eight varied performing arts organizations, including ballet and opera. The center also fosters community outreach, education in the arts, and an impressive series of diverse programs for those who enjoy fine entertainment.
The Philadelphia Zoo is America’s oldest zoo with 1,300 animals on exhibit, and it is well known for successfully handling animals that are considered difficult to breed out of their natural habitat. This is the reason that the highly prized endangered species housed in the Dodge Rare Animal Conservation Center are a major attraction for visitors from around the world.
Founded in 1892, the Reading Terminal Market features fresh seafood, poultry, meat, produce, Amish handicrafts and interesting handmade crafts, pottery and jewelry from all over the globe. It is also a favorite destination for a “quick and excellent lunch” in the part of town known as Center City.
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