Philly is rightfully known for its abundance of historic sites (see our guide here), but it’s equally impressive in terms of art & culture. I’ve included the most iconic sites, and others that are less famous- but very worthwhile.
LOVE Sculpture
Philadelphia is known as The City of Brotherly Love. Pennsylvania was founded by William Penn. As a Quaker he wanted to create a peaceful land and haven for those fleeing persecution (as he had). Contrary to many others at the time, Penn bought the land from the native people at a fair price and sought to cultivate a relationship of mutual respect.
“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
William Penn (source: USHistory.org)
It’s fitting that the City of Brotherly Love is famous for a LOVE sculpture in particular, and that it sits beneath Penn’s statue atop City Hall.
The sign itself is very famous, and usually on visitors’ “must-see” list when they visit Philly. The structure was made by Robert Indiana (patterned after a look-alike stamp design) and installed here in JFK Plaza, or LOVE Park, in 1976. It’s been removed temporarily a few times (for refurbishments and other reasons), but this is it’s home.
Visiting the Sculpture
Personally, the structure is smaller than I expected it to be…that’s 100% on me though b/c there’s often humans in the pictures for scale. 😉
Once you’ve waited in line to take your picture, that’s kind of it as far as the sign is concerned. BUT HANG AROUND! There’s other pop culture sculptures to check out in the plaza. And for some real-time pop culture please CHECK OUT THE SKATERS* while you’re there. Locals flock the park, especially in the evening, to skate. It’s so fun to watch.
*My husband insisted I write skaters–NOT skateboarders, which made me laugh. That must be what The Kids are calling it these days. Did everyone else know that?
Ben Franklin Parkway
Finally, Love Park is located with an incredible view of both gargantuan City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a road lined with trees & flags leading first to Logan Square (read below) & finally to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Logan Square
Alright, this is cheating because it’s a gazillion cultural sites all wrapped up into one. Logan Square is one of 4 actual, geographical, SQUARE plots of land set aside as parks in downtown Philadelphia. The other three are: Franklin, Washington, and Rittenhouse. Logan Square is unique. In its center is a large water fountain, and surrounding that it is a very compact collection of museums.
If you are a lover of museums (or knowledge, or science, or religion, or books, or animals, or breathing…) then get excited. There is something for you here.
- The Franklin Institute (science museum)
- The Barnes Foundation (major impressionist collection)
- Rodin Museum (part of the Phil. Museum of Art)
- The Academy of Natural Sciences
- Free Library of Philadelphia Central Location
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter & Paul
- Philadelphia Temple –Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Come to Logan Square & take your pick from some varied and fantastic learning centers. You can’t go wrong. Or just sit on a bench & enjoy the surroundings!
Run the Rocky Steps
Did the song pop into your head yet? This is such an iconic scene from Rocky, where Rocky Balboa trains through Philadelphia…all culminating in a triumphant run up the huge museum steps, and THIS POSE. This is another “one and done” take-a-picture-with-a-sculpture-situation…UNLESS you want to recreate the moment with a jaunt up the steps to the top! The view is great.
[As you can see, the photo op is right in front of a busy round-about. It’s a pain to hazards-on-park right here & deal with all the east coast honking. It’s probably best to explore this area of the city on foot, or park properly at the museum- especially if there is a line.]
The Philadelphia Museum of Art
Okay so now you’ve run up the “Rocky Steps”…only to realize there is an entrance. Ohhh, these steps lead to a building- a museum. A docent at the Philadelphia Museum of Art once mentioned how unfortunate it is that thousands of tourists come so close to entering and viewing the collections…but don’t.
I had a membership during our time here and was very glad I did. The original Thomas Eakins’ painting The Gross Clinic resides here (and is huge and magnificent), along with many American landscape paintings & European Impressionist works.
The admission price is pretty high. The student discount is significant, though, and there are regular “Pay What You Wish” hours to watch out for. If you’re interested in this branch of art history and have 2+ hours to spend, I’d recommend it.
Regardless, make sure to walk around the grounds behind the museum along the Schuylkill River. There’s boathouses lining the water for various rowing groups and it’s pretty unique.
Off the Beaten Path:
All of the above are what I consider TOP Philly Attractions. Someone visiting for the first time should NOT miss these famous sites! However, if you have more time to spend, or if your interests are more niche… then these next attractions are for you!
Mutter Museum
This small museum by The College of Physicians of Philadelphia highlights medical and biological oddities.
I never made it to this museum in the years we lived in Philadelphia. This was completely intentional, as I don’t have the best stomach for blood, guts, and gore. We heard mixed reviews depending on who went, but everyone was in agreement that the Mutter Museum is unique and memorable.
Learn more on their website HERE.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
This incredible outdoor community art garden + indoor gallery is worth your time. It’s winding stairs & spaces full of mosaics that you won’t soon forget.
Learn more on their website HERE.
Truly unique!
Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site
Maybe you love “The Tell-Tale Heart” or “The Raven”. Maybe you have a penchant for dark and creepy literature. Well, then maybe you should make time for the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site!
Poe lived in Philly for six years, and this is the home he rented and resided in.
Learn more details HERE.
Murals & Street Art
Last, but far from least, the city itself is a series of ongoing art projects. There are intricate murals painted onto buildings throughout the downtown area. And every street is brimming with character! It’s especially true on residential streets & alleyways. The window boxes are incredible.
This is the #1 thing I miss most about Philadelphia…the architecture here is a form of EXPRESSION–not just function.
That’s a wrap!
There are dozens more cultural sites I haven’t yet visited and would love to hear about.
What’s something you’d recommend in Philadelphia? Let me know in the comments!
Cover Image by Nadine Doerlé from Pixabay
Read more of our guides to Philadelphia:
A Resident’s Guide to Philadelphia [Part 1]: Best Historic Attractions
1 thought on “How to Tour Philadelphia: Best Art & Cultural Attractions!”