Glen Foerd is the last of the 19th century riverfront estates in Philadelphia open to the public. This romantic estate situated on 18 acres of English Park gardens overlooking the Delaware River is one of Philadelphia’s best kept secrets. A few of the highlights of the 1850 Italianate mansion is an impressive art gallery with a Tiffany style skylight, and a subterranean billiard room known as the Rathskeller. First time visitors to Glen Foerd always experience the “wow factor” because of the stunning views of the Delaware River. Enjoy the estate’s beautiful rose garden, heritage trees, deer and dog statues and woodland garden well. Outbuildings include a boathouse with viewing platform, observation tower, carriage house, garden house, cottage and gatehouse.
Music Center
The Dell Music Center, located in scenic East Fairmount Park, is Philadelphia's premier outdoor entertainment and education venue. Formerly the Robin Hood Dell East, this open-air amphitheatre is managed by the City of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department and is the fourth largest performance venue in the city. The Dell has 5,284 reserved seats and can hold an additional 600 people on the lawn. For more information, including the venue schedule and tickets, please contact: Contact Info
215-685-9564 dellmusiccenter@phila.gov http://mydelleast.com/ Location
East Fairmount Park Ridge Avenue and Huntingdon Drive Philadelphia, PA 19132
Fairmount Park boasts many architectural treasures, seven of which are maintained as historic house museums open to the public. Located on the banks of the Schuylkill River, these homes originally served as the rural summer villas for well-to-do families during the eighteenth- and early-nineteenth century. They are considered among the most significant architectural examples of this time period in the United States. Their styles, furnishings, history and stories illustrate the culture and domestic lives of the time. The houses are administered by a variety of organizations and maintain different hours of operation, but all are generally open Thursday to Sunday from July to December. Group tours can be arranged. For hours of operation, ticketing information, and to learn the history of each house, please visit the Park Charms website. The site also includes maps and public transit and driving directions.
Horticulture Center
The Horticulture Center, a modern exhibition hall and greenhouse, was built for the Bicentennial celebration in 1976. It sits on the site of the former Horticultural Hall, an 1876 Centennial Exposition building.
A trip to the Horticulture Center will be time well spent. Within its walls are a visitor center and greenhouse where one can see many tropical plants and a fine collection of statues interspersed in the greenery.
Outside you can see many types of flowers and trees, a small pond, a creek and a wetland. The Display Gardens contain perennials, herbs, an accessible garden, everlastings, a demonstration garden and a vegetable garden. Other sites to explore include perennial Gardens, a butterfly garden and the Puryear Pavilion in the trees. A Japanese maple collection, a pinetum (collection of evergreen trees of all genus), and the 20+ acre Centennial Arboretum (dating back to 1876 and containing majestic trees of Asian, European and North American origin) can all be enjoyed.
Coursing throughout the grounds are nature trails dotted by a couple of picnic groves and sculptures of poets and musicians. Take a stroll by the tranquil reflecting pool. Gaze upon Gambol I and II, two silver horses prancing in place along Belmont Avenue. Also located on the grounds is the Japanese House and Garden, which is a treat in and of itself.
For more information, including hours of operation, please see below.
Contact Info
215-685-0096
Location
West Fairmount Park
North Horticultural Drive and Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131
Japanese House and Garden
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally-ranked garden in Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park that reflects the history of Japanese culture in Philadelphia, from the 1876 Centennial Exposition to the installation of its contemporary paintings in 2007. Shofuso was built in Japan in 1953 using traditional techniques and materials and exhibited in the courtyard at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It was moved to Philadelphia in 1958, to the site of several previous Japanese structures dating to the 1876 Centennial Exposition. In 2007, internationally renowned artist Hiroshi Senju, inspired by our waterfall, donated 20 murals to Shofuso. The Friends of the Japanese House and Garden preserve and operate Shofuso. The Japanese House is open for visitation, group tours, and public programs from April to October. Shofuso hosts weddings, commitment ceremonies, vow renewals, private receptions and parties, and public and private tea ceremonies. The exquisite loveliness of this authentic Japanese house and garden with island, bridge and koi pond is Philadelphia's most beautiful and unique site for intimate events. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-878-5097 info@shofuso.com http://www.shofuso.com/
Location
West Fairmount Park Horticultural and Lansdowne Drives Philadelphia, PA 19131
Sculpture and Horticultural Garden and Cemetery
Before publicly owned parks became popular in the second half of the 19th century, people picnicked and relaxed in cemeteries. In Philadelphia, Laurel Hill Cemetery, built on the site of an estate overlooking the Schuylkill River, opened in 1836. Over time it has become a truly unique historical resource and garden. It is also one of few cemeteries in the United States to be honored with the designation of National Historic Landmark. The site offers 78 acres of art and history, including the burial of notable war heroes dating back to the Civil War. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-228-8200 http://www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org/ Location
East Fairmount Park 3822 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19132
Historic Fort
Site of the greatest bombardment of the Revolutionary War, Fort Mifflin delayed the resupply of the British army occupying Philadelphia in 1777 thus allowing General Washington time to establish winter quarters in Valley Forge. Rebuilt beginning in the late 18th century, the Fort was garrisoned for the War of 1812, served as a Federal prison during the Civil War and a Naval Munitions Depot in World War I and World War II. Now a National Historic Landmark, Fort Mifflin welcomes visitors to experience history first-hand during Living History Events and via guided tours year-round. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-685-4167 www.FortMifflin.us Location
Fort Mifflin Road Philadelphia, Pa 19153
History Museum
The Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent serves greater Philadelphia by fostering among its citizens and visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation of the city, its historical artifacts and its rich legacy. The museum's purpose is to educate present generations, especially schoolchildren, to learn from the past in ways that enrich their lives and improve their futures. Today, the Museum houses more than 80,000 objects related to Philadelphia and regional history, including an estimated 10,000 17th- to 20th-Century artifacts from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania art and artifact collection, 1700 Quaker-related items from Friends Historical Association Collection, and collections reflecting Philadelphia manufacturing, the 1876 Centennial Exposition, toys and miniatures, and radio broadcasting. For more information, including hours of operation, please contact: Contact Info
215-685-4830 info@philadelphiahistory.org http://www.philadelphiahistory.org/ Location
15 South 7th Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
Art Museum
Founded in 1876, the Philadelphia Museum of Art showcases more than 2,000 years of human creativity, the collections and special exhibitions present masterpieces of painting, sculpture, decorative arts and architectural settings from Europe, Asia and the Americas. The striking neo-classical building provides an oasis of beauty, and a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages — just minutes from Center City Philadelphia. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-763-8100 visitorservices@philamuseum.org http://www.philamuseum.org/ Location
26th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130
Zoo
Fairmount Park is home to America's first zoo. Come face to face with over 1,500 rare and exotic animals from around the world. Between exhibits you can rest in the zoo's picturesque Victorian gardens covering 42 acres. Cheetahs, hippos, rhinos and elephants make the Zoo Philadelphia's leading family attraction. Where can you see gorillas, colobus monkeys, ruffed lemurs and more? At the state-of-the-art PECO Primate Reserve. Or get a bird's eye view of the zoo by soaring 400 feet above the city on the Channel 6 Zooballoon. The Zoo seasonally offers the Tastykake Children's Zoo, giant Swan Boat rides, zookeeper talks and a magical Treehouse with interactive activities for children. Guests, check the Zoo map, printed daily, for animal feedings and demonstrations. Pop in on the Philadelphia Zoo and see for yourself why it's one of the most renowned zoo and gardens in the world. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-243-1100 guestrelations@phillyzoo.org http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/ Location
3400 West Girard Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196
The American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philadelphia is the oldest Swedish Museum in the United States. Founded in 1926, the Museum has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Swedish and Swedish-American cultural heritage and traditions for more than 80 years. The Museum is a place where Swedes, Swedish-Americans, and people of all nationalities who appreciate Swedish contributions to history, art, architecture, music, science and technology can come together. For more information, including hours of operation, please contact: Contact Info215-389-1776 info@americanswedish.org http://www.americanswedish.org/ Location1900 Pattison Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19145
Children's Museum
Looking for a neat place to spend some time with the kids? The Please Touch Museum, specifically designed for children seven years and younger, has fun exhibits and programs that provide learning opportunities through hands-on, self-directed, and open-ended play. Kids, join Alice in her Adventures in Wonderland, sit behind the steering wheel of a real SEPTA bus, or go food shopping with your own cart — you can even play cashier and scan the food items! For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-581-3181 info@pleasetouchmuseum.org http://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/ Location
Memorial Hall 4231 Avenue of the Republic (formerly North Concourse Drive) Philadelphia, PA 19131
Sculpture Museum
If Paris and your budget aren't in sync, take a walk to the Rodin Museum and experience the second largest collection of Auguste Rodin's sculptures (124, to be exact) in the world. Make sure to see these amazing bronze casts: The Thinker
The Burghers of Calais
Eternal Springtime
Apotheosis of Victor Hugo
The Gates of Hell In a word, magnifique! For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-763-8100 visitorservices@philamuseum.org www.rodinmuseum.org Location
Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 22nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19101
History Museum and Library
Think you're up on every museum in Philadelphia? Bet you haven't visited, for FREE, this hidden treasure in Fairmount's Burholme Park! Like most things Victorian, this place is very eclectic. From opium pipes to stuffed alligators, the Ryerss collection gives visitors insight into a family who traveled the globe and brought back fascinating objects (particularly from the Orient) in order to enlighten Philadelphia's citizens about far away cultures. Live vicariously through the life of the housekeeper who married the wealthy bachelor, became a widow eight months later, and then ventured off to exotic locales. Spend time picking out your favorite quirky item in the museum or peruse the collection of current best sellers, children's books, nonfiction tomes, Victorian reference works and magazines at the community lending library on the second floor. For more information, including hours of operation (admission is FREE!), please contact: Contact Info
215-685-0544 or 215-685-0599 ryerssmuseum@gmail.com http://www.ryerssmuseum.org/ Location
Burholme Park 7370 Central Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19111
Science Museum
Where else will a Giganotosaurus greet you as you enter the Academy of Natural Sciences? Experience four floors of permanent and traveling exhibits plus activities focusing on the environment and its diverse species. Pet a live snake or hissing cockroach or dig for real fossils in the Paleontology Lab. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-299-1000 visitorservices@ansp.org http://www.ansp.org/Location
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103
Music Center
Enjoy world class entertainment in the beautiful setting of Fairmount Park at The Mann Center for the Performing Arts! You can choose from pops, jazz, gospel, contemporary concerts, dance and classical performances. The Mann Center is the Philadelphia region's only outdoor cultural arts venue and one of the largest of its kind in the nation. It's also the summer home of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Watch a performance from one of 4,000+ seats under cover in the pavilion or from one of 10,000 general admission spaces on the lawn and terrace. Enjoy a pre-concert meal from the dining kiosks. Or make it a date: bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and dinner and kick back under the stars. For more information, including the venue schedule and tickets, please contact: Contact Info
215-893-1999 or 800-745-3000 http://manncenter.org/ Location
West Fairmount Park 5201 Parkside Avenue Philadelphia, PA
Garden
Come experience this picturesque gateway to our famous Boathouse Row area. One of the most popular public spaces in the Philadelphia area, it attracts families, recreational walkers and garden lovers. Countless wedding ceremonies too have been set against its beautiful backdrop.
Located on the magnificent grounds of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Azalea Garden is Philadelphia's most recognized garden with over four acres of luminous plantings. 150 different species of azaleas and rhododendrons intermingle with irises, tulips, sycamores, oaks and hundreds of blooming annuals and perennials just a pathway away from the Water Works revitalization.
Location
East Fairmount Park
1 Boathouse Row
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Art Museum
The Barnes Foundation features one of the premier private collections of art in the world and is an educational institution that promotes its mission through public visitation and a variety of educational programming. The Barnes Foundation's new building is located between 20th and 21st Streets along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Barnes collection is displayed in an exhibition space that replicates the scale, proportion and configuration of the original galleries in Merion. In addition, the new building has amenities for students and visitors including classrooms, a 5,000 square foot changing exhibition space, a 150 seat auditorium, and a gift shop. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-278-7000 info@barnesfoundation.org http://www.barnesfoundation.org/ Location
2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130
Garden
If you're a garden lover then Bartram's Garden is your holy grail! Come to America's oldest living botanic garden and follow in the foot steps of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. Learn about naturalist, botanist, and explorer John Bartram's amazing life in the 1700s. Tour his National Historic Landmark house and garden. Stroll through the wildflower meadow overlooking the Philadelphia skyline or look for native plants along the trails within this 45-acre urban oasis. You're guaranteed to walk away with a better appreciation for history and nature! For more information, including hours, admission prices and tours, please contact: Contact Info
215-729-5281 info@bartramsgarden.org http://www.bartramsgarden.org/ Location
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19143
Historic House
The well-known and loved story of Betsy Ross sewing the first Stars & Stripes is tightly woven into the colorful fabric of America's rich history. The Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag, is alive with the sights and sounds of the 18th century. Tour the house and then stay a while longer to learn more about Betsy and her exciting life and times through our interactive, historical programming. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-629-4026 info@historicphiladelphia.org http://historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/what-to-see/ Location
239 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19106
Interpretive Center and Restaurant
Sitting elegantly at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Fairmount Water Works (1812-1860) is a legendary landmark in Philadelphia. Its huge water wheels, turbines and pumps were housed in a series of buildings that resemble Greek temples, and are located on the banks of the Schuylkill River. In the 19th century, the Water Works and its gardens was one of the top three most visited sites in North America. The Fairmount Water Works stopped pumping water in 1909. Today, it houses an interpretive education center with interactive exhibits and the award-winning Water Works Restaurant & Lounge. You can either dine in the restaurant or sit outside and enjoy a great view of the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row. If you're planning a special event, why not consider booking it at one of the most picturesque settings in the City? For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
Water Works Interpretive Center 215-685-0723 www.fairmountwaterworks.com Contact Info
The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge 215-236-9000 info@waterworksrestaurant.com www.thewaterworksrestaurant.com/ Location
East Fairmount Park 640 Water Works Drive Philadelphia, PA 19130
Science Museum
At the Franklin Institute, science turns into a hands-on adventure with help from technological exhibits and demonstrations. Walk through the famous giant human heart or stargaze in the renovated Fels Planetarium. "Franklin, He's Electric" highlights the great inventor's genius. Other permanent exhibits include Sports Challenge, KIDSCIENCE and Science Park. Don't forget to see what's playing on the five-story dome at the Tuttleman IMAX Theater. For more information, including hours and admission prices, please contact: Contact Info
215-448-1200 guestservices@fi.edu http://www2.fi.edu/ Location
222 North 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Library
Opened in 1927, the Parkway Central Library contains more than 7 million items and many special collections, including one of the world’s most renowned Charles Dickens collections—featuring first editions, personal letters, and Dickens’s stuffed pet raven, Grip—as well as the largest Beatrix Potter collection outside of the United Kingdom. For more information, including hours of operation, please contact: Contact Info
215-686-5322 http://libwww.freelibrary.org/branches/branch.cfm?loc=CEN Location
1901 Vine Street Philadelphia, PA 19103
Garden
Borrowing its name from benefactors Robert and Elizabeth Glendinning, the Glendinning Rock Garden is just north of the Girard Avenue bridge on Kelly Drive. You'll recognize it by a cluster of boulders. Further on into the garden you'll see a meandering pond that leads to a gentle waterfall.
Perfect for reading, picnicking, or generally relaxing, the garden can provide a more tranquil alternative to the activity on the River path.
Location
East Fairmount Park
North of the Girard Avenue bridge on Kelly Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19130
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