Art in Philadelphia

We were fortunate to have the chance to visit several places containing art. Within Philly it is varied and beautiful, along with historic and long-lasting.

The first place we found some amazing art was in the Curtis Center lobby. There stands the 100 year old Tiffany mural, Dream Garden, installed in 1916, and based off of a landscape painting by Maxfield Parrish. Using Tiffany glass the design covers a 15' by 49' wall in the back of the lobby, and is strikingly lit for maximum viewing.

Secondly, we visited the Magic Garden. Local artist Isaiah Zagar lived in the property next door and started collecting materials and creating his artwork all over the empty lot next to it. When the landowner wanted to sell the property and came to visit he discovered Isaiah's artwork and asked him to remove it all. Instead Isaiah was able to raise the money to buy the property (at an exorbitant price) in order to maintain and display his art.

Although we did not get a chance to explore the whole area due to rain, I would go back again and again to walk through the art!

Lastly, we attended music Friday at the Philadelphia Art Museum. For the regular price of entry there is a live band and catered food and drinks (for an extra cost), plus access to the galleries until 8:45pm. As a bonus, the ticket includes 2-day admission to the museum and others nearby.

We ate some dinner, listened to music, and drank a bit of wine. Afterwards, we spent about an hour wandering through just one part of the very large museum. Lucky me got to see Van Gogh's Sunflowers!

There are several other art museums that we did not have time to see, but based on what we could visit I would guess that there is a lot of great artwork abounding in this city.

Oh, I can not forget to mention the statue of Rocky Balboa outside the art museum: 

The Historical District of Philly

Throughout the week we could see Independence Hall and the building housing the Liberty Bell from our hotel window. On Tuesday we finally toured each.

The Liberty Bell is free to see and is held in a long building containing information on the history of the bell and uses throughout that time. Upon entering the building visitors are asked to walk through metal detectors, so in high times expect a wait, luckily winter is not a busy time, so we made it in the door within 5 minutes.

There is a volunteer historian standing around the bell to help answer questions and occasionally will start speaking to the crowd gathered to give some background on the bell. It was fascinating to learn that the bell really had no special beginnings, it was just a bell amongst many in the city. During the British occupation of 1777 it was hidden along with the other bells, outside the city so it was not melted down and used for musket balls. So, maybe that's the appeal of it all, humble beginnings to a great symbol of freedom and unity!

Through the back of the building one can view Independence Hall and if the lighting is right a nice picture of both can be captured.

After leaving the Liberty Bell we traveled across the street to view Independence Hall. It also provides a free tour, given by National Park rangers, and includes a walk through a metal detector.

Originally the hall was used as a courtroom and is still set up as such. Across from the small court room area is the hall where our Founding Fathers discussed, created, and signed the Declaration of Independence.

The infamous Sunrise chair is also located in this room. I posted a picture of myself sitting in the replica here.

There are other buildings on the premises as well, including the first rooms where the newly created Congress and House met. It is amazing to think that so many influential men walked those halls and built a country from the ground up.