The Ben Franklin Parkway

While venturing through Historical Philadelphia, you will most likely come across the mile long road way that crosses through the city's grid plan starting from City Hall to the Museum of Art. This grand road that connect some of the city's most well known buildings was originally named The Fairmount Parkway, but was changed to The Ben Franklin Parkway in 1937 to honor the city's most celebrated son.

The Development of the parkway was long process that took place during most of the 20th century. And although the construction took longer than hoped, the finished project represented the urban challenges of the "city beautiful movement" that many other American city's were trying to accomplish

Plans for the Parkway first constructed of grander ideas including a new Episcopal Cathedral, along with new campuses for Temple University and The University of Pennsylvania. But a more formal design by Jacgues Greber was used. So now, the parkway you see today is lined with a large amount of scientific, cultural and education institutes including...

The Free Library of Philadelphia

The Free Library of Philadelphia serves as Philadelphia's public library system. Pioneered by Dr. William Pepper in 1891, he cultivated his ideas of a general library free to everyone. The Central Library opened in January of 1927 and with much expansion, today the library houses over six million collection ranging from reading materials to music. In addition, the library's education facility broadens as it offers numerous programs such as the Adult Basic Education Program. The service provides adults with the opportunity to take pre G.E.D and G.E.D courses.

The Benjamin Franklin Institute

Founded by Samuel Vaughan Merric and William H. Keating in 1824 in memory of Benjamin Franklin. The institution commemorates Franklin's desire to learn about science and technology. BY January of 1934, the Franklin Institute Science Museum opened and became one of the first science museums in the United States to focus on projects and exhibitions that incorporated physical interactions in learning the fundamentals of science and technology. By May of 1990, the institution expanded with the addition of the The Mandell Center, The Tuttleman IMAX Theater, and the Musser Theater. The centers tremendously enhanced interactive programs and the viewing of IMAX films. In 2005, one of the most memorable exhibits was featured, called Body Worlds, and this exhibit showcased the complex inner workings of the human body in dramatic poses. The popularity of the event led to Body Worls 2 & the Brain, which discusses the body in addition to new discoveries and teachings about the functioning of the brain. This exhibit led to the first specialized presentation of the brain in Philadelphia.

City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall is used to facilitate many state government functions. The building once stood as the tallest building in the world in the early 1900's, but today, its the fifteenth tallest building in Pennsylvania. The area hosts many festivities such as an event known as Christmas Village in Philadelphia. Running from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Eve, This event attracted over 100,00 visitors in the past with musical performances, bright lights, and a tree lighting ceremony. Influenced by German Christmas market traditions, this event also gives the city a different cultural experience while celebrating festive holidays. Towards the west side of City Hall is Love Park, which was built during the 1960's and became a popular site for skateboarders. Due to street skateboarder's infatuation with this area, Philadelphia became the only city to host ESPN's X Games for two consecutive years.


The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Located at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, its striking appearance captivates much attention. The museum's preliminary ideas came about during the 1870's when an act from the Pennsylvania State Legislature called for a "memorial Hall." A few years later, the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art collaborated in order to construct a museum of art. Construction began around 1919 and the first section of the Philadelphia Museum of Fine Art opened to the public in 1928. Today, there are over 200 galleries holding over 225,00 pieces of art work. Some of the most notable pieces of art are housed in these galleries. Such as Van Gogh's "Sunflowers," Picasso's "Three Musicians," and the large "Bathers" by Cezanne. The museum's architectural design reflects that of a Greek temple but in large proportions is seen as Roman design.

Logan Circle

At the end of the parkway, in front of the Museum of Art is the large pasture called Logans Circle. In the center of the circle are two promanent statues, one being the Swann Memorial Fountain. Designed by Alexander Stirling in honor of Dr. Wilson Carry Swann, founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society. The fountain is meant to have Native American figures symbolizing the area's major local waterways: The Delaware River, The Schuylkill River, and Wissahickon Creek.