Fun Philadelphia Attractions

Institute of Contemporary Art Penn Museum Drexel University Please Touch Museum Independence Hall

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is celebrated for its variety of interesting tourist attractions, historical landmarks, and fun things to do. Philadelphia is also home to acclaimed universities, research institutes, and medical centers. Guests who vacation at Sheraton Philadelphia University City will find Philadelphia’s most exciting attractions minutes from the hotel.

Institute of Contemporary Art. The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania is among the top art institutes in the state. View and interpret original works of art created by established and emerging artists. Various tours, educational programs, lectures and special events are held throughout the month and are open to the public. Free tours are offered on the first Sunday of the month. The Institute of Contemporary Art was established in 1963. Visit www.icaphila.org.

Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts offers world-class performances ranging from jazz, dance, international theatre, and world music. The Center is also home to the country’s largest annual International Children’s Festival that offers more than 60 performances specially designed for young audiences. The Annenberg Center also offers facility rentals for special events and meetings. Visit www.pennpresents.org.  [Top]

Penn Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology. The University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology has been exploring human evolution for 120 years. The Museum has collected more than 1 million artifacts, many through anthropological research and university field excavations. Museum galleries are spread across three floors and feature ancient artifacts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, Bible lands, Asia civilizations. Also on display are materials used by native Americans, Polynesians and Africans. Rotating exhibits, lectures, and educations programs are also offered through the museum. Visit http://www.museum.upenn.edu/index.php.

University of Pennsylvania. University of Pennsylvania, a prestigious Ivy League school founded by Benjamin Franklin, is consistently ranked among the nation’s top 10 universities. University of Pennsylvania is situated in the heart of Philadelphia and comprises 12 graduate and professional schools in addition to its extensive undergraduate programs. Visit www.upenn.edu.  [Top]

Drexel University. Drexel University is a nonsectarian, private university in Philadelphia. Drexel was founded in 1891 and has been providing students with advanced academic opportunities in arts and sciences for over 100 years. Drexel is known as Philadelphia’s Technological University and was the first major university to offer wireless Internet service and require all students to have a microcomputer. Drexel has also offered online courses since 1996. Visit www.drexel.edu.

World Café Live. World Café Live offers a tasty combination of live music, both free performances and ticketed concerts, and gourmet cuisine. World Café Live is split between an upper and lower level. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and their Happy Hour is a celebrated event among Philadelphia locals. World Café Live’s entertainment lineup includes various types of bands and musicians. Visit www.worldcafelive.com.  [Top]

Please Touch Museum. Please Touch Museum is Philadelphia’s renowned children’s museum that encourages kids and parents to enjoy hands-on learning. The museum is geared for children age 7 or younger, although kids of all ages are welcome. Exhibits at Please Touch Museum are all interactive and each features many fun things for kids to do. Some exhibits include Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Supermarket, and Barnyard Babies. Visit www.pleasetouchmuseum.org.

The Franklin Institute. The Franklin Institute is Philadelphia’s premier science and technology museum. The museum features hands-on exhibits that explore everything from the heart’s function to generating electricity to kinetic and physiological impacts on sports performance. The Franklin Institute also features an IMAX theater and a planetarium. Visit http://www2.fi.edu/index.php.  [Top]

Independence Hall. Independence Hall in Philadelphia is the political birthplace of the United States of America. It is here where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. The Georgian-style building was completed in 1753 and is recognized as a U.S. National Landmark and a World Heritage Site. The Liberty Bell is displayed across the street from Independence Hall. Visit http://www.nps.gov/inde/.

Wachovia Center. Wachovia Center is the epicenter for Philadelphia sports and events. More than 400 events, including concerts, family shows, and sporting events, are hosted at Wachovia Center each year. Wachovia Center is also home to NBA basketball team the 76ers and NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, or the Broad Street Bullies as they’re affectionately referred to by loyal fans. Visit http://www.comcast-spectacor.com/default.asp.  [Top]