It is with great anticipation that I await the arrival of the Barnes Museum to the parkway. No date has been set as yet but the most recent information suggests sometime in 2010 or 2011. The Barnes collection is truly one of the great art collections in the world and the benefits it will bring to Philadelphia are enormous. And while the Art may move to the city the building will not. Dr. Barnes original concept was as an educational benefit for children and there is no reason that cannot remain in Lower Merion.
THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART
NEW:
The Gross Clinic
Plan to visit the Art Museum's fine exhibits before or after your visit to Rembrandt's.
The Art Museum, already one of the largest Art Museums in the country, with a
collection that has long ago outgrown its display capabilities, has just
announced plans for a $500 Million underground expansion as well as the current
ongoing renovation of the Pearlman building and the construction of the new
Textile Museum behind the Pearlman Building.
THE
EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY HISTORIC SITE
One of the most historic buildings in the city, Eastern State was the beginning of penal reform in the United States. Tours, shows and art are offered throughout the summer and fall.
Also one of the best Haunted Halloween Tours occurs here every October and the
Great Bastille Day celebration in July. Browse this site for details.
THE PENNSYLVANIA
ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS
Since
its founding in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) has been
committed to fostering and collecting American art. We are pleased to present
highlights of our permanent collection, one of the foremost collections of
American art, ranging from colonial masters such as Robert Feke, John Singleton
Copley, and Benjamin West, to major contemporary artists including Richard
Diebenkorn, Red Grooms, and Faith Ringgold.
Many of the nation's most important artists were founders, teachers or students
at the Pennsylvania Academy. PAFA is currently showing The Gross Clinic
THE FRANKLIN
Previously know as The Franklin Institute, The
Franklin is perhaps the best and most important science museum in the country. Great for children, and don't miss the latest IMAX show.
Be sure to see the Pirates Exhibit from May 31, 2008 through November 2, 2008.
Rembrandt's banquet facilities are available for group tours of the Pirates and
other great
exhibit. Details are available here.
ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
A fascinating museum with excellent events. Also one of the great natural science research institutions in the United States.
GIRARD COLLEGE
Stephen Girard was one of America's first millionaires. Girard college is his legacy. The grounds house a fascinating array of buildings as well as a museum collection of early Americana. Only a two minute drive from Rembrandt's and the parking is free as is the tour.
BOATHOUSE ROW
In addition to the wonderful view of the lights of the Boathouses, the houses themselves are of historic value. The
new lighting system is a significant improvement. Details are
on their site.
THE RODIN MUSEUM
The Rodin Museum at 22nd and Ben Franklin Parkway houses the largest collection of Rodin works outside of Paris. This is one of the better sites dedicated to the artist.
Note: The Rodin museum is about to be joined by two exciting neighbors on
the Parkway. Soon to be erected is the new Barnes Museum and the 80
thousand square foot underground addition to the Art Museum will help to
transform the Parkway into
one of the most culturally significant art venues in the country.
THE PHILADELPHIA ZOO
The Philadelphia Zoo houses about 1500 animals and is situated on 43 acres in Fairmount Park. It is the first Zoo in America.
THE FAIRMOUNT
WATERWORKS One of the most historic sites in Philadelphia, the
waterworks recently received a $26,500,000 restoration.
Last modified on Sunday, June 29, 2008