Significant historical attractions include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway, modelled after the Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris and called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile, houses the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most instagrammable places in the city – visitors can even end their morning run with the 72 steps up to the museum just as Rocky Bilbao did in the original movie.

A former prison, the Eastern State Penitentiary, is also a popular attraction and a 15-minute walk from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Later this year, a two-storey Space Exhibit will open at The Franklin Science Museum; and in 2024, Calder Gardens will open – a new building and garden featuring the art of Alexander Calder, considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and the third generation of a Philadelphia artistic family.

OTHERWORLD, an interactive attraction featuring large-scale art, mixed reality playgrounds, and secret passageways is opening this summer.

Beyond Philly

Two counties just west of Philadelphia promoted their wares at IPW 2023 tourism exchange recently.

Monikered as America’s Garden Capital, The Countryside of Philadelphia has more than 30 parks and gardens to explore, established by Philadelphia industrialists who built country mansions with gardens to match.

The area’s also strong on American Revolutionary war history including the Brandywine Battlefields Park where George Washington’s Continental Army suffered a crucial defeat, and Valley Forge National Historic Park where his 12,000 troops retreated.

The house and studio of well-known American artist, NC Wyeth is part of the Brandywine Museum where visitors will find works by three generations of the Wyeth family. Located at Chadds Ford, the museum is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Philadelphia.  www.brandywinevalley.com