Philly and D.C. Team Up to Promote New National Treasure Movie Tour in Time for Film’s November Release
In November, Nicolas Cage will grab the attention of movie fans across the country as he races through the streets of Philadelphia and Washington DC in an Indiana Jones-style adventure, involving America’s founding fathers and precious historic documents. To celebrate the movie, the two cities have created the National Treasure Tour, with a detailed brochure and hotel packages encouraging history buffs to trace Cage’s steps to sites featured in the film.
Ben Franklin’s 300th Birthday Is Cause for a Citywide Celebration in Philly
On January 17, 2006, the world-and especially Philadelphia-will celebrate the 300th birthday of universal icon, Benjamin Franklin, with Franklin 300. At the heart of this national celebration is Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World, on display in Philadelphia (its first stop) beginning in late 2005. The exhibit will feature the largest collection of Franklin materials ever assembled. Philadelphia’s other Ben-related plans include a summer-long heritage tourism festival featuring storytelling benches, reenactments and tours, and the "Benstitute," a first-of-its kind institute that will train future Ben Franklins and other interpreters interested in working in heritage tourism. (215) 448-1245 www.benfranklin300.org
Salvador Dalí: The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Next Big Thing Debuts in February 2005
The Philadelphia Museum of Art will be the only American venue to host Salvador Dalí, a retrospective exhibit of more than 200 of Dali’s intriguing and sometimes controversial works-many of which will be on view in the United States for the first time. In addition to the artwork, on view February through May 2005, visitors to Philadelphia will be able to immerse themselves in a complete Dalí experience, with Dalí-themed drinks, desserts, special events and shopping throughout the city, as well as a Dalí hotel package that includes VIP, untimed tickets to the exhibition. 26th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100 www.philamuseum.org
Immersive Philadelphia Neighborhood Tours Showcase City’s Bustling Ethnic Enclaves
Learn to Salsa, taste exotic cuisine and shop for authentic ethnic wares during the Neighborhood Tourism Network’s immersion tours through some of Philadelphia’s most vibrant communities. Tours take place Saturdays from May through June and September through October. Themes include "Latin Soul, Latin Flavor," "Voices of Chinatown," "Philadelphia’s Civil Rights Struggle," "Taking a Stand for Freedom" and "The Sound of Philadelphia." (215) 599-2295 www.gophila.com
Food for Thought: Star Chefs Heat Up Philly Kitchens
Star chefs are spicing up Philadelphia’s dining scene: Chef Bryan Sikora and cheese expert Aimee Olexy are partners in life-and in the kitchen of their enormously popular Bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) establishment, Django... Striped Bass alum Alison Barshak’s New American BYOB, Alison at Blue Bell, is booming in the countryside... Prolific restaurateur Stephen Starr proves he has the Midas touch with Iron Chef Morimoto at Morimoto and Ethiopian-native Marcus Samuelson, one of People magazine’s "Most Eligible Bachelors," and star chef at Washington Square...And, Executive Chef Martin Hamann dazzles in the kitchen at the Five-Diamond award-winning Fountain Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, rated #1 in Philadelphia by Zagat’s.
20 Years, 2,000 Murals and Counting: Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program Sets the Pace
Since its inception in 1984, the Mural Arts Program has completed more murals than any other public art program in the nation-with more than 2,300 murals throughout Philadelphia. The 20-year effort has brought art to the cityscape, turning graffiti-scarred walls into scenic views. The year-long anniversary will include two Mural Arts Month celebrations for October 2004 and October 2005, including six art exhibits and dedications of 40 new murals. 1729 Mount Vernon Street, (215) 685-0750 www.muralarts.org
World Café Live Opens in Philly this October to Delight of Music Fans
In October 2004, Philly’s award-winning radio station WXPN opens World Café Live, an innovative dining and concert venue and the broadcast studios of the World Café radio program, syndicated to more than 160 public radio stations nationwide. Located on University City’s burgeoning Left Bank, World Café Live offers music fans live music in a relaxed setting designed to capture the intimacy of WXPN’s flagship music program. 3025 Walnut Street, (215) 222-1400 www.worldcafelive.com
