REDISCOVER
West Philadelphia is home to talented performers, artists, and creatives. Uncover a selection of museums, galleries, theaters, and music venues within West Philadelphia, plus venues for pop-ups like performances and food vending while the city transitions back to reopening. Stay up to date with the latest offerings using University City District’s community calendar.
Academy of Natural Sciences
Founded in 1812, this museum operated by West Philly's Drexel University and located in nearby Logan Circle is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas.
Our tip: Bring the dinosaur lovers in your life for chances to get up close and personal with towering skeletons and to view historical animal dioramas.
Cira Green
A rooftop urban oasis with over 30,000 square feet of usable space and some of the best views of Center City, Philadelphia.
Our tip: Bring a blanket and order food and drinks from on-site restaurant Sunset Social.
Clark Park
This large park, considered by many as the nexus of the neighborhood, is the perfect place for a relaxing picnic, a casual stroll, or to attend an outdoor event like movie screenings or Philadelphia's largest annual Shakespeare production. Learn about upcoming events here.
Our tip: Don't miss the Clark Park Farmers Market each Saturday from 10am to 2pm, where vendors from local farms and small businesses sell locally-grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, and sweet treats.
Curio Theatre
Operating out of the Calvary Center for Culture and Community, Curio serves West Philadelphia audiences with high quality, affordable performances, classes, and camps.
Our tip: Purchase tickets and make it an evening by making a reservation at great nearby restaurants on Baltimore Avenue.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Known locally as ICA, this museum with free admission is a preeminent venue for contemporary art and culture and helped launch the career of famed artist Andy Warhol in 1965.
Our tip: If you can't visit in person, you can still shop ICA's extensive collection of books and prints in their online store.
Paul Robeson House and Museum
A small museum in the house where legendary Black actor, musician, athlete, and activist Paul Robeson spent his final years. Explore artifacts from Robeson’s life including photos, movie and play posters, and the piano Robeson played while singing with his deep baritone voice.
Our tip: Make sure to check out the website to arrange for a visit, or to take a virtual tour of the space.
Penn Live Arts
Catch visionary artists and world-class performances at this home for diverse theatre, music, and dance formerly known as The Annenberg Center, located on the University of Pennsylvania's campus.
Our tip: Love dance? Theatre? Live music? Check the event page to find the perfect show for your taste!
Penn Museum
Venture inside The Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology to view galleries showcasing rare materials and objects from around the world, including the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the United States.
Our tip: Don’t miss your chance to get a selfie with a 12.5-ton Sphinx of the Pharaoh Ramses II in the Sphinx Gallery, located next to the main entrance.
Penn Park
Situated alongside the Schuylkill River, Penn Park offers 24 acres of athletic fields, pedestrian paths, and open space, nearly all of which is available for public use.
Our tip: Soccer fans and players can usually find pick-up games to watch or join during nicer weather.
The Porch at 30th Street Station
Trolley Portal Gardens
Public transit fans and riders flock to this public space, thoughtfully designed to offer shade, seating, and pop-up events.
Our tip: Order takeout from on-site restaurant Renata's Kitchen to enjoy on moveable furniture and be on the lookout for summer pop-up events!
World Cafe Live
Enjoy dinner, drinks, and a show at this local venue that boasts two stages and plenty of special events. They'll reopen for in-person performances this fall, but in the meantime check out their streaming options here.
Our tip: Fans of popular radio station 88.5 WXPN can see where the music happens by peeking into the studios, located within the building.