Philadelphia has a rich history of performing arts to entertain visitors, from magical musicals and spectacular shows to outstanding Orchestras and Operas
The north-eastern American city of Philadelphia is best known for the key role it played in the American Revolution of the 18th century. It is home to numerous landmarks that played a central role in the American War of Independence, notably the Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed by the founding fathers of the newly-born nation.
But Philadelphia is known and popular amongst tourists for many other reasons. One such magnet that attracts visitors from around the world to Philly, as the city is also called, is its vibrant and diverse performing and visual arts scene. The city has a rich history of performing arts to entertain its visitors from magical musicals and spectacular shows to outstanding Orchestras and Operas.
Considered to be one of the top ‘showstopping theatre’ cities that boasts of the oldest theater in America built in 1809, Philadelphia continues to entertain its audience.
Some of the main attractions in the world of arts in Philadelphia include:
The Philadelphia Orchestra
The legendary Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the finest music ensembles in the world, which also presents its work via the Digital Stage, which allows audiences from around the world to enjoy the sound of Philadelphia from the comfort of their homes.
The Kimmel Center, for which the Orchestra serves as the founding resident company, has been the ensemble’s home since 2001. Beyond concerts at the Kimmel Center, the Orchestra also performs for audiences at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, as well as in venues across the region, including Penn’s Landing, Longwood Gardens, and the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Opera Philadelphia
Opera Philadelphia mixes traditional and new repertoire
Philadelphia’s Opera company has been hailed by the New York Times as “one of the most creative and ambitious companies” in the US and by Opera News as establishing itself as “a model for innovation in the classical-music industry.”
Opera Philadelphia mixes traditional and new repertoire that engages the public – taking opera out of the Opera House and onto the streets, into parks and museums and other interesting venues throughout the city.
The season opens each September with a Festival, featuring world and company premieres, partnering with the Philadelphia Fringe Festival.
The Walnut Street Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre is the oldest operating theatre in America
Built in 1809, the Walnut Street Theatre is the oldest operating theatre in America. Located at the corner of Ninth and Walnut Street, many American icons have graced its stage from Will Rodgers to Marlon Brando. Today, the theatre offers a diverse season of performances from modern musicals to revivals of forgotten plays. The 2022-23 season is highlighted by performances of “Rocky: The Musical”, Rodger and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”, and Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
The Mann Center is an ideal venue for summer visitors
Situated in historic Fairmount Park, the Mann Center offers breath-taking views of Philadelphia’s skyline and serves as one of the nation’s premier outdoor performing arts centres.
The Mann Center is the ideal venue for summer visitors. Performances range from unforgettable live bands like HAIM and Phish to films in concert with full orchestra like Star Wars and The Godfather. For truly immersive musical experiences “Downstage @ the Mann” invites the audience onto the stage for intimate and special performances.
Kimmel Center Cultural Campus
Kimmel Cultural Campus is home to signature Philadelphia venues
Located on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the Kimmel Cultural Campus is home to signature Philadelphia venues including the Kimmel Center, Miller Theatre, Academy of Music, and Forrest Theatre.
The campus hosts a variety of Philadelphia’s resident performing companies such as The Philly POPs, Opera Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Ballet. Programming is available year-round including their Broadway Series, the Ballet’s Nutcracker, and the POPs’ innovative calendar. Any time visitors are here, they’re sure to see an unforgettable performance.
The Met Philadelphia
The Met Philadelphia will host a speaking engagement with Michelle Obama
Located on North Broad Street, the former Philadelphia Metropolitan Opera House has reopened as the renovated “The Met Philadelphia.”
On any night, visitors can see the most popular artists, stand-up comedians, and speakers take the stage for an amazing night.
In the coming months, The Met Philadelphia will see performances from Demi Lovato, Gorillaz, and Smokey Robinson and host a special speaking engagement with Michelle Obama.
Unmissable annual events
Every Labor Day Weekend, “Made in America” comes to Philadelphia to send-off the summer
Being home to so many leading centres of art, it is not surprising that Philadelphia also hosts some of the most well-known and prestigious annual events in the domain of performing and visual arts, including some of the most notable musical events in the country. The Roots Picnic is an annual hip-hop festival hosted and curated by hometown heroes The Roots.
To celebrate America’s Independence, the city hosts “Wawa Welcome America,” days of free and family friend programmes such as concerts, fireworks, complimentary museum access across Philadelphia. The celebration concludes with a concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in front of the historic Philadelphia Museum of Art. Pervious headliners include Jason Derulo, Jennifer Hudson, and Pitbull.
Every Labor Day Weekend, “Made in America” comes to Philadelphia to send-off the summer. The music festival has been headlined by diverse music acts from Beyonce to Pearl Jam and features plenty of can’t miss performances from local Philadelphia artists.
