Uwishunu.com

It’s the final week of the blockbuster exhibition Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt at The Franklin Institute.

Through Sunday, January 2nd, the final day, the exhibit will be open with extended hours until 8:30 p.m. Also take advantage of a 30% discount on Egyptian merchandise in the Franklin’s Sci-Store.

Plus: the Franklin Institute is offering free parking on New Year’s Day to all Cleopatra ticket-holders.

Tickets are available online.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt
The Franklin Institute
222 N. 20th Street
cleopatra.visitphilly.com

After a night of glass-clinking, fireworks-watching and general merrymaking, why not keep the party going?

Check out our top picks for how to spend New Year’s Day:

• 111th Annual Mummers Parade

• Free New Year’s Day Celebration at the Kimmel Center

• Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt at the Franklin Institute — Closing Weekend!

• New Year’s Celebration at the National Constitution Center

• Brunch starting at 11 a.m. at XIX (Nineteen) at the Bellevue (along the Mummers parade route!)

• $1 Oysters and $5 Champagne from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Pub & Kitchen

• Screening of the sing-along version of The Sound of Music at World Cafe Live

• Enchanted Colonial Village at the Please Touch Museum

• Hair of The Dog Brunch at Supper from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Dogs welcome!

• Seafood brunch at Oyster House, starting at 11:30 a.m.

Combine your love of animal costumes and Ancient Egypt at the Franklin Institute this Saturday and you could win $500.

Bring your patient pets dressed in Ancient Egyptian garb to the steps of the Franklin Institute for a chance to win one of two cash prizes during the Cleo-cat-ra and Bark Antony Pet Contest in honor of the ongoing Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt exhibit.

Costumes will be judged on creativity and originality with $500 cash going to the winner and $250 for second place. The third place winner will get two tickets to the Cleopatra exhibit.

Humans are also encouraged to get into the Egyptian mood with costumes of their own.

Registration begins at 1 pm and judging kicks off at 2 pm.

If you are looking for a pet of your own, the Pennsylvania SPCA Mobile Adoption Unit will be at the scene offering instant adoptions.

Cleo-cat-ra and Bark Antony Pet Contest
Franklin Institute steps at 20th Street
Saturday, October 30
1 pm – 3 pm

How old was Cleopatra when she died? What is the current capital of Egypt? Who recorded the #1 hit song “Walk Like an Egyptian?”
 
How much do you really know about Egypt and its legendary queen?
 
On Friday, September 10, put your Cleopatra knowledge to the test at “Quizzopatra” — a special night of Cleopatra-themed trivia, fun and revelry at the Franklin Institute.

Quizzo master Johnny Goodtimes will be host, challenging you with questions about Cleopatra, Marc Antony, the Bangles, and so much more.

The event will take place in the Fels Planetarium, where you’ll also get to see a ceiling show, before competing to win tickets to the blockbuster exhibition, Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt.

The evening is free with advance registration and features a cash bar — so mark your calendar and enjoy a Friday night celebration of Cleopatra’s partying.

Quizzo-Patra: Cleopatra-themed Quizzo hosted by Johnny Goodtimes
Date: Friday, September 10
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute
FREE with advance registration, please call 215-448-1254.
Cash bar available.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt [Visit Philly]

The search for Cleopatra’s tomb continues, but the search for classy, themed dining has ended. And the result is only steps away from the world premiere exhibit, Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt at the Franklin Institute.

In concurrence with the exhibit, the Frog Commissary—the exclusive caterer to the Institute—has opened “Cleo’s Portico,” an alfresco dining experience that offers light Mediterranean cuisine and Egyptian-themed cocktails.

After viewing rare Egyptian pieces, guests can munch on elegant fare like Stuffed Grape Leaves or Babaganoush while taking in rare views of the Parkway. Cleo’s Portico is located outdoors on the museum’s second floor, north terrace, which overlooks the Ben Franklin Parkway.

To compliment the event, Cleo’s drink menu is packed with sophisticated beverages with clever names like the Cleopolitan or the Egyptian Mojito, Isis, which combines White Rum, Goldschlager, mint, lime and soda.

All items are reasonably priced and the pop-up café also offers a children’s menu, creating an experience that won’t break your budget and is enjoyable for the whole family.

Accessible exclusively to museum-goers, Cleo’s Portico is open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 8pm and Sunday, noon to 5pm. Monday through Wednesday, the café is closed to private parties. Cleo’s requests reservations for groups of 20+ people.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 215-448-1369.

The Franklin Institute
222 North 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 448-1200
www.fi.edu

Still trying to figure out how to spend Father’s Day in Philadelphia? Well, you’re in luck. I’ve got some great picks for you, right here! From fishing trips at Linvilla Orchards to dining deals at places like Jack’s Firehouse and Valanni, there is a lot going on, and plenty of great opportunities to show your Dad you care.

Dining deals? Jack’s Firehouse is offering up a special father’s Day brunch, whilst Valanni is serving up a special Scotch & Steak Dinner.

Not up for just sitting in one place? Why not take a Philadelphia Cheesesteak Tour? For just under $16, you can sample all the cheesesteak-goodness Reading Terminal has to offer. MealTicket has the full story.

Alright, I get it. Your Dad is the manly type who likes to catch his own dinner. Why not visit Linvilla Orchards? Take Dad fishing, and pick some fresh fruit for a side dish.

Feel like visiting a museum… or two? The Please Touch Museum is dishing out free tickets to Dads on Sunday, the National Constitution Center is hosting a special Fathers of the Fatherland program in conjunction with Ancient Rome & America.

Need even more history? Why not pick up a joint ticket to see Cleopatra at the Franklin Institute and scope out the Egyptian artifacts at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology? You can pick one up at the Franklin when purchasing your tickets to Cleo.

Music Man? Aaron covered the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival, which is happening this weekend. There’s also a nighttime folk concert, featuring John Gorka, at Longwood Gardens this weekend.

Want to celebrate a day early? No? You might want to reconsider, especially if your Dad loves beer. Why not take him on a free tour at the Philadelphia Brewing Company, or at Yards, this Saturday? See, I knew you’d give it a second thought.

Dad not from Philly? Why not take him on the All About Philly Tour?

Have some more suggestions? Leave them in the comments! Happy Father’s Day!

This past weekend, the Independence Visitor Center launched a new summer ticket package that includes admission to two awesome exhibitions: Ancient Rome & America at the National Constitution Center and Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt at The Franklin Institute.

The combo package is only $37 for adults, $32 for seniors, and $25 for children, and is available exclusively at the IVC concierge desk, or by calling the visitor center at (800) 537-7676.

Independence Visitor Center [ www.independencevisitorcenter.com ]

Can’t wait to check out the June 5 premiere of Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt? Well, here’s something to tide you over: visitphilly.com/cleopatra launched this week, providing all sorts of juicy info about that lady in the black eyeliner.

On the site, you can get pumped for the exhibition by learning The Cleopatra Story, exploring a Map of Artifacts found in the search for her tomb and reading our exclusive Top 10 Tips for Visiting Philadelphia.

And don’t forget that you can buy your tickets now!

So check out the site, then run like an Egyptian (it’s just faster) to the world premiere at The Franklin Institute on June 5.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt [visitphilly.com]

In anticipation of Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt — making its world premiere at The Franklin Institute on June 5 — several area journalists are visiting Egypt to get an up-close-and-personal look at the search for one of history’s most enigmatic women.

In the below video, Action News’ Sarah Bloomquist previews her trip to Alexandria, giving us a sneak peek at some of the artifacts making the trip from the ocean floor to Philadelphlia. (Spoiler: these are some ginormous statues.)

To learn the story of Cleopatra, browse exhibition artifacts and purchase tickets, check out visitphilly.com/cleopatra.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt [visitphilly.com]

Tickets are now on sale for Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, making its world premiere at The Franklin Institute from June 5, 2010 – January 2, 2011.

If the only thing you know about Cleopatra is that Elizabeth Taylor played her in a movie, here are some quick facts: 1) She seduced both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, having children with both; 2) She was a brilliant ruler and spoke several languages; 3) She may or may not have plotted the murder of her brother; and 4) The tomb she shares with Mark Antony has never been found. Which brings us to this exhibition.

Cleopatra focuses on the present-day search for Cleopatra’s remains throughout Egypt and Crete, told through never-before-seen artifacts and multimedia components. Along the way, you’ll learn more about Cleopatra’s seductive personality; her lasting legacy in fashion and film; and why two modern-day explorers think they can find her.

To purchase tickets, click here. And if you’re looking to stay over, book the Cleopatra VIP Hotel Package.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt [visitphilly.com]