February 15, 2012
City Stories: An Introduction to Philadelphia is one of the brand new gallery spaces officially open at the Philadelphia History Museum as of today. (Photo courtesy Philadelphia History Museum)
Old City’s Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent is at last ready to open two brand new galleries to the public today, February 15, as part of a massive renovation project to overhaul the 1826 historic building’s entire infrastructure.
This month’s opening, featuring two exhibitions, is a preview to what will be a full reopening later this summer with four additional exhibitions.
As for what you can view starting today, City Stories: An Introduction to Philadelphia invites visitors to explore the city’s history in an engaging, first person style, and to use their mobile device to add their own Philly descriptions via text message. A visual and dynamic “tag cloud” displays the collected descriptions on a monitor on the exhibition’s final panel.
Even cooler, an illuminating, interactive reader rail encircles the space, describing scenes from everyday life during different periods in Philadelphia history. Tablet computers will enable visitors to delve more deeply into the artifacts on display.
A second gallery, Philadelphia Voices, is a “preview” gallery that will outline plans for what is being considered for when the building is fully open to the public.
Made in Philadelphia will speak to the city’s history as the “Workshop of the World.” Played in Philadelphia will be devoted to the history of Philly sports, music, broadcasting and performance. Face to Facebook and The Ordinary, the Extraordinary, and the Unknown will feature iconic artifacts rarely on public view.
Think Joe Frazier’s boxing gloves (ca. 1970), George Washington’s pocket watch (ca. 1789), and a Women’s Suffrage button (ca. 1915). So cool!
Completing the Phase One experience is a newly designed welcome foyer, containing informational panels; a video monitor with the current exhibition and program schedule; merchandise for sale; and an area for visitors to leave their belongings.
Green note: the circular information desk is made of wood cladding reclaimed from the recent renovation of the Independence Hall tower, dating to the late 1820s.
Hours of operation will be 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
Philadelphia History Museum at the Atwater Kent
15 S. 7th Street
www.philadelphiahistory.org
February 14, 2012
If you’re a spectacle-loving nerd (we mean that in the coolest possible way) or already a fan of the classically crafted, quality eyewear that is Warby Parker, then you might want to mosey on over to their showroom at Art in the Age for a special Meet the Founders, event, Thursday, February 16.
Started by Wharton grads Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa, Warby Parker offers vintage-inspired designs like the Roosevelt or Colton at a magnificent price point of $95 and the ease and ability to select the perfect pair for you with their “Home Try-On” program.
Best of all, Warby Parker partners up with non-profit orgs to ensure that each sale of their frames provides someone in need with access to a pair of their own.
The event begins at 5 p.m. with a brief presentation followed by a Q&A. Food and drinks will be provided by Whole Foods and Art in the Age.
Meet The Founders Of Warby Parker
Where: Art in the Age, 116 N. 3rd Street
When: Thursday, February 16, 5-6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
More info: www.warbyparker.com
February 14, 2012
Celebrate more than 200 years of presidential history at the National Constitution Center this Presidents' Day Weekend, February 18-20. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)
Plenty of people have ideas about how to run our country. But how many of us really know what it takes to be America’s commander-in-chief?
The National Constitution Center can clue you in, with several programs that reflect on 200 years of the American presidency, running February 18-20.
You can chat up a couple of our most famous leaders, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, who’ll be there in person, as portrayed by talented reenactors. There will be fun activities where kids can create presidential masks, hats, campaign buttons and even a model White House.
Other weekend programs include:
• How to Be President: 101: An interactive program that delves into important presidential duties such as signing and vetoing legislation; less stressful traditions, such as pardoning a turkey on Thanksgiving; and perks of being our top leader, like flying on Air Force One. Daily at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
• Behind Every Great President: This one puts our First Ladies front and center. You’ll learn how some of these women played active roles as speechwriters and policy advisors while others were dedicated to charitable and humanitarian efforts. Daily at 12:15 and 2:15 p.m.
• Growing Up, President Style: Get the inside scoop on what childhood was like for George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Then step into their shoes, and coats, by dressing up as a famous American President. Daily at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
• Presidential Tour: A special tour of the Center’s main exhibition where you’ll find out why we call Andrew Jackson “The Common Man’s President” and how Franklin Roosevelt’s “First Hundred Days” still matter today. Exhibits feature presidential artifacts, including Teddy Roosevelt’s shaving kit, FDR’s famous fedora, Gerald Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan’s jellybean jar. Very cool beans. Daily at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
All activities are free with regular admission.
Presidents’ Day Weekend at the NCC
When: February 18-20
Where: 525 Arch Street
Cost: Free with admission
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org
February 10, 2012
Brewer’s Plate 2012 is officially set for Sunday, March 11 in a new location, the National Constitution Center, and tickets are on sale.
You’d do best to secure yours before none are left; this annual Fair Food fundraiser, now in its 8th year, sells out super quickly.
Brewer’s Plate is a one-of-a-kind tasting event that pairs craft beer with local gourmet food. This year it will bring together 25 local restaurants and 25 local breweries. Check out a full list of participants online.
There will also be a speakeasy showcasing local spirits, a variety of sweets and chocolates and a VIP area with live cooking demos by Iron Chef Jose Garces.
Early-bird tickets are $65 for general admission, which will rise to $75 after February 10. VIP tickets are $125 (gets you early entry and access to the VIP area) or if you can pool 10 VIPs together you can get a 10% discount.
Tickets are available online.
Brewer’s Plate 2012
When: Sunday, March 11, VIP 5-9 p.m., General Admission 6-9 p.m.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
Cost: $65 general admission, $125 VIP
More info: www.fairfoodphilly.org
February 9, 2012
Be the first in line to see the NCC's Bruce Springsteen exhibition, the first major exhibition about the pioneering American songwriter featuring artifacts like this 1950s Fender and 1989 Harley-Davidson, at a boardwalk-themed grand opening party, February 15. (Top right by G. Widman for GPTMC, other three images courtesy National Constitution Center)
The much-buzzed about Bruce Springsteen exhibition heading to the National Constitution Center this month is opening on Wednesday, February 15, 5:30-9:30 p.m. with an exclusive Grand Opening Celebration you will not want to miss.
Titled “Greetings from Asbury Park: Opening Celebration,” the event is boardwalk-themed and features performances by the B Street Band, an homage to Springsteen’s E Street Band (which, incidentally, you can catch live at the Wells Fargo Center March 28-29).
Enjoy nostalgic summertime treats like boardwalk fries, Johnson’s popcorn and salt water taffy as well as crisp craft beer from Flying Fish Brewing Company. The event is your exclusive chance to tour From Asbury Park to the Promised Land before it opens to the public two days later, February 17.
Tickets, $45 for members and $50 general admission, are available online. Act fast; there are only a limited number of tickets left!
Greetings from Asbury Park: Opening Celebration
When: Wednesday, February 15, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: 525 Arch Street
Cost: Members $45, General Admission $50
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org
February 8, 2012
Bruce Springsteen purchased this Corvette in 1975, after the success of Born to Run. Photos of the car have appeared on various album and single sleeves. It will be on display at the National Constitution Center, starting next Friday, February 17.
(Photo credit: Frank Stefanko courtesy Bruce Springsteen)
The sure-to-be epic Bruce Springsteen exhibition — From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen — opens next Friday at the National Constitution Center.
Yesterday, one of the signature pieces from the exhibition — Springsteen’s 1960 Chevrolet Corvette — arrived at the NCC.
Bruce Springsteen purchased this Corvette in 1975, after the success of Born to Run. Photos of the car have appeared on various album and single sleeves.
The classic Corvette is just one of more than 150 artifacts from the iconic musician’s career that will be featured in the 5,000-square-foot exhibition, including:
• Family photos of Springsteen’s childhood in Asbury Park, N.J.
• Scrapbooks containing newspaper clippings, photos and handbills from Springsteen’s early music endeavors
• Handwritten lyrics from all phases of Springsteen’s career
• Clarence Clemons’ microphone used for his saxophone
• Springsteen’s Fender Esquire from the cover of Born to Run
• The outfit Springsteen wore on the cover of Born in the U.S.A.
• Springsteen’s 1993 Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Streets of Philadelphia”
From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen is a must-see exhibition, featuring a collection never before seen outside of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s the first major exhibition about the American songwriter that takes a comprehensive look at Springsteen’s catalog, from such early bands such as Child, the Castiles and Steel Mill through his work with the E Street Band and as a solo artist.
Bruce fans, plan ahead and get your tickets now. You’re not going to want to miss this.
From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen
Where: National Constitution Center
When: February 17 to September 3, 2012
Cost: $24.50 for adults, $23 for seniors and students and $12 for children ages 4-12
More info: www.constitutioncenter.org
February 8, 2012
Take a trip to the sunny Amalfi Coast with Positano's popular Winter Escape menu. (Photo courtesy Positano Coast)
Back starting this week by popular demand, Positano Coast is reprising its well-received $55 five-course tasting menu for two.
Available Sunday through Thursday (with the singular exception of February 14), this scrumptious “winter escape” menu combines highlights from land and sea.
Included in this delectable deal are dishes such as salmon carpaccio with fennel and dill aioli, braised beef short ribs over rosemary potatoes, sea urchin pasta with black squid ink pasta, sea urchin, crabmeat and a dessert sampler.
A wine pairing is also available for an extra $20 per guest. Big bonus: Sundays and Mondays are BYOB!
Valet parking is available. For more information or to make reservations, call (215) 238.0499.
“Winter Escape” Five-Course Menu at Positano Coast
When: Sundays through Thursdays
Where: 212 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor
Cost: $55
More info: www.positanocoast.net
February 6, 2012
The always-impressive Arden Theatre has a truly sensational play in production now on the upstairs Arcadia Stage.
Titled Clybourne Park, the piece, a 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner, leases characters and setting from the 1959 classic A Raisin in the Sun.
The play deals with important issues of gentrification, particularly poignant in Philadelphia’s urban setting. It takes you through the story of a house, a neighborhood and the people who have come and gone over five decades’ time.
Get tickets online.
Clybourne Park at the Arden Theatre
When: Now through March 25
Where: 40 N. 2nd Street
Cost: Tickets start at $29
More info: www.ardentheatre.org
February 3, 2012
Few documents have inspired as much conversation, argument and adoration as the U.S. Constitution.
It’s surely open to interpretation, but one thing is clear: the Constitution deserves one heck of a celebration to honor its 225 anniversary, and its getting one from the place bested suited for the occasion, the National Constitution Center.
The center is marking the historic occasion with programs and events running throughout the year until September. Check out the center’s brand new commercial, above, for a stirring reminder of both the power of the document itself and the immersive experience that awaits you when you visit the NCC in person.
A sampling:
• Sign the Constitution: The center invites you to reaffirm your commitment to American freedom by signing the Constitution. Not the actual parchment, mind you, they’ve set up a web application online. If you visit the center in person you can also sign a special commemorative 225th anniversary Constitution on display in Signers’ Hall.
• Share Your Freedom Story: Come springtime the center invites you share your American pride by submitting a 90-second video about someone (or a group) who has answered the call of freedom, and thus contributed to the story of “We the People.” Submissions air on the Center’s website and viewers select their favorite entries via online voting. The top three will earn a starring role in the Constitution Day extravaganza in September.
• ElectNext in Voting Booths: In partnership with ElectNext, the Center revolutionizes how we vote. Like online dating for voters, the interactive technology inside these voting booths will feature issues-based questions to match visitors to the presidential candidate who best fits their political values. Screens outside the booths display live, on-site poll results, highlighting issues that are most important to visitors.
• Election Lounge: As the 2012 election heats up the NCC will present its own campaign headquarters on the Grand Hall Overlook. Here you can watch presidential campaign ads, cast a vote in a gumball poll, track primary results, create campaign buttons and more.
• Constitution Day and Liberty Medal 2012: The 225th anniversary closes out with a bang in September, when the center welcomes audiences nationwide to participate in programs and star-studded events during the weeklong Constitution Day celebration and the 2012 Liberty Medal ceremony. This special event always draws distinguished guests. Perhaps you’ll be one of them.
February 2, 2012
The Omni's decadent lounge is the perfect setting to nestle into a warm chair and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate. (Photo courtesy Omni)
Few things are better than warm, creamy hot chocolate on a cold winter day.
Salon 401 at the Omni Hotel at Independence Park delivers with their brand new hot chocolate menu, offered daily 3-7 p.m. in the hotel’s magnificent lobby lounge. Bonus: the lounge includes a fireplace.
The hot chocolate menu, a twist on your standard happy hour, features an array of hot chocolate flavors and toppings and even an adult version capped with Bailey’s Irish Cream or Kahlua.
The hot chocolate menu features the option of a dark hot chocolate with a hint of espresso, Ghirardelli White Mocha, Ghirardelli Chocolate Hazelnut or classic milk chocolate.
All are served with a side offering of whipped cream, shaved chocolate, mini marshmallows, crumbled Oreo’s, Heath Bar bits, mini M & M’s, S’mores and white chocolate morsels. Toppings are unlimited.
Hot chocolate is $5 per steaming, sweet mug or $6 with the alcohol additions.
Located in the heart of the historic district, the Omni is the perfect place to stop in after ice skating at the RiverRink or catching the sights in historic Philadelphia.
Omni Hotel at Independence Park’s Hot Chocolate Bar
Where: 401 Chestnut Street
When: Daily, 3-7 p.m.
Cost: $5/cup, $6/alcoholic version
More info: www.omnihotels.com
