Experience Center City
Experience Center City
Experience Center City
Experience Center City
Find Something to Explore
Center City is the epicenter of arts and culture entertainment in Philadelphia. Along the Avenue of the Arts, decades-old theaters host an impressive lineup of performances, including shows from resident artists and traveling companies. Vibrant greenspaces, like Rittenhouse Square, offer a reprieve from the bustle of city excitement, and at Dilworth Park, visitors of all ages are welcome to enjoy free events, seasonal amenities and a stunning view of historic City Hall. One-of-a-kind museums, nightlife and luxury hotels are just some of the many other highlights to explore. Below you will find a diverse list of things to do in Center City.
Happenings & Events
Barnes Foundation
The Barnes is a nonprofit cultural and educational institution that houses an unparalleled art collection and organizes special exhibits and public programming. See below for some event highlights.
- PECO Free First Sunday Family Day | First Sunday of every month | 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. | This event offers no-cost admission to the collection galleries as well as an array of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, musical performances, and interactive workshops.
- First Friday | First Friday of every month | 6-9 p.m. | Enjoy an evening of art, live music, cocktails, and access to the collection at our monthly First Friday mixer. New for 2024, the Garden Restaurant at the Barnes Foundation will be partnering with award-winning Philadelphia Chefs for inspired, one-night-only pop-up dinners.
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., 215.278.7000
Beat The Bomb
Ongoing | Choose from 1-hour Bomb Missions, where teams of 4 to 6 suit up in hazmat gear, dodge lasers and crack codes.
1218 Chestnut St.
Photo credit: Anders Sune Berg, Galleri Nicolai Wallner
The Fabric Workshop and Museum
The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is an internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum devoted both to the creation and presentation of innovative works of art. Below are some of their offerings.
- Hands-On Screenprinting and Studio Tour | Saturdays | Explore the facilities and learn about the printing process, browse artist designs from archives, and make your own print to take home.
1214 Arch St., 215.561.8888
Mural Arts: Center City Tours
Weave through the diverse neighborhoods of Philadelphia, getting great views of the city by foot, by vehicle, by train, or virtually! Take in the iconic imagery that makes us the Mural Capital of the World and learn about Philly’s beautiful visual history from professional tour guides.
Various locations, 215.685.0750
Photo by E. Frizzelle for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
PAFA: Family Art Day
April 19 | 1-3 p.m. | In partnership with the Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) to celebrate Threaded Currents, now on view in PAFA’s Hamilton Building, families who pre-register will enjoy free museum admission, including access to the exhibition featuring fabric works printed by FWM artist interns—among them PAFA’s former Youth Council members.
128 N. Broad St., 215.972.7600
- Friday Night Lounge | Every Friday | 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Come join Philly’s art world when it shows up and shows out every Friday night.
- Pay What You Wish Admission | First Sunday of each month | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Pay whatever amount you’d like for general admission to the museum. This does not include ticketed exhibitions and special programs.
2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, 215.763.8100
Ticket bundle deals you don't want to miss
Every year, Philadelphia’s best performing arts organizations bring world-class productions to stages across Center City. You can save on tickets by purchasing a subscription from your favorite organization. See below for a sampling of recently announced subscription deals and visit the Experience page for the full list.
The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia | Becoming a subscriber gives you exclusive benefits and flexibility with subscriptions starting as low as $87. This season features music from some of your favorites like Beethoven, Mozart, and many more.
Walnut Street Theatre | With titles like THE ADDAMS FAMILY: The Musical, Disney's FROZEN The Broadway Musical, and COME FROM AWAY The Musical, the historic Walnut Street Theatre has a show for everyone. Their 5-show subscription starts as low as $20 per ticket.
Lantern Theater Company | Save more than 20% off regular ticket prices for Summer 1976, The Weir, Hamlet, and Wild With Happy. You will also receive exclusive subscriber benefits, including free ticket exchanges, dining discounts at nearby restaurants, special discounts on guest tickets, and more.
Image from The Great Gatsby courtesy Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Ensemble Arts Philly, Broadway Series | Flexible 6-show packages are available now and include performances of BOOP!® The Musical, The Great Gatsby, Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and more, starting as low as $29.00 per show.