”Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” at Franklin Institute
Step inside the creative and innovative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions, including “Jaws,” “Illumination’s Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Sing,” SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “Jurassic World,” DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal Monsters, and more. Play your way through eight themed galleries, where 100 original artifacts bring each experience to life. From authentic costumes and iconic props to early concept models, experience the creativity, artistry, and innovation behind Universal’s most epic attractions. Snap a photo, storyboard a ride, design and animate horror masks, cue a live show, and experiment with animation and projection mapping — all while hearing directly from the creators, animators, and show writers who make it happen. “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” is a timed-entry exhibit, which allows the museum to manage the number of guests in the exhibit, providing the best possible experience for everyone. Advanced tickets are recommended.
When: ends Monday, Sept. 7
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
Twilight Tours
Enjoy a free after-hours walking tour around the national park hosted by Independence Historical Trust. Knowledgeable Twilight Guides lead visitors through iconic landmarks and hidden corners, sharing stories that bring Philadelphia’s history to life. Meeting Point at the Liberty Bell Center viewing window.
When: ends Monday, Sept. 7 at 5:15 p.m.
Where: Liberty Bell Center, 101 S. Independence Mall W.
America’s Town Hall: The First Amendment and Artificial Intelligence
Join the National Constitution Center for a special keynote conversation examining the intersection of the First Amendment and artificial intelligence. Technology and constitutional scholar Jonathan Zittrain and Ellen Goodman, Distinguished Professor of Law at Rutgers Law School, will examine how constitutional values can help guide emerging technologies and what the future of free expression looks like in the digital age. This program is presented in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as part of First Amendment Day, a new annual celebration at the Center inviting visitors of all ages to explore the five freedoms of the First Amendment through conversation, creativity, history, and hands-on experiences.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 1:15–2:15 p.m.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.
America’s Town Hall: The First at 250 With Governors Spencer Cox and Josh Shapiro
Join Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) and Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) for an honest, lively conversation about the ideas that unite and divide us — and why how we talk to each other matters more than ever. Set against the backdrop of America’s 250th birthday, this landmark evening brings together two leaders for a candid fireside chat on the First Amendment, free expression, and how we can rekindle values at the heart of our democracy by learning to disagree better. The program will be moderated by The New York Times’ Lulu Garcia-Navarro. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception featuring live music by Artistas y Músicos Latino Americanos.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad St.
America’s Town Hall: What the Founders Learned From the Ancients
The National Constitution Center and the University of Pennsylvania Department of Classical Studies present a conversation with renowned Enlightenment scholar and Stanford University professor Caroline Winterer exploring how the American founders drew inspiration not only from classical Greece and Rome, but also from other civilizations in the ancient world, including Carthage, Rome’s great rival. In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, the conversation will examine how broadly the founders looked to the ancient world for inspiration during the American Revolution and how those ideas helped shape American constitutional democracy. Thomas Donnelly, lead scholar at the National Constitution Center, moderates. Following the program, guests at the Center will enjoy exclusive access to America’s Founding, one of the Center’s new permanent galleries, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
When: Thursday, Sept. 10 from 5–6:30 p.m.
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.
Opera Philadelphia opens 2026-2027 season with Philly premiere
Opera Philadelphia’s 2026-2027 Season launches with the Philadelphia premiere of “Mitridate, re di Ponto,” an early career triumph for composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who completed the opera when he was just 14 years old. “It’s exciting to be able to introduce audiences to a Mozart opera that nobody knows,” says director Emma Griffin, who likens the story to the HBO hit Succession. Her new production stars celebrated tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the titular king, with General Director and countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as his “bad” son Farnace and soprano Meredith Wohlgemuth as the younger son, Sifare. Glittering soprano Lauren Snouffer portrays Aspasia, the woman all three love.
When: Thursday, Sept. 9-10 at 7 p.m. & Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m.
Where: Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.
BALLETX presents “The Four Seasons Reimagined”
Join BALLETX as they feature the return of “The Four Seasons Reimagined” – an epic love letter to Mother Nature that invites audiences into a living, breathing world shaped by sound, movement, light, and design. Composer and electronic music innovator Dan Deacon creates and performs a bold original score live on stage, igniting an immersive landscape where the seasons pulse with urgency and wonder. Four visionary choreographers, Morgann Runacre-Temple (Summer), Penny Saunders (Fall), Jamar Roberts (Winter), and Trey McIntyre (Spring), each bring a distinct season to life, revealing nature as the driving force at the heart of the story: fragile, fierce, and magnificently alive.
When: Thursday, Sept. 10-12
Where: The Topper Theatre, Villanova University, 800 E. Lancaster Ave.
”DECLARATION”
After decades in public life, Joe Torsella is stepping onto the stage in an entirely new role. The former Pennsylvania State Treasurer, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia, and founding president and CEO of the National Constitution Center has written, produced, and stars in “DECLARATION,” a powerful, semi-autobiographical one-man play that will receive its world premiere in eight performances during the 2026 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. “DECLARATION” follows a former public official whose career has ended, leaving him to confront a question familiar to anyone who has ever defined themselves by a title or profession: Who are we when the job is over? As he searches for answers and his voice, he turns to the Declaration of Independence—not as a museum piece or political slogan, but as a living text that continues to challenge each generation. As Philadelphia stands at the center of the nation’s 250th birthday, “DECLARATION” offers audiences an intimate, entertaining, and timely theatrical experience that bridges public history and private life, asking what America’s founding promises demand of us still.
When: Thursday, Sept. 10–20
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
Friday Night at PMA: Jazz Edition
Celebrate the cultural significance of jazz and the 100th anniversary of saxophonist, composer, and bandleader John Coltrane’s birth. Enjoy a night of live music from Yolanda Wisher & The Afroeaters, artmaking that takes inspiration from the improvisational nature of jazz, gallery talks highlighting the influence of jazz on the visual arts in the exhibition A Nation of Artists, and explore local organizations at our community tabling. Yolanda Wisher & The Afroeaters is a Philadelphia-based jazz collective led by wordsmith and rhapsodist Yolanda Wisher. Blending jazz, soul, and spoken word, the group creates rhythm-driven performances rooted in Black history, liberation, and joy. Their debut album Doublehanded Suite (2022) and forthcoming release nature gurl (2026) extend this vision into recorded form. Anchored by deep grooves and layered percussion, Wisher’s poetic vocals move fluidly between song and verse. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase.
When: Friday, Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Artist-Led Birding Workshop
Glen Foerd, Philadelphia’s public park and nonprofit cultural site along the Delaware River, will host a special birding program with interdisciplinary artist Yannick Lowery and Philadelphia wildlife photographer and bird enthusiast Troy Bynum. The free workshop welcomes people from traditionally marginalized identities to experience and enjoy nature through birding. No experience is necessary. Participants will learn to identify local bird species using binoculars and field guides provided during the program. The program is part of Lowery’s ongoing project as Glen Foerd’s Artist in Residence. His work reimagines Glen Foerd as a site of leisure instead of labor by highlighting the experiences of workers throughout the site’s history. Through programs like this, Lowery invites the public into his research.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 12-2 p.m.
Where: Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave.
3rd Annual Spring Garden Sunflower Festival
On Saturday, the Spring Garden Civic Association and 5th District Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. will host the 3rd Annual Spring Garden Sunflower Festival, transforming the 1700–1900 blocks of Fairmount Avenue into a celebration of the neighborhood’s small businesses, artists, and institutions. Now in its third year, the festival has grown bigger each time, and this year is shaping up to be the biggest yet. The free, family-friendly event features 50+ vendors, artists, and service providers spotlighting the local business corridor; live music and DJ sets presented by Records Forever; a community salsa lesson with Siempre Salsa Philly at 4 p.m.; and a Kids’ Zone, beer garden with lawn games, and food trucks.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 12-8 p.m.
Where: 1700–1900 blocks of Fairmount Avenue
4th Annual Philly Black Wine & Spirits Fest
As summer makes its final toast, one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated cultural experiences is uncorking something unforgettable. On Saturday, the 4th Annual Philly Black Wine & Spirits Fest returns to Girard College, inviting thousands to sip, savor and vibe at a vibrant celebration of a multicultural experience, spotlighting premium wine and spirits, music, art and community. Presented by Kabila Events, this year’s theme, “From Bourbon Street to Broad Street,” transforms Philadelphia into a luxurious New Orleans-inspired celebration where Mardi Gras energy meets elevated style. Guests are encouraged to embrace the festive spirit by wearing purple, green and gold accented with black or cream for an unforgettable day of culture, connection and celebration. Throughout the afternoon, attendees will enjoy unlimited wine and spirits tastings featuring diverse brands and local favorites, live DJs and performances, immersive art experiences, interactive photo installations, flavorful food vendors and a curated marketplace showcasing local businesses.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.
Where: Girard College, 2101 S. College Ave.
Germantown Avenue Food Truck Festival
To kick-off the post-Labor Day street festival season, the Germantown Avenue Food Truck Festival returns for its second edition. The event will once again offer a spectacular day of food, music, art, culture and community with the theme “Flavor, Fitness & Festivities — A Celebration of Food, Culture & Healthy Living.” While the food and beverage component is pay-as-you go, this otherwise free festival presented by The Achievement Foundation, the charitable arm of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., is packed with family-friendly activities for all ages. This year’s lineup is full of familiar and emerging favorites on the local food truck scene. Whether you’re in the mood for soul food, seafood, sweet treats, tacos, halal or vegan fare, the Germantown Avenue Food Truck Festival will have all the food you could want to eat, and more.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 from 1-6 p.m.
Where: 5400 block of Germantown Avenue
Harrah’s Philadelphia Celebrates 20 Years of Live Harness Racing
Harrah’s Philadelphia will celebrate 20 years of live harness racing with a special anniversary event on Saturday, recognizing two decades of racing and entertainment in the Delaware Valley. For the past 20 years, live harness racing has been an integral part of the Harrah’s Philadelphia experience, bringing racing fans, horsemen and women, and the local community together at the Chester waterfront. As one of the region’s premier destinations for live harness racing, Harrah’s Philadelphia offers guests a distinctive opportunity to experience the excitement and tradition of the sport in the Greater Philadelphia area. Adding to the significance of the anniversary is the return of the Colonial Trot to Harrah’s Philadelphia for the first time since 2012. First contested at Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell Park in 1968, the Colonial has a storied history in the Delaware Valley and has featured some of harness racing’s most notable 3-year-old trotters. The celebration will feature Saturday night racing with a 6:00 p.m. post time and the return of the Colonial Trot. Guests can also enjoy a live DJ on the Patio, an outdoor beer garden, fan participation activities and replays of memorable races from the past 20 years.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
Where: Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack, 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Chester, PA 19013
Lil Duval comes to Philly
Comedian, actor and recording artist Lil Duval will bring his signature blend of observational humor and infectious personality to Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s Event Center. Known for his laid-back style and sharp comedic perspective, Lil Duval rose to prominence through appearances on MTV’s “Guy Code” and “Hip Hop Squares,” along with numerous stand-up specials, television appearances and a massive social media following. His relatable takes on everyday life, relationships and culture have made him one of the country’s most recognizable comedians. Beyond stand-up, Lil Duval has built a successful music career with Billboard-charting hits, including “Smile (Living My Best Life),” featuring Snoop Dogg and Ball Greezy; “Pull Up,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign; and “Black Men Don’t Cheat,” featuring Charlamagne Tha God.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Back to the Basics Comedy Show
Get ready for a night of nonstop laughs as The Colonial Theatre welcomes Back to the Basics Comedy Show. Headlining the evening is John Moses, the Toronto-born comedian known for his dark, brutally honest storytelling and fearless, equal-opportunity comedy. Joining him are Philadelphia favorite Hannah Trav, whose smart, witty style blends personal stories with sharp observations, and Shane Daniels, a West Chester comic known for his relatable, high-energy performances. The evening will be hosted by the always-entertaining Ms. Darkchild, whose infectious energy and crowd work keep audiences laughing from start to finish.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m.
Where: Colonial Theatre, 227 Bridge St. Phoenixville, PA 19460
Kennett Square Mushroom Festival
Held each September in the heart of Chester County, the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival celebrates the region’s title as the Mushroom Capital of the World with a lively, family-friendly weekend that draws visitors from across the country. Centered in the charming downtown of Kennett Square, the festival features culinary demonstrations, a bustling street fair, live music, and more than 200 vendors showcasing everything from gourmet mushroom dishes to local art and specialty foods. Visitors can sample creative takes on the area’s signature crop, learn about mushroom farming and sustainability, and enjoy activities for all ages, including kids’ events and a popular mushroom cook-off. Blending small-town charm with a one-of-a-kind agricultural heritage, the festival offers a flavorful and distinctly local experience just outside Philadelphia.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12-13
Where: 320 E. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348
Rod Wave comes to Philly
This year, trend-setting and chart-topping multiplatinum artist, rapper, singer, storyteller, visionary, and entrepreneur Rod Wave will embark on his biggest headline jaunt yet, the Don’t Look Down Tour, canvasing the continent and visiting arenas coast-to-coast. Renowned for his powerhouse performances, he has quietly emerged as one of the biggest ticket-sellers in the culture, leading the pack for the touring industry. Following a momentous 2025, Rod has rolled into 2026 as hot as ever. At the moment, he consistently averages over 82.3 million weekly streams. Moreover, he closed out last year as “the third most-streamed artist in the U.S. on Audiomack and in the Top 15 of overall on-demand audio artists.” Not to mention, he sold out every date of his arena headline tour, “The Redemption Experience.” Not to mention, he garnered a nomination at the 2026 GRAMMY® Awards in the category of “Best Song Written for Visual Video” for “Sinners.” Of course, it stands out as the title track and lead single from the 2x-time 83rd Golden Globe Award-winning, Ryan Coogler epic box office smash “Sinners.”
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 & 14 at 8 p.m.
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, 3601 S. Broad St.
Historic Germantown 250th Stamp Rally
This fall, Historic Germantown is challenging Philadelphians to put their knowledge of local history to the test while discovering some of the remarkable people who helped shape Germantown, Philadelphia, and beyond. The free Historic Germantown 250th Stamp Rally will turn Northwest Philadelphia into a neighborhood-wide scavenger hunt, inviting visitors to explore 23 historic and cultural sites, collect stamps, and uncover the identities of trailblazers connected to Germantown’s past and present. For this Stamp Rally, Historic Germantown isn’t revealing the names of its featured figures. Instead, visitors will follow clues at each stop and scan QR codes to uncover individuals ranging from artists and abolitionists to educators, activists, and innovators. The experience is part of Historic Germantown’s year-long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and offers a fun, interactive way for families and history lovers to discover the people behind the neighborhood’s history. The Stamp Rally runs through November 14, with prizes available along the way. Visitors who collect six or more stamps and/or scavenger hunt answers can earn a set of Trailblazer Trading Cards featuring 18 influential figures, with additional prizes for reaching 14 and 20 stops. The experience concludes with a Stamp Rally Wrap Party on November 14 at the Historic Germantown Visitor Center, featuring refreshments, prizes, and grand-prize raffle drawings.
When: Saturday, Sept. 12-Nov. 14
Where: various locations across Northwest Philadelphia
Open Streets: West Walnut
Since launching in September 2024, Open Streets: West Walnut has become a signature Center City experience, welcoming an average of more than 10,500 visitors each Sunday. The pedestrian-only streets serve as an extension of public space, with room for expanded al fresco dining and sidewalk retail. Businesses along the route may offer special promotions, in-store entertainment, or exclusive experiences. Food and beverages will be available exclusively from restaurants located along the route. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy live music and family-friendly experiences, and relax at in-street seating pods. The Fulton Fun Zone, located at the corner of 18th and Chestnut, will feature rotating programming including live broadcasts of Philadelphia Eagles games, mini golf, and seasonal activities.
When: Sunday, Sept. 13-Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Along Walnut and 18th streets
Mexican Independence Day Festival
This fun-filled annual festival, hosted by the Mexican Cultural Center and part of the PECO Multicultural Series, features traditional dances from different regions of Mexico, live Mariachi music, local artisans, authentic Mexican food, family activities and a special “El Grito” ceremony led by the Consul of Mexico in Philadelphia.
When: Sunday, Sept. 13 from 2-8 p.m.
Where: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
”Paths to Independence, 1765-1787” at HSP
In 1763, most American colonists proudly saw themselves as members of the British Empire. Yet by 1776, many were ready to break from Britain and condemn King George III as a ‘Royal Brute.’ Paths to Independence explores how this remarkable shift happened in just over a decade. The exhibit showcases rare documents from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania—including letters, pamphlets, broadsides, prints, and early drafts of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Tracing the complex path to American independence, these documents reveal the ideas of well‑known leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Wilson, as well as the everyday Philadelphians whose experiences shaped the struggle for independence.
When: through Friday, Sept. 18
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
”This Should Never Be A Musical: An Improvised Reality Show”
1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s all-comedy theatre company, launches its 30th anniversary season with a world premiere production that will change every night–literally. A part of the Phoebe and Otto Premiere Series as sponsored by the Wyncote Foundation, “This Should Never Be A Musical: An Improvised Reality Show,” co-created and directed by Jennifer Childs and Mary Carpenter, will play at the Arden Theatre Company’s Arcadia Stage for a strictly limited engagement. Part “American Idol,” part “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” part “Waiting for Guffman” and 100% 1812, this is a brand new musical adventure unlike anything audiences have experienced. Each night, the audience will provide the worst musical titles they can think of, and the actors will improvise songs and scenes from each one with reality tv-style challenges. The audience will vote on which musicals move forward in the competition and the winning musical will be selected at the top of the second act followed by a 30-minute version of that musical, complete with choreography and costumes.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 27
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
”Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly”
Just in time to mark America’s 250th, Morris Arboretum & Gardens brings America’s past and present vividly to life through three interconnected exhibitions. Garden Railway: Revolutionary Philly invites visitors of all ages to take a miniature journey through eighteenth-century Philadelphia. Bustling model trains wind along more than a third of a mile of track, passing handcrafted replicas of iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, and scenes modeled after events like the Battle of Germantown. Running in conjunction with the Garden Railway, the self-guided exhibition Plants from the Colonial Era highlights the trees, herbs, and flowers that fed, healed, sheltered, and inspired colonial Philadelphians.
When: through Wednesday, Sept. 30
Where: Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation welcomes the return of Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest for its 2026 Season. While Summerfest returns for the season with its signature roller skating in partnership with Independence Blue Cross, DRWC is expanding its wellness programming across its Waterfront parks, offering more opportunities for visitors to stay active through accessible outdoor experiences, including Wellness on the Waterfront: Yoga at Race Street Pier presented by Independence Blue Cross, Tai Chi at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and Fishing with Friends at Pier 68 in partnership with Riverways. The Independence Blue Cross RiverRink has long shaped the Philadelphia Delaware River Waterfront as the go-to destination for seasonal traditions and outdoor recreation. This Summer 2026, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink will transform into Summerfest – offering Philadelphia’s ONLY outdoor roller-skating rink – to create the ultimate family-friendly summer hangout. Against the backdrop of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Summerfest will continue to prioritize accessibility with free entry and flexible, pay-as-you-go options that invite visitors to create their own experience
Where: Spruce Street Harbor Park, 301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
CityPickle at Dilworth Park
CityPickle is returning to Philadelphia, presented by Visit Delaware, at Dilworth Park City Hall in partnership with the Center City District for another seasonal pop-up of outdoor pickleball. Thanks to our 2026 partner, Visit Delaware, players can reserve professional-grade courts. Whether stepping onto the court for the first time or a seasoned pro, players of every skill level are invited to experience pickleball in one of Philadelphia’s most iconic spaces. Standard court reservations can be made one week in advance through the CityPickle app. Advanced court bookings are currently available, allowing guests to reserve both courts. This option is ideal for event planning, including parties, a gathering with friends and family, a networking event, or corporate team building.
When: through Sunday, Oct. 18; weekdays from 12-7 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S. 15th St.
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia Screenwriting Competition
The Joan Bressler Set in Philadelphia 2027 Screenwriting Competition, which is presented by the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, is open to all screenwriters, world-wide, who submit a feature length screenplay or an original TV pilot length screenplay that can be shot in the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Whether you’re an experienced writer or fresh talent, we want to celebrate voices in storytelling while highlighting the opportunity and potential of Philadelphia locations by focusing on scripts that can be brought to life locally. And showcase the city and surrounding region as a viable and compelling setting for film and television. Your screenplay has the opportunity to carry forward a legacy of creative excellence, supported by the resources and partnerships of our city’s film office community. All genres accepted. Writers do not need to be from Philadelphia, and scripts do not need to be explicitly set in Philadelphia. They must simply be feasible to shoot in the Philadelphia region. This year, the competition features over $20,000 in cash prizes, alongside direct industry exposure and detailed feedback opportunities for participating writers.
When: deadline is Monday, Oct. 19
”Living Through Death” by Ivette Chaires
Ivette Chaires, the 2024 Julia Zagar Residency for Women Artists recipient, is a multidisciplinary artist deeply influenced by her surroundings. She uses sculpture, printmaking, and photography to explore traditional themes in Mexican Folk Art. Living in Puebla, Mexico, Chaires draws inspiration from local traditions such as Día de Muertos, which led her to specialize in cartonería, a traditional Mexican craft of creating papier-mâché sculptures, figures, and decorative objects by layering paper and glue over a framework and painting or embellishing them. For the past 15 years, she has focused on traditional cartonería, creating calaveras and teaching workshops, blending craftsmanship with cultural storytelling. In “Living Through Death,” Chaires merges contemporary imagery with traditional techniques and patterns.
When: through Sunday, Nov. 8
Where: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South St.
”Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga” at Penn Museum
Spotlighting century-old watercolor paintings by Egyptian artist Ahmed Yousef, Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga will go on view at the Penn Museum. Last exhibited in Cairo during the 1920s, the watercolor paintings have been carefully preserved in the Penn Museum’s Archives for more than 100 years. They have never been on display in the United States. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors reveals the often underappreciated, but critical function of art in archaeology. The 1,500 sq. ft. exhibition highlights elaborately decorated tomb chapels during the New Kingdom (approximately 1550 BCE-1070 BCE), a “golden age” that marked the height of Egypt’s power and wealth. Many affluent officials built their tombs at Dra Abu el-Naga — a key part of the larger Theban Necropolis. Their tomb paintings show scenes from everyday life and imagery depicting the journey to the netherworld — illuminating how much the ancient Egyptians valued family bonds, honoring their ancestors, and continuing one’s identity into the next life. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors will close in November — just ahead of the grand opening for the Penn Museum’s “Egypt Galleries: Life and Afterlife” on Dec. 12.
When: through November 2026
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
”At Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic” at Arthur Ross
The Arthur Ross Gallery’s fall exhibition, “At Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic,” asks visitors to consider the role of visual culture in creating collective conceptions of Philadelphia and its residents, including America’s first international celebrity Benjamin Franklin, in the decades just before and after the nation’s founding. The 41 works on view — including paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture — portray notable figures alongside depictions of daily life in Philadelphia. In addition to historical pictures and objects from the 18th and 19th centuries, the exhibition will include images of the era made to celebrate important national anniversaries, such as the marking of America’s 150th in 1926, through to the present moment, inviting exploration of Philadelphia, the birthplace of the nation and its first capital.
When: through Sunday, Dec. 13
Where: Arthur Ross Gallery, 220 S. 34th St.
”A Nation of Artists” at PMA, PAFA
With storied histories of their own, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (the country’s very first art school and museum) delve into the richness and diversity of American art history. The two institutions team up with avid art collector (and Phillies’ managing partner) John Middleton and his wife and partner Leigh for this blockbuster exhibition titled “A Nation of Artists.” Threading together 300 years of American art, the collection features over 1,000 portraits, sculptures, furniture, photographs and more across both museums. Viewers find some of art’s biggest names — including Mary Cassatt and Charles Willson Peale — exhibited side-by-side with oft-overlooked Black, Indigenous, immigrant and historically underrepresented artists and contemporary talents. “A Nation of Artists” debuts as a cultural milestone celebrating the nation’s creative and artistic legacy at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
When: through Monday, July 5, 2027
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 5, 2027
Where: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad St.
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