It goes without saying that every Philly first timer has run up the steps of the Art Museum, jumping and shouting victoriously at the top. A veritable rite of passage, visiting the Museum (if only to repeat Rocky's legendary ritual) is something you've probably/hopefully done, even if you skipped out on the NSO soirée hosted there freshman year. The surrounding area, however, often gets a little less love. With the semester winding down and the weather warming up, no time is better than now to check out the PMA and its proximate spots. Aptly and affectionately called the "Art Museum Area," the west-of-Broad-Street stretch between Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street holds plenty of gems that are sure to strike your fancy. Start with a walk along the Schuylkill in Fairmount Park, then head to some of the following locales. And if you must end your visit with a chorus of "Eye of the Tiger," so be it.
Rodin Museum
Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 22nd St.
Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pronounced the French way (read: through the nose) as opposed to the former-Penn-prez way, the Rodin Museum contains one of the largest collections of the French artiste's works (second only to his museum in Paris, bien s–r). From The Thinker to The Gates of Hell, Rodin's bronze-cast sculptures are his most famous pieces, but the museum holds a number of his 2D works as well.
Figs
2501 Meredith St.
(215) 978-8440
This Mediterranean BYO favorite is one of the best dining options in the Art Museum Area, especially for a group gathering. The menu is Moroccan-influenced, and the restaurant's décor ensures that the food isn't the only thing with character at Figs. We humbly recommend the Braised Lamb Shank Tagine for dinner or the Applewood Smoked Salmon for brunch. Reservations are recommended for the weekends, so call ahead and feast away.
Academy of Natural Sciences
Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 19th St.
10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. weekends
Although the last time you went to a science museum may have been on an elementary school field trip, the Academy of Natural Sciences won't just provide you with a refresher on rock types. It is actually pretty cool to take a gander at the fully constructed dinosaur fossils. And the dinosaurs have awesome names like Giganotosaurus (seriously). Word.
Sabrina's Café
and Spencer's Too
1804 Callowhill St.
(215) 636-9061
At the Art Museum Area outpost of the Italian Market favorite Sabrina's, brunch is served all day, and any egg-related order is sure to satisfy.
St. Stephen's Green
1701 Green St.
(215) 769-5000
This gastro pub claims to have a "beer list better than most wine lists in this city," so head to St. Stephen's if you're in the mood for a bottle or two. St. Stephen's is an especially great venue on game nights, so if you are (or want to meet) a Phillies fan, this pub is superlative.
Philly Flavors
2004 Fairmount Ave.
(215) 232-7748
If you're craving a cone before, during or after your jaunt to the area, hit up Philly Flavors for your pick of ice cream, gelato, water ice and soft serve, as well as all toppings you can possibly imagine and a cornucopia of cones. Try the downside-up banana split (Philly Flavors specialty) if your visit to the Art Museum Area is whetting your creative side.
Bookhaven
2202 Fairmount Ave.
(215) 235-3226
The search for the idyllic Philly used bookshop is complete. With a huge inventory and knowledgeable staff, Bookhaven is rife with literary gems. There is also a selection of first-edition and rare books behind the counter - you heard it here first; all you have to do is ask.
