The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts 300 S. Broad St. As you move north through the hub of Philadelphia’s art scene, the first thing you’ll notice is the nightly “ballet of light” decorating the facades of fourteen buildings across four blocks. One of those buildings is the Kimmel Center, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and a staple of Philadelphia architecture. This concert hall hosts a variety of jazz and classical music and is outfitted with a remarkable rooftop garden, accessible in rain or shine thanks to the building’s glass dome.
Wilma Theater 265 S. Broad St. Further down Broad Street, you’ll find the Wilma Theater, a non–profit theater company housed in a cube–shaped building designed by famous American architect Hugh Hardy. The space is brought to life by the diversity of Wilma’s intelligent, daring plays. Wilma has produced works by notable playwrights such as Stephen Sondheim, Doug Wright, Arthur Miller and more.
Academy of Music 240 S. Broad St. Continue your tour to more traditonal architecture like the Academy of Music. Functioning as both a concert hall and opera house, the “Grand Old Lady of Broad Street” was built from 1855 to 1857 and is the oldest operating opera house in America. The opera house’s design features an open horseshoe shape with upper balconies that are supported by 14 Corinthian columns. Here, Pennsylvania Ballet and the Opera Company of Philadelphia perform.
The Bellevue–Stratford Hotel 200 S. Broad St. As you approach Walnut Street you’ll find the Bellevue, one of Philadelphia’s best known institutions for over a century. Part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places since 1977, the Bellevue is both a world–class hotel and a wonder for the eyes. With classic architecture and rich decoration, theBellevue may not host any theater companies or orchestras, but the building is certainly a work of art all by itself. Known for high–end service, fine dining and elite guests, the Bellevue is probably not the best place to host your next hotel party.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Lenfest Plaza 118 N. Broad St. Near the end of your Avenue of the Arts stroll, you will encounter the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, internationally known for its museum and art school. Uniting the academy’s two buildings is Lenfest Plaza, a formerly busy street that is now closed off for pedestrians only. The plaza is also a space for public events, outdoor seating and an upscale restaurant. Both a destination and a gathering place, this mosaic–pavement adorned walkway is the perfect place to end your stroll down the Avenue feeling content and cultured.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center 1101 Arch St. Another impressive building with a not–so–artistic purpose is the Pennsylvania Convention Center, which hosts conventions, exhibitions and conferences. Designed in an L–shape, the building has four main halls, a few meeting rooms and auditoriums and a grand hall that used to house the Reading Railroad terminal. Though the entrance is located on Arch Street, the Convention Center features a Broad Street facade of glass and steel that is also a part of the street’s nightly LED lighting system. The rich detail and energy of the Convention Center make the building an Avenue of the Arts must–see, especially after nightfall.
Photo credits: Ashley Graham
