There is no better time to start planning ahead for a future visit to the city of Philadelphia, with exciting new offerings beginning this Autumn from celebrated arts and cultural institutions ready to welcome back UK travellers.
From the new ‘Halloween Nights’ celebration at the historic Eastern State Penitentiary to the hotly anticipated ‘Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror’ retrospective at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as the on-stage return of the phenomenal performing arts scene, there are plenty of fun-filled experiences for every kind of traveller to enjoy during a trip to Philadelphia.
Below are some of the new experiences the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau recommends to travellers planning ahead for a visit before the end of the year:
Have A Spooktacular Time At ‘Halloween Nights’ At Eastern State Penitentiary From 24th September – 13th November 2021
Parents with older children planning ahead for an October Half-Term escape need look no further than Philadelphia. The city’s infamous prison, Eastern State Penitentiary, has unveiled ‘Halloween Nights’, a bold new iteration of its Halloween celebration for 2021, from the creators of the famed Terror Behind the Walls. Transforming abandoned cellblocks and courtyards into newly designed immersive environments and activities, the historic stone architecture promises a spooky treat for adults and teens alike, with several sections of the penitentiary opening to the public for the very first time. Guests will experience a festival-style event consisting of 15 attractions, including; two haunted houses, four immersive walkthrough experiences, two live performances, four themed bars and lounges, and special effects such as laser shows and large-scale video projections. Halloween Nights will also feature an audio tour of the penitentiary’s architecture, as well as a guided, flashlight walking tour of the prison hospital wing. Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary is open on select nights from 24th September – 13th November 2021. Tickets are on sale now at HalloweenNights.org.
Art Lovers, Discover ‘Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror’ Retrospective At The PMA From 29th September 2021 – 13th February 2022
Autumn offers the perfect time for art lovers to visit the East Coast, as the Philadelphia Museum of Art will join together with the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York for an artistic partnership celebrating the work of Jasper Johns. The American painter, sculptor and printmaker is well-known for his various depictions of the American flag and other US-related topics. The two museums will simultaneously stage exhibits that feature nearly 500 pieces spanning 70 years of Johns’ career, including the iconic artist’s most celebrated paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints, along with lesser-known and recent works. The two exhibitions are designed to be reflections of one another and can be viewed individually or together for an immersive and innovative exploration of Johns’ work. Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror will be on view from 29th September 2021 – 13th February 2022.
Delight In Philadelphia’s Performing Arts Scene As Curtains Rise On Stages Across The City From October – November 2021
Philadelphia has a particular penchant for performing arts, with the city’s neighbourhoods showcasing some of the world’s most magical musicals, spectacular shows and outstanding orchestras and operas. Future travellers to the city can delight in an evening with Opera Philadelphia during its 2021 – 2022 season, enjoying traditional and innovative new repertoire at multiple venues across the city, including the stages of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the historic Academy of Music. Classical music lovers can also enjoy the sweet sounds of The Philadelphia Orchestra during its Fall 2021 season, Forward, which will reflect on the pandemic, social justice in America, and equity and inclusion within the world of music, beginning on 5th October 2021. Travellers to Philadelphia looking to indulge in the city’s theatrical offerings can schedule their travel plans around the award-winning musical and cultural phenomenon Hamilton, coming to the Academy of Music between 20th October – 28th November 2021. Families will be entertained by productions for all-ages at Walnut Street Theatre – America’s oldest theatre – whose return to the stage coincides with its 213th season, beginning with BEEHIVE – The ’60s Musical on 28th September 2021.
For more information on Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, www.discoverPHL.com
