Having visited El Prado, Musee D’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, the MET and dozens of other museums throughout Europe and the US, I didn’t really expect much from the Phila art museum. I was pleasantly surprised to find a vibrant museum full of beautiful, unique works displayed in a wonderful way.
Friday evenings during the summer you can enjoy drinks, food and music in the museums central stairwell. I found couples and friends sitting on the steps drinking red wine and listening to an indie-sounding band during my Friday evening visit. But I wasn’t there for the food or the music, I was there for the art. I picked up a voice tour, which greatly enhances any museum experience in my opinion.
In my evening tour I was able to experience American art and furniture, Japanese literati culture in the Edo period, a Japanese tea garden, middle eastern mosaics and some wonderful sculpture.
One of the museums star pieces is this one, Ghost, by Alexander Calder. 
I encourage visitors to Philadelphia to not overlook this gem of a museum. It is constantly growing, already beautiful and interesting, and surrounded by parks and nice restaurants. You can even get a Segway tour of the area, like these folks.
Skip the Liberty Bell, go here instead. www.philamuseum.org
