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Often compared to the Champs Elysées in Paris, the one-mile-long Parque Benjamin Franklin and its attractions, green spaces and public art have captivated residents and visitors alike for more than a century.
The diagonal, tree-lined parkway exudes culture with world-renowned art museums and attractions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, El Barnes Foundation, El Rodin Museum y Jardines Calder.
Families can embrace Ben Franklin’s legacy of science and education at The Franklin Institute, or come face-to-teeth with a giant T. rex skeleton at The Academy of Natural Sciences de la Universidad de Drexel.
And in the warmer months, families gather at Parque de las Ciudades Hermanas para jugar en las fuentes adaptadas a los niños y refrescarse con un bocado en la cafetería del recinto.
Read on to learn more about why the Benjamin Franklin Parkway remains a must-see attraction when visiting Philadelphia.
Earning the title of Philadelphia’s most artistic mile didn’t happen overnight.
It took years of planning and development to make the Benjamin Franklin Parkway an arts-and-culture lover’s premier destination.
Here are the museums and attractions that make the Parkway so special:
Es el museo de historia natural más antiguo de América, The Academy of Natural Sciences de la Universidad de Drexel invites people of all ages to experience natural science in a fun and engaging way.
Visitors can get up close with reconstructed dinosaurs (like the towering T. rex) and then dig for fossils, explore dioramas, touch live animals and even meet scientists.
- Foto de M. Servedio para The Academy of Natural Sciences de la Universidad de Drexel
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Art aficionados flock to the Barnes Foundation, home to one of the world’s most impressive and important collections of African sculpture, impressionist, post-impressionist and early modern paintings.
- Fotografía por cortesía de Barnes Foundation
The collection includes works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso and Van Gogh, all displayed in collector Albert Barnes’ unique style.
In addition to permanent gallery space, the 93,000-square-foot building also includes a changing exhibition gallery, a conservation lab, an auditorium, a library, acafe and a gift shop.
Opened in 2025, Jardines Calder pays homage to Pennsylvania native son and artist Alexander Calder.
The 6,500-square-foot space has a distinctive two-story building, with half of its structure underground, where visitors can delight in Calder’s mobile sculptures nestled in a sprawling garden.
- Fotografía de Visit Philadelphia
The ground level includes an enchanting meadow, perfect for reflection on the immersive experience.
The museum plans to evolve over time with a rotating selection of works, encouraging repeat visits.
The largest Catholic Church in Pennsylvania, the Catedral Basílica de los Santos Pedro y Pablo is an architectural gem modeled after the Lombard Church of Saint Charles (San Carlo al Corso) in Rome.
Inside, visitors stand in awe of various shrines (including one to Saint Katherine Drexel), altars, statues and the paintings by Constantino Brumidi, famed painter of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC.
Check the church’s website for the daily mass schedule (open to the public) or grab a brochure for a self-guided tour (available on the table next to the Cathedral Shop entrance).
Inaugurado en 1815 para suministrar agua potable a una ciudad en crecimiento, Fairmount Obras hidráulicas sits at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. More than 200 years later, the site now holds National Historic Landmark status and provides exclusive event space for celebrations.
Dirígete al Centro de interpretación de obras hidráulicas Fairmount for interactive, user-friendly exhibits to learn about the engineering wonder and the evolution of water safety.
The environmental education center on the banks of the Schuylkill River serves as the Delaware River basin’s official watershed education center and offers regular tours of the site.
One of the oldest science museums in the country, The Franklin Institute has been inspiring young scientists for ages. The museum’s hands-on learning exhibits take visitors through blockbuster exhibitions, engaging theatrical experiences and compelling permanent exhibits.
- Fotografía por cortesía de The Franklin Institute
Journey through the cosmos at the out-of-this-world Planetario Fels, travel as a drop of blood through the museum’s famed gigantic heart, or get your game on as you learn the science of sports through heart-racing activities. Rotating special exhibitions pass through as well, drawing massive crowds.
Don’t miss the massive memorial sculpture dedicated to Philly’s favorite Founding Father (Benjamin Franklin) in the entrance lobby.
Un precioso edificio de estilo beaux-arts es el corazón de la Biblioteca Libre de Filadelfia system, which includes more than 50 libraries throughout the city.
En Biblioteca Central Parkway invites book lovers to check out its massive collection, explore its notable rare book department, sit in on author readings and enjoy special exhibitions and events.
Las visitas guiadas diarias y gratuitas llevan a los visitantes al Departamento de Libros Raros to view the historic collection or throughout the building to learn about the history and architecture.
Founded in 1848 as the first and only women’s visual arts college for undergraduates in the country, the Escuela Moore de Arte y Diseño also offers programs for both men and women through its graduate studies, continuing education and workshops.
Enjoy free admission to Galerías Moore for self-guided tours to explore contemporary art from established and emerging artists and designers.
Don’t miss your chance to purchase original artwork from Moore students and alumni at The Art Shop.
Uno de los museos públicos de arte más antiguos de EE.UU., el Philadelphia Museum of Art rises majestically at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Head to the top of the museum’s famed steps for stunning panoramic views of the Parkway and the city skyline.
- Fotografía de Elevated Angles para Visit Philadelphia
The museum houses vast collections, including Renaissance, American and impressionist art — and special areas like the Japanese Casa de té ceremonial and the arms and armor exhibit. The one-acre Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden extends the galleries to the outdoors.
En Rodin Museum alberga una de las mayores colecciones públicas de obras del maestro escultor Auguste Rodin fuera de París y recibe a los visitantes con vaciados en bronce de El pensador y Las puertas del infierno.
The gallery collection includes a stunning marble copy of El beso, mientras que el jardín cuenta con el reparto de Los burgueses de Calais.
The museum offers pay-what-you-wish ticketing to explore the galleries, while the garden space remains free to explore year-round.
Some of Philadelphia’s most well-known statues and sculptures line the Benjamin Franklin Parkway alongside unsung and gorgeous works of public art:
Setenta y dos escalones conducen a los aficionados al arte, a los entusiastas del ejercicio y a millones de cinéfilos hasta la entrada Este del apreciado Philadelphia Museum of Art by way of what’s been coined the Rocky Steps. Naturally, a run up the steps requires triumphant fist pumps at the top.
Waiting for you at the top: none other than the iconic Estatua de Rocky, which draws lines of visitors daily seeking photographs alongside the larger-than-life interpretation of the boxeador triunfante de ficción for which it’s named.
Rocky himself, actor Sylvester Stallone, commissioned artist A. Thomas Schomberg in 1980 to create the sculpture for Rocky III.
To mark the historic 2015 visit of Pope Francis to the United States and Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Museum of Art y la Asociación de Arte Público partnered to install Robert Indiana’s tremendous sculpture AMOR en lo alto de la escalinata del museo, en la terraza este con vistas al Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
“Amor” translates to “love” in both Spanish and Latin. The city so loved AMOR that it decided to give the sculpture a permanent home in Parque de las Ciudades Hermanas.
Don’t miss Indiana’s famed AMOR escultura just a few steps away at nearby AMOR Park.
Three generations of the Calder family of artists contributed numerous works of public art to Philadelphia.
Alexander Stirling Calder — father of Alexander, now exhibited at Calder Gardens (see above) — designed the ebullient Fuente conmemorativa de Swann with architect Wilson Eyre.
La pieza central de Logan Square, the fountain memorializes Dr. Wilson Cary Swann, founder of the Philadelphia Fountain Society.
Calder created three Indigenous figures to symbolize the Delaware River (a man), the Schuylkill River (a woman) and Wissahickon Creek (a girl). Frogs, turtles, a fish and two swans complete the group.
There’s so much public art on the Parkway that the Association for Public Art created a guía and offers audio information via the Museums Without Walls: Audio programa.
No se lo pierda:
LEER MÁS
Here’s where to stretch your legs and touch grass in between cultural pursuits on the Ben Franklin Parkway:
One of city founder William Penn’s original five squares, the park at Logan Square contains one of the most striking features of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway — the Fuente conmemorativa de Swann.
Find groups of visitors admiring the sculptures and the fountain’s 50-foot geyser from the benches scattered around it, especially during summer.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society tends the beautiful gardens adorning the circular park.
Officially named John F. Kennedy Plaza, locals and visitors know the park with the iconic AMOR Escultura como AMOR Parque. The sculpture by Robert Indiana offers the ultimate Philadelphia photo op.
The Center City West outdoor space also offers green areas, a fountain, walking paths and abundant spots to sit to take it all in.
There’s also a visitor center at the park — conveniently located near City Hall y Parque Dilworth — where visitors can grab brochures and plan out travel adventures in the city.
Parque de las Ciudades Hermanas complements the grandeur of its neighboring Benjamin Franklin Parkway attractions.
A perfect park for littles to enjoy, the contemporary, eco-forward pavilion houses a cafe and a visitor center among the surrounding Children’s Discovery Garden, a boat pond, and a fountain that pays tribute to Philadelphia’s 10 sister cities.
No se pierda el AMOR escultura, a must-Instagram highlight at the park, or the buzzworthy pollinator garden brimming with more than 4,000 blooms.
The Parkway has always been street-party central, playing host to both annual and historic massive events along the grand boulevard.
Pope Francis knew the Parkway was the best place to deliver Sunday mass during his 2015 visit. The Parkway has also served as the perfect venue for epic music festivals, such as the Festival Made in America y Live 8.
Thousands gather each year to celebrate independence at the stellar Bienvenidos a América festival, complete with a star-studded Fourth of July Concert and fireworks lighting up the sky above the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Welcome America Fourth of July Fireworks — Photo by J.Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated their 2018 and 2024 Super Bowl wins with unforgettable parades along the thoroughfare. Onlookers gather annually to cheer on runners at the Maratón de Filadelfia.
And there’s no better place than the Parkway for parade-goers to enjoy beloved annual events like the Desfile del Día de Acción de Gracias y la Desfile del Día de Puerto Rico.
You’ll surely need to refuel while exploring all the Parkway has to offer.
Con Murphy's Irish pub serves steaks, seafood, pasta and cheesesteaks, as well as great people watching on the outdoor patio. Nearby upscale pub The Mulberry offers a delicious seasonal menu filled with fresh, local ingredients.
Enjoy a modern luxury vibe at the Azotea de la Asamblea en The Logan, el hotel de Filadelfia. Situated nine floors above street level, take in fantastic parkway views while hanging out at a seating nest near a cozy fire pit. Or grab a bite to eat at the hotel’s rustic-modern steakhouse, Agricultor urbano Filadelfia.
And there’s plenty of space to kick back and relax at the 14,000-square-foot Center City location of Victory Brewing Company, located at the memorable address of 1776 Ben Franklin Parkway. Enjoy two indoor bars, a pet-friendly outdoor bar, a beer garden, sidewalk dining and a rooftop patio with magnificent views of City Hall and parkway attractions.
The Parkway has always been one of the best places to stay in the city, due to its central location to so many attractions.
Frente a la impresionante Swann Memorial Fountain, El Logan de Filadelfia (a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton) offers 391 impeccable rooms and suites, Urban Farmer steakhouse, along with the top-rated Underground Spa & Wellness.
Experimente la vibrante cultura de Filadelfia en El Maj, a contemporary boutique hotel. Located in a vibrant red brick building, The Maj has 26 thoughtfully designed rooms with smart mirrors, cutting-edge room controls and flat-screen TVs to enhance your stay.
Double Queen Guest Room at The Maj Hotel - Fotografía cortesía de Maj Hotel
The circular Suites Windsor owned by Modus Hotels, plays up its views from each of its 199 Europe-influenced studio and one-bedroom suites. Each room has a full kitchen; the roof has a great outdoor pool.
Located roughly a block off of the Parkway, the Sheraton Philadelphia (a Marriott property) has elegant guest rooms with ample space, making it the perfect spot to stay if you are in town for a gathering at the nearby Centro de Convenciones de Pensilvania.
Planner Ther Paul Philippe Cret and designer Jacques Gréber, both French, modeled the Benjamin Franklin Parkway after the Champs-Élysées of their native country, creating a beautiful thoroughfare here in Philadelphia.
After a long planning and construction process, the Parkway officially opened in October 1918. The arduous yet bold vision ushered in a new era of urban design in America: the City Beautiful Movement.
In the beginning, the Parque Benjamin Franklin was an architect’s and a planner’s dream, something breathtakingly bold for the city. Then it became a cultural hotspot — a center for museums and educational institutions.
Fountains, small parks, statues and monuments all lend a formality that gives the Benjamin Franklin Parkway its own special aura. The Parkway celebrated its 100th birthday in 2018.
¡Este es el mejor año hasta ahora para Philly!
Aprovecha al máximo reservando el Visit Philly Overnight Package, que incluye estacionamiento gratuito en el hotel y entradas de cortesía para algunas de las atracciones más populares de cada uno de los cinco condados del área metropolitana de Filadelfia, entre ellas Parques temáticos de Universal: La Exposición en The Franklin Institute, el Museo Mercer en Bucks County, Longwood Gardens en Chester County, el Brandywine Museum of Art en Delaware County y Elmwood Park Zoo en Montgomery County.
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