Flanked by treasures such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute and Rodin Museum, Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, known as “Museum Mile,” ranks among the world’s leading cultural thoroughfares. Often drawing comparison to the Champs-Elysees, this tree-lined avenue is getting another major European accent this spring with the opening of the new home of the Barnes Foundation.
Established in 1922 in the Merion, Pa., home of founder Albert Coombs Barnes, this collection of French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings is positively breathtaking. Valued at over $6 billion and including numerous masterpieces from Renoir, Cezanne, Picasso, van Gogh, Degas and other luminaries, its relocation to Philadelphia’s museum district is among the biggest international art stories this year—and destined to forever cement Philadelphia’s place as a global cultural destination.
“The move of the Barnes Foundation helps shine a light on Philadelphia’s vibrant cultural scene, and on everything that our visitors love to do,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation in a statement.
The spirit of Barnes’ founding vision to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts” is found throughout Pennsylvania. PageBreak
Art and culture, for example, are major forces in the still-astonishing reinvention of Pittsburgh, where the 14-block Cultural District encompasses art installations and nine world-class theaters. An entirely different experience awaits in York County, the “Factory Tour Capital of the World,” where diverse homegrown, “Made In America” experiences include Harley-Davidson motorcycles and iconic potato chip and pretzel manufacturers such as Utz, Snyder’s and Martin’s.
Think of the Keystone State, home of so many American firsts and originals, as the place where artful things are created, cultured and curated—and memorable group experiences are made.
PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS, PHILADELPHIA
www.pafa.org
Internationally recognized for its collections of 19th and 20th century American paintings, sculptures and works on paper, this Broad Street institution, dating to 1805, is one of Philadelphia’s most elegant event destinations.
Already offering dramatic stages within the National Historic Landmark building, opened in 1876 for the nation’s Centennial Exposition and World’s Fair, and the updated Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building, originally an automobile manufacturing plant and showroom from 1915, the academy’s allure now also extends outside with the bold new Lenfest Plaza.
Opened in October 2011, this open-air piazza, located directly across from the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center’s new entrance, serves as the gateway to “Museum Mile” and bookend to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. With the 51-foot-tall paintbrush sculpture Paint Torch serving as a veritable lightening rod for visitors and groups, the plaza represents a remarkable new gathering point and event stage for the city.
JAMES A. MICHENER ART MUSEUM, DOYLESTOWN
www.michenermuseum.org
Named for Doylestown’s Pulitzer Prize-winning author and philanthropist, this cultural gem in the heart of scenic Bucks County is shining even brighter with the opening this spring of the gleaming new Edgar N. Putman Pavilion. Extending into the museum’s eclectic Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden, the light-filled, all-glass structure provides an elegant new space for meetings, weddings, concerts, lectures and exhibition openings.
“In the soaring glass space of the new Edgar N. Putman Event Pavilion, the mind knows no limits as to what it can think and experience,” says Bruce Katsiff, director and CEO of the Michener Art Museum. “Surrounded by Bucks County art and sculpture, those who visit feel inspired and creative. We’ve had so much interest in renting this new facility before it was even complete.”
From April through August, the renowned museum—housed in a beautifully restored historic site that began as the Bucks County prison in 1884—will be among a small number of venues featuring the first-ever exhibition in the U.S. of paintings and tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.PageBreak
AMERICA ON WHEELS, ALLENTOWN
www.americaonwheels.org
Recast from the iconic Bethlehem Steel factory, the meetings-capable Sands Casino Resort continues to forge a new visitor base for historic post-industrial Lehigh Valley, where groups will enjoy motoring over to this outstanding showcase of America’s automotive past.
Located on the waterfront in neighboring Allentown, the spacious group-friendly facility features rotating exhibits from the 1880s to the present, highlighted by displays of rare and unique vehicles.
“We provide a unique venue for hosting special events, business meetings, weddings and educational seminars,” says Linda Merkel, executive director of the facility. “Tours are also welcome, with our informative docents ready to educate groups about the various vehicles displayed and the history of transportation in America.”
Available for parties and events, the 1950s-themed Hubcap Cafe comes equipped with a restored 1953 soda fountain serving ice cream novelties. The venue also plans to unveil outdoor riverfront space this year.
THE HERSHEY STORY, THE MUSEUM ON CHOCOLATE AVENUE, HERSHEY
www.hersheystory.org
From failure to fortune, from bankruptcy to brilliance, Milton S. Hershey is the story of American chocolate—and so much more. Way ahead of his time, this pioneering, preserving industrialist was at heart a philanthropist, well remembered for transforming his birthplace of Hershey, Pa., into a model factory-community complex that put people first. Proceeds from the Milton Hershey Trust benefit a school for children in need.
Hershey’s legacy is celebrated at this popular, welcoming gateway to “Chocolatetown, USA,” where five permanent exhibits interactively present Hershey’s rags to riches journey. The museum is also a sweet choice for meetings and events, with the Grand Lobby, inspired by the Columbian Exposition of 1893, among several memorable spaces.
“In addition to the Museum Experience exhibit space, we also offer a variety of unique and customized experiences, including group sessions in our Chocolate Lab and a decadent chocolate tasting featuring flavors from around the world,” says Amy Bischof, director of the museum.
AMERICAN PHILATELIC CENTER, BELLEFONTE
www.stamps.org
Serving as the headquarters of the American Philatelic Society (“America’s Stamp Club”) and home of the American Philatelic Research Library, this inviting facility just outside State College is a memorable and significant choice in several ways.
With origins in the 1850s, the society, founded in 1886, counts thousands of stamp collectors and hobbyists around the world as members. The tour-friendly center is a group draw, occupying part of a restored 19th century brick match factory complex listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The center also offers a number of flexible spaces for gatherings, including meetings, receptions, training sessions and concerts.
The Sundman Hall can accommodate 160 people for banquets and 200 people theater-style. Several other rooms, including the U.S. Stamp Society Room and the Air Mail Room, can host between eight and 50 people.
Founded in 1795, the town of Bellefonte is home to well-preserved Victorian architecture and natural surroundings that also make for an appealing visit.PageBreak
THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM, PITTSBURGH
www.warhol.org
Pittsburgh’s rise to prominence as a cultural destination owes much to the city’s two Andys: steel baron Andrew Carnegie, who left the city with four museums, including the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, and pop art icon Andy Warhol, whose namesake museum is a must for group tours and events.
“The Warhol serves as a unique and unforgettable setting or meeting place for national and international guests,” says Ryan Boyle, special events supervisor at the museum. “Flexible add-on options such as studio silkscreen workshops, Warhol films, and performances by artists and musicians provide possibilities for creating a unique and memorable event.”
Vividly illustrating the art and life of one of the most influential American artists of the 20th century—and one of Pittsburgh’s most famous sons—the museum is conveniently located near downtown’s vibrant Cultural Arts District. Rental options include a contemporary theater and seven floors of continually changing gallery space. Groups can also relax and socialize among some of Warhol’s most famous paintings.
MARIDON MUSEUM, BUTLER
www.maridon.org
Established in 2001 and opened to the public in 2004, this “gleaming little gem of a museum” was lifetime resident Mary Hulton Phillips’ gift to the town of Butler. At first, her plan was simply to share her collection of Chinese and Japanese art and culture with the local community. Unique to the Western Pennsylvania region, the collection, along with her ambition, outgrew her home and was moved to its present location.
Tours and programs are offered to groups of all sizes, along with a number of educational programs.
The permanent collection includes over 800 art objects drawn from more than 4,000 years of Chinese and Japanese history, including jade and ivory sculptures, tapestries, landscape paintings, scrolls and artifacts. Impressive, too, are the collections of 18th and 19th century German Meissen Porcelain and 21st century Korean works.
“The Maridon’s delicate, impressive collection is a joy to behold,” says Larry Berg, a Maridon board member, adding that visitors and groups are “pleasantly surprised to discover such an extensive collection in small-town America.”
THE JIMMY STEWART MUSEUM, INDIANA
www.jimmy.org
Groups seeking a “wonderful life” experience will enjoy this attractive tribute to local son Jimmy Stewart, one of America’s most-loved film stars. Located in the charming Western Pennsylvania university town and county seat of Indiana, the event-ready museum is housed in the Indiana Community Center Building, where Stewart is thought to have played as a child.
“I have often watched our guests as they move through the museum, and by their expressions and conversations it is easy to see how comfortably and emotionally they related to this history of Jimmy Stewart and his times,” says Tim Harley, the museum’s executive director.
The museum comes with roughly 6,500 square feet of gallery and room space, including a 50-seat movie theatre. Local catering is available, and groups can arrange to watch one of Jimmy Stewart’s feature films or documentaries focusing on his life and career.
Speaking of keepsakes, this is regular contributor Jeff Heilman’s 90th story for Meetings Focus—the countdown to 100 is on.
