A great advantage of selecting accommodations in Paradise, Pennsylvania, is the quiet retreat from the bigger city at a fraction of the cost, while still being close enough to the big city to enjoy the Philadelphia museums. In just a little over a one-hour drive, visitors can scoot on over to fabulous Philadelphia to learn about the history and culture of this area, while having loads of fun.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2154 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-8100
www.philamuseum.org
The Philadelphia Museum of Art continuously offers something new, so one can never visit too often. This museum sits at the end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which has a stunning view, and can easily be visited from a nearby Paradise inn. The main building boasts more than 200 magnificent galleries and exhibits. The exhibits change frequently, making each visit a new experience.
Viewing the statue from Rocky III is fun in itself. Once entering the museum, a grand staircase leads you to the art collections and Japanese tea rooms. Pieces and rooms come from all over the world. The Perelman Building sits across from the main building, with new gallery spaces for all to view and enjoy.
The Rodin Museum is just a little further away on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, boasting more art pieces and collections, along with magnificent relaxing gardens. It should be included as one of the Philadelphia museums to visit. The Fairmount Park Houses depict the marvelous architecture of the 19th and 20th century homes. Two colonial houses featured are the Cedar Grove and Mount Pleasant homes.
Please Touch Museum
Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park
4231 Avenue of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA 19131
(215) 581-3181
www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
The Please Touch Museum offers more than 38,000 square feet of visiting area, with six interactive exhibits. Exhibit areas include the City Capers, Flight Fantasy, Roadside Attractions, River Adventures, Wonderland, Centennial Exploration, Liberty Arm and Torch, and Woodside Park (Dentzel Carousel). Programs include the Please Touch Playhouse Theater, the Program Room and the Story Castle. The museum boasts more than 12,500 collection items, mostly toys manufactured after the year of 1945.
Independence Hall
Location: Chestnut Street between 5th and 6th Streets
Centerpiece of the Independence National Historical Park
(215) 965 2305
A great deal of history can be learned from the tour offered at the Independence Hall, and this is a way to collect great cultural information, while visiting Philadelphia from a Paradise bed and breakfast. The Liberty Bell was initially housed at the Bell tower steeple of the Independence Hall building, but now sits across at the Liberty Bell Center display area. Tickets for this free exhibit can be collected at the Visitor's Center, just across the street. Tickets can also be purchased online to reserve a time slot for tours.
Penn Museum
3260 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-4000
www.penn.museum
The Penn Museum offers wonderful exhibits and collections. The antique collections and Egyptian artifacts and mummies are a must to see. Other magnificent artifacts include Greek, Chinese and African collections. This museum is easy to reach by public transportation and is one to include in the list of must-see Philadelphia museums.