July 2018 At The Philadelphia Museum Of Art

July Newsletter

Strike a Pose Face to Face: Portraits of Artists Through October 14 Billie Holiday and her pit bull. Jacob Lawrence in his Coast Guard uniform. Georgia O’Keeffe with her Model A Ford. See how photographers helped craft the public personas of their creative subjects in this stunning collection of rare photographs from the Museum’s collection. The exhibition features works by Dorothy Norman, Man Ray, Richard Avedon, Alice O’Malley, and many others who captured some of the most fascinating artists and performers of the past 150 years. Last Chance Keith Smith at Home Closes July 8 Friendship, love, desire: Keith Smith’s life is an open book. In this exhibition, explore an array of Smith’s mixed-media photographs and prints, and—his specialty—handmade artist’s books, most from his own collection. Closing Soon Jean Shin: Collections Closes July 15 Jean Shin transforms donated and discarded objects—worn-out shoes, fashion remnants, military uniforms—to create dynamic works about connection and belonging that raise provocative questions about what, and how, we consume. On View Modern Times: American Art 1910–1950 Through September 3 Modernism was more than a movement or a style—it was a feeling, an outlook, and, for some, a way of life. The exhibition shows the stylistic diversity and the beautiful chaos of innovation that made this period so dynamic. See all current exhibitions. . . . Spend the Summer with Us Art Splash June 30–September 3 Art Splash is bringing a little piece of the big city inside. Explore the shapes and colors, sights and sounds of Modern Times and play in our own mini metropolis. Kids and their grown-ups can experience the exhibition through tours, art making, and imaginative play. Stay up-to-date on all of our programs for kids and families. Sign up for our family programs e-newsletter here. Rodin Museum Garden Bar July 20–August 19 While away your summer evenings in an urban oasis. Enjoy beer, wine, outdoor music, and gallery access until 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Music in the Galleries Light, Line, Shadow July 22, 3:00 p.m. Don't miss the world premiere of Pierre Jalbert's composition inspired by Edward Hopper's 1962 painting Road and Trees Final Fridays Summer Magick July 27, 5:00–8:45 p.m. Spend an enchanted evening celebrating the mystical and the feminine. Offered in conjunction with Rachel Rose: Wil-o-Wisp. . See a full calendar of What's On this season. . . Members' Book Club The Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington August 4 or 7, 2:00 p.m. Join a discussion about one of the first books to tackle the notion of gender identity in the twenty-first century. Free member reservation required (book available for purchase when you reserve online—members save 10%). Member Outing Sustainable by Design July 18, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. See how design firm MIO and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society are tackling sustainability and creating urban gardens. Includes transportation, a guided tour, and a prix fixe lunch at FARMiCiA. Members $65, guests $70; reservations required. For Members July Happenings Check out the electronic version of the July For Members for exhibitions, members programs, and offers to help you plan your next visit. This month in the calendar: "Philadelphia Icons" and "Modern Times" tours. Explore all our member events and benefits, and join the Museum today. Become a Member Please note: The Museum will be open with pay-what-you-wish admission on Sunday, July 1, and Monday, July 2, and member guests will be free on July 2. The Museum will be closed on Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19130philamuseum.org

The Best Of The Best: The Peninsula Hotel New York Is Offering A Complimentary Upgrade This Summer

ROOMS & SUITES GIFT CARDS OFFERS RESERVATIONS   Upgrade Your Stay on Fifth Avenue Enjoy a complimentary room upgrade when you book online   Whether you enjoy a picnic in Central Park, a stroll on the Highline or a trip to Yankee Stadium, experience the magic of New York City with our Summer Online Exclusive Offer. Reserve a stay at peninsula.com through September 28 and receive a complimentary upgrade plus the ease of arriving and departing at your convenience. Benefits: Upgrade to the next available room category Flexible check-in and check-out times Complimentary daily American breakfast for two (suite bookings only) Rates from $645 BOOK A ROOM

Princess Cruises Unveils 2019-2020 California Coast Sailings #Cruise

New Season Welcomes Royal Princess for her First Season and Provides Guests Unique West Coast Entertainment and Culinary Offerings

 The west coast's leading cruise line, Princess Cruises, returns to the region in 2019-2020 with itineraries visiting top destinations including Monterey, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and San Diego. Princess continues to provide guests new and enriching destination experiences featuring award-winning culinary and entertainment programming while sailing the west coast.

Highlights for the 2019-2020 season include the introduction of one of the line's newest ships to the California Coast, Royal Princess, for her first full season based in Los Angeles. Royal Princess will offer nine coastal departures including the Classic California Coast itinerary. Royal Princess itineraries offer guests a variety of More Ashore opportunities, allowing guests to spend more time in port , as well as the opportunity to enjoy evenings in San Francisco and San Diego.

"Bringing Royal Princess to the west coast for her first season is just one of the ways we are solidifying our commitment to providing our guests even more opportunity to sail the California coast," said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. "She joins a fantastic roster of ships sailing the region which are already offering guests some of our newest innovations including SHARE by Curtis Stone, The Salty Dog Gastropub, and entertainment experiences including the Voice of the Ocean."

As the only cruise line to sail year-round out of San Francisco, Princess offers Grand Princess sailing along the west coast once again in 2019. San Francisco departures for the season include a new five-day West Coast Getaway itinerary featuring a late night departure in San Diego, and a call to Ensenada, Mexico. The ship will also offer two variations of coastal sailings including the Classic California Coast itinerary featuring More Ashore late night calls in Los Angeles and San Diego, and the Pacific Northwest Coast itinerary featuring More Ashore late night calls in Seattle and Vancouver, Canada.

Star Princess will make her return to the west coast in 2019 featuring departures from Seattle and Vancouver. Itineraries include a seven-day Northern California Coast sailing from Seattle with late night calls in San Francisco and Victoria, Canada and a 10-day Coastal sailing from Vancouver with a late night call in Los Angeles and overnight stay in San Francisco.

Other west coast cruises offered in 2019 include six or seven-day Pacific Wine Country voyages between Los Angles and Vancouver aboard Royal Princess, Ruby Princess, Star Princess, and Island Princess. For those guests with less time to get away, Princess also offers shorter coastal sailings of less than five days on eight ships in the region.

Princess guests sailing onboard California Coast cruises will have an exclusive opportunity to get a behind the scenes glimpse into the Hollywood experience as part of the Encounters with Discovery at SEA program, featuring special celebrity speakers showcasing their work in the music and movie industry of Los Angeles. The experience includes an event hosted by celebrity presenters incorporating interactive media, live music, special performances, and hands-on workshops. The program aims to teach guests about the elements required to produce movies and music for the entertainment industry.

Additionally some speakers will be judges on 'The Voice of the Ocean," an onboard singing competition for guests that Princess features in partnership with the worldwide TV hit phenomenon. Princess Cruises continually adds guest stars to the Encounters with Discovery at SEA lineup in destinations around the globe throughout the year. Speaker details and additional information on the Encounters with Discovery at SEA program can be found here.

Princess has also developed enhanced shore excursion offerings in collaboration with Bill Esparza, noted author and leading expert on Latin American cuisine. Guests sailing the California coast are invited to sample local cuisine, specifically focused on the Latin American influence in California. Esparza has developed exclusive culinary shore excursions for Princess in Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Ensenada. In addition, Princess offers excursions to the California wine country, visiting local vineyards and winemakers throughout the region.

Princess Cruises is a recognized destination leader in the cruise industry, named "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries" numerous times by Recommend magazine. More details about California Coast offerings can be found at https://www.princess.com/learn/cruise-destinations/california-coastal-cruises/

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.

About Princess Cruises:One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to more than 360 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts has created more than 150 award-winning itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises has been continuously recognized as "Best Cruise Line for Itineraries."

Princess Cruises continues its multi-year, "Come Back New Promise" – a $450 million-dollar product innovation and cruise ship renovation campaign that will continue to enhance the line's onboard guest experience. These enhancements result in more moments of awe, lifetime memories and meaningful stories for guests to share from their cruise vacation. The product innovations include partnerships with award-winning Chef Curtis Stone; engaging entertainment inspired shows with Broadway-legend Stephen Schwartz; immersive activities for the whole family from Discovery and Animal Planet that include exclusive shore excursion to onboard activities; the ultimate sleep at sea with the award-winning Princess Luxury Bed and much more.

Three new Royal-class ships are currently on order with the next new ship, Sky Princess, under construction scheduled for delivery in October 2019. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Grand Opening: Renaissance Hotels Brings High Design to Historic 'Old City' Philadelphia #Renhotels

Mural being painted on the hotel's pool
by Alloyius Mcilwaine. Photo by
Allen Barkus

Following a Dramatic Multi-Million Dollar Renovation, Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel Debuts with a Playful Irreverence

  Renaissance Hotels, part of Marriott International, Inc., together with The Buccini/Pollin Group has announced the opening of Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel following a multi-million dollar renovation. This anticipated opening further reinforces the brand’s significant growth momentum around the world with upcoming openings planned in neighborhoods from Harlem to Hangzhou, and from Chelsea to Taipei.

“We are thrilled to introduce Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, offering guests a sense of clever theatricality and an invitation to experience this historic neighborhood in a modern and unexpected way,” said George Fleck, Vice President of Global Brand Marketing & Management, Renaissance Hotels.  “With this hotel opening – our third in the city – we continue the brand’s design momentum around the world, creating moments that are sure to inspire stories worth sharing.”

In the heart of Old City Philadelphia, the 152-room hotel sets the stage for the spontaneous with unexpected design elements around every corner.  Designed by award-winning firm Campion Platt, the hotel pays homage to the cultural history of the city with a clever irreverence from playful portraits of Benjamin Franklin’s five mistresses, created with pixelated $100 bills tucked away in Chez Ben restaurant, to pop-art inspired images of famous Philadelphians adorning each of the guestrooms.

Upon arrival, guests are guided through The Alley inspired by the city’s famed Elfreth’s Alley, which was once home to the 18th-century artisans and trades-people - the backbone of colonial Philadelphia.  Employing a combination of grit and glittering finishes, the design of The Alley is anchored by a ceremonial staircase clad in blackened steel and backlit with luminous panels, which perfectly juxtaposes a 100-foot long graffiti wall by local artist Dan Murphy.

“With its artful design, vibrant and eclectic dining scene and engaging experiences, the hotel embraces the spirit of Old Town as a one-of-a-kind destination intended to be discovered in a new way,” said A.J. Williams, General Manager, Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel. “Look no further than the railings that line the hotel’s upper level, which mimic Franklin’s famous spectacles or the wallpaper that invites you to decipher the Declaration of Independence, to see how we surprise travelers and locals alike.”

Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel features all the brand’s unique experiences, including the hotel’s Navigator, who helps guests experience the neighborhood’s soul by highlighting handpicked local discoveries. The hotel also offers Evenings at Renaissance where guests can experience the locale through nightly programming, often featuring emerging artists and musicians and tastings from local spirits purveyors that are hidden gems not known to all.

Like the hotel’s design, the culinary experiences are poised to inspire stories worth retelling. 

-       Chez Ben Restaurant celebrates the French brasserie in quintessential Philadelphia Old City language. The bistro features a stone clad bar, an industrial-style wine cave and a café counter boasting coffee specialties from Philadelphia’s own La Colombe, fresh juices and buttery pastries all day. A raw bar, tarte flambee and globally-inspired entrees such as blood orange duck breast with sunchokes and whole grilled daurade are a few highlights of the extensive menu.

-       M. Brown’s, a retro-contemporary cocktail bar, specializes in long-aged brown liquors sourced from around the globe, in conjunction with a classic and specialty cocktail menu. The bar’s drink and small plates menu (boasting such dishes as Scotch-cured salmon tartine and sliders made with merguez sausage) embodies the idea that “everything gets better with age.” A bold painting commissioned by Philadelphia-born artist Marc Lafia hangs above the fireplace. Mixologist and beverage director Rachel Kovenetsky created the lounge’s specialty cocktails.

Guests can find repose in the intimate and locally-inspired haven, featuring a 24-hour fitness facility equipped with state of the art equipment, weights and personal training services; an indoor pool and sauna; and four meeting rooms, amounting to 4,354 square feet of meeting and social space. The hotel is also pet-friendly, welcoming up to two pets per room.

With its proximity to local landmarks and icons including Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Franklin Square, Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel allows business and leisure guests to easily immerse themselves in the historic neighborhood with a wink-and-a-nod to its now modern downtown vibe.  For more information, please visit:www.renhotels.com.

About Renaissance Hotels

With over 160 hotels in more than 35 countries and territories around the world, Renaissance Hotels has a dynamic global portfolio. Designed for spontaneous global travelers, Renaissance Hotels extends an open invitation to experience the unexpected both inside and out of the hotel. Distinctly local, personalized service is brought to life through each hotel’s engaging Navigators, the brand’s ambassadors who connect you to the locale and help you discover the neighborhood’s hidden gems and handpicked local discoveries. To learn more visit  www.renhotels.com; like us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter @RenHotels, Instagram and YouTube.

Travelore News: Uber Wins Key Victory In Fight To Stay In London. Uber Convinced A Judge That It Has Made Changes To Its Business And Corporate Culture. #Uber

The Uber app is open on a phone in front of one of London's black cabs.Simon Dawson / Reuters

London is giving Uber another chance.

The ride-hailing company received a 15-month probationary license from a British court on Tuesday, which will allow it to continue operating in London.

Uber was able to convince a judge that the company had made significant changes to its business and corporate culture after a local regulator, Transport for London, had declared the company not a “fit and proper” business.

Uber’s future in London, one of its biggest global markets, was thrown into uncertainty after Transport for London declined to renew its license last September and said the company’s “approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications.” Uber was allowed to continue operating in London during the appeal process.

But over the past nine months, Uber has taken steps to clean up its act in the hope of winning back its license.

Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber in the United Kingdom, said the company was “pleased” with the Westminster Magistrate’s Court decision on Tuesday and planned to continue working with Transport for London “to address their concerns and earn their trust, while providing the best possible service for our customers.”

In the United Kingdom, Uber is adding an around-the-clock support hotline for passengers and drivers, limits on driver hours and advisory groups, and taking steps to make sure drivers can use only Uber in the area where they are licensed, among other changes.

In a city known for its iconic black cabs, the prospect of London going without Uber proved to be particularly upsetting for the 3.6 million people who regularly use it in the city and the 45,000 licensed drivers who rely on Uber to help make a living.

One Change.org petition to “save Uber in London” racked up more than 850,000 signatures. After Uber’s license renewal was declined last year, Dara Khosrowshahi, who had recently become CEO, went to London to meet with regulators and drivers, and vowed to work together to help find a solution.

Uber has proven to be a valuable part of London’s infrastructure. The company said four in 10 trips start or end near a train station or London Underground stop, helping provide a solution for the first or last mile in getting between places.

Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/uber-wins-key-victory-fight-stay-london-n886706

Iconic CN Tower In Toronto Reveals Biggest Renovation In Its 42-Year History

Canada

TORONTO - Canada's National Tower unveiled a stunning $16 million renovation today that has transformed the iconic landmark's 1,300-sq. metre (14,000 sq. ft.) main observation level. The announcement comes on the CN Tower's 42nd birthday.

 BACKGROUNDER: CN Tower renovation unveiling (CNW Group/Canada Lands Company)

Designed to modernize and enhance the guest experience while providing truly universal access, the space has been revamped so that guests can enjoy an open, modern look and feel.  This is the most significant enhancement to the CN Tower since it opened its doors in 1976.

An all new Glass Floor has been installed directly above the original, providing a dramatic, two-tier vertical view 346 metres (1,136 feet) towards the ground.

New floor-to-ceiling glass "Window Walls" have been installed across three separate sections of the observation level, providing near seamless unobstructed panoramic views. Using the latest in engineering technology, the "Window Walls" enable children and people with mobility challenges to fully enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto.

"It's essential that CN Tower's renovation and upgrades tie into our commitment to accessibility," said John McBain, President and CEO, Canada Lands Company, owner and operator of the CN Tower.

"The Window Walls and new Glass Floor take the visitor experience to the next level and ensure it remains thrilling and unique among the world's greatest towers".

Three new food bistros offer guests an opportunity to sample Canadian food and beverages, while taking in 360 degree panoramic views of Toronto. The new observation level also features scalable space that can be customized to host events for up to 800 guests.

In concert with the renovation of the main observation level, the CN Tower also launched a new, free Viewfinder App for mobile devices. The App features spectacular day and night 360 degree panoramic images of Toronto and surrounding area. Users will be able to identify more than 90 landmarks.  The Viewfinder App is available in in five languages – English, French, Spanish, Korean and Mandarin and is available for download at the App Store and Google Play.

"We are thrilled to introduce an all new observation experience, including the new CN Tower Viewfinder App, as part of our 42nd anniversary" said Neil Jones, Chief Operating Officer, CN Tower.

"The CN Tower enjoyed record breaking attendance last year, but we believe it is important to keep innovating. As a national icon, the experiences we offer our guests should always be at world-class levels. We feel this renovation accomplishes that goal".

CN Tower
At a height of 553.33 metres (1,815 ft., 5 inches), Canada's National Tower is an engineering Wonder, award-winning dining and entertainment destination, and has been Toronto's "must-see" attraction for over four decades. The CN Tower was visited by more than 1.98 million people last year. (Includes 370,000 360 Restaurant guests and 18,000 EdgeWalk guests)
www.cntower.ca

Recent awards and certifications:

Trip Advisor Hall of Fame for CN Tower, EdgeWalk and 360 Restaurant (Awarded to businesses that have received a Certificate of Excellence for five consecutive years)
Prix de XX siècle by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (recognizes buildings over 25 years old that have become landmarks of Canadian architecture)
Best Bar None, best restaurant: 360 Restaurant (an industry-led international accreditation and awards program that rewards excellence amongst responsible liquor sales licensees)
Baxter Travel Media, Agent's Choice Award - Favourite Attraction
Business of the Year Award, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (recognizing excellence, outstanding contribution and accomplishments in the Canadian tourism industry)
Feast On Certification (recognizes businesses committed to sourcing Ontario grown and made food and drink)
Ocean Wise–360 Restaurant is a proud partner of this sustainable seafood program


About Canada Lands Company
Canada Lands Company is a self-financing federal Crown corporation whose sole shareholder is the Government of Canada. Its role is to optimize the community and economic value obtained from former government properties as well as holding and maintaining select properties on behalf of the federal government. It is a demonstrated leader in attractions management with its operations of the CN Tower and Downsview Park in Toronto plus the Old Port of Montréal and the Montréal Science Centre. www.clc.ca