The Franklin Institute In Philadelphia To Unveil Reimagined Exhibits In Its Bicentennial Year

As part of its bicentennial celebration, The Franklin Institute, one of the nation’s premier science museums and a national leader in science education, is set to unveil two new exhibits around its most celebrated artifacts: the Baldwin Locomotive and the Giant Heart. Opening to the public on Saturday, November 23, 2024, Hamilton Collections Gallery and Body Odyssey represent a major milestone in the museum’s multi-year transformation, setting the stage for a new era of exploration and discovery as it enters its third century.

“As we celebrate The Franklin Institute's bicentennial year, unveiling these iconic exhibits marks an exciting chapter in our history. With the Hamilton Collections Gallery and Body Odyssey, we're not just showcasing our two most celebrated artifacts but reimagining the exhibits surrounding them,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “Body Odyssey is a state-of-the-art exhibit on the human body with immersive experiences that not only educate but also inspire, while the Hamilton Collections Gallery offers unprecedented access to hundreds of artifacts from our storied collections, showcasing the rich history of innovation and discovery at the museum.”

Hamilton Collections Gallery

A magnificent two-story showcase of the museum’s vast collections, curated for public view on a scale never before seen in its 200-year history. At the heart of the $12 million gallery is the Baldwin 60000 Locomotive, a cornerstone of its collections since 1933, now overlooking hundreds of historically significant artifacts spanning two centuries of science and technology breakthroughs, including Benjamin Franklin’s Glass Armonica and Lightning Rod, the Light Bulb and other inventions by Thomas Edison, and wing models from the Wright Brothers Aeronautic Collection.

Designed by the award-winning architectural firm SmithGroup, the innovative two-story gallery integrates storytelling with interactive elements to bring the museum’s artifacts to life. It also offers guests a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a museum collections center, providing a unique insight into how these historical objects are preserved.

The gallery unveiling will reveal the Baldwin atop a modern architectural design—a cutaway floor with a two-story storage system rising from the foundation level, equipped to showcase thousands of artifacts now visible to the public for the first time. The cutaway provides an overhead view of the five original steel and concrete bridge structures supporting the 350-ton locomotive, a striking example of 19th-century engineering, now fully visible for the first time in decades. The gallery overlooks a collections studio, offering opportunities for researchers and advancing the museum’s digitization efforts to make its collections accessible to a global audience.

Inaugural Exhibit: 200 Stories for 200 Years

The Hamilton Collections Gallery’s inaugural exhibit, 200 Stories for 200 Years, showcases a curated selection of the museum’s vast collections, offering interactive elements that reveal unexpected connections between objects from diverse scientific fields. Artifacts such as the Weigel Celestial Globe, Franklin’s Printing Press, and Wax Cylinder Records are brought to life through immersive storytelling, weaving together narratives that capture the pioneering spirit of The Franklin Institute and its namesake as the museum celebrates its 200th anniversary.

The gallery marks a significant milestone in the museum’s long history of support from four generations of the Hamilton family, beginning with Samuel M. Vauclain's donation of the Baldwin Locomotive in 1933—now a Philadelphia landmark. In 2017, a $6 million gift from The Hamilton Family Charitable Trust made the gallery possible, and additional support received during the project brought the total contribution to $8.1 million.

Body Odyssey

Curiosity meets discovery in an imaginative new $8.5 million exhibit, Body Odyssey, featuring the iconic Giant Heart. The exhibit is a fascinating journey through the intricacies of the human body in a quest to achieve balance in life and well-being. The 8500-square-foot exhibit features larger-than-life installations, ultramodern simulations, and transportive experiences designed for collaboration and synchronization across three distinct areas: biological systems, biotech innovation, and personal health. Guests will explore the body’s network of structure and function, discover actionable ways to promote mental and physical health, and learn, hands-on, how cutting-edge technologies in AI, robotic surgery, and wearable tech—as well as rising industry leaders—are shaping the future of healthcare.

Body Odyssey and the Giant Heart

Originally beating as "The Engine of Life" in 1954, the papier-mâché sculpture was giant enough to walk through, 15,000 times larger than a real heart, enhanced with the sound of a beating heart, and beloved by millions. Now in its 70th year, the Giant Heart is the centerpiece of this comprehensive exploration of health and the human body, and, in an immersive new addition, generations old and new can experience their own heartbeat pulsing from the Heart in a stunning new display of light and sound, energized through movement and synchronization with others.

The award-winning experiential design firm MDSX spearheaded the exhibit, with direction from Abby Bysshe, TFI's Chief Experience and Strategy Officer, and Jayatri Das, Ph.D., TFI's Chief Bioscientist and Director of Science Content. The experience was shaped by input from an expert advisory board and insight gathered from student workshops, which guided the focus toward mental health, the future of the human body, and the interconnectedness of its systems.

Body Odyssey joins the multi-award-winning Wondrous Space as the first two of six all-new exhibits of a multi-year master plan. This ambitious vision encompasses upcoming new exhibits on earth systems, advanced machines and robotics, the built environment, and computer science. All aim to create a holistic and engaging educational experience for guests, and together, they will set the stage for the new Franklin Institute experience.

The Morel Family Foundation is the Lead Supporter of Body Odyssey, with additional support from Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino, Tobey and Mark Dichter, Independence Blue Cross, Marvin Samson Foundation, and Merck Foundation.

The Franklin Institute received funding from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development, to promote the Hamilton Collections Gallery and Body Odyssey exhibits. Additionally, through the Redevelopment Assistant Capital Program, financial assistance has been provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor.

Conservation of the Baldwin Locomotive is by the Heritage Conservation Collective. Daniel J. Keating is the general contractor for the transformation of the Hamilton Collections Gallery, and Becker & Frondorf is the project manager.

About The Franklin Institute

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in science and technology learning and a dynamic center of exploration. As Pennsylvania's most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

Six Philadelphia Cultural Institutions Jointly Announce 2021 Reopening

Continued health & safety measures for staff and visitors, extended hours, and special exhibitions announced or extended

Philadelphia —Following the recent temporary closures mandated by state and city officials to limit the spread of COVID-19, in effect since November 20, 2020, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), and the Philadelphia Museum of Art have jointly announced plans to reopen in January with continued health and safety measures in place for staff and visitors. Eastern State Penitentiary plans to reopen in March and the Rodin Museum will reopen later in the spring.

The Franklin Institute plans to reopen on Wednesday, January 6, followed by the Academy of Natural Sciences on Friday, January 8. The Barnes Foundation also plans to reopen on January 8, with extended hours on select days to provide additional opportunities for visitors to experience the Elijah Pierce’s America exhibition, which has been extended through Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2021. The Philadelphia Museum of Art plans to reopen on January 8, with new Friday through Monday hours and pay-what-you-wish admission on Friday evenings. PAFA plans to reopen on Thursday, January 21. All plans and reopening dates are subject to change based on guidance from state and city officials.

Cultural institutions along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Eastern State Penitentiary, and PAFA first reopened in late summer, following thorough planning and close coordination with elected officials, medical professionals, and one another. The institutions will continue vigilant, carefully developed health and safety protocols as they once again welcome visitors for rejuvenating cultural experiences, with the well-being and safety of staff and visitors as the utmost priority. Comprehensive health and safety protocols are posted on each institution’s website.

Further details on opening dates and special exhibitions on view, are listed below:

The Franklin Institute – Public opening: Wednesday, January 6, 10 am – 5 pm

World-premiere exhibition, Crayola IDEAworks: The Creativity Exhibition, opens February 13. Hours: Wednesday – Friday, 10 am–5 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 10 am–6 pm; closed: Mondays and Tuesdays, with the exception of Monday, January 18, 10 am–5 pm.

Academy of Natural Sciences – Public opening: Friday, January 8, 11 am – 5 pm

Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs opens January Hours: Fridays – Sundays, 11 am–5 pm, with members-only from 10–11 am each day Monday, January 18, 11 am–5 pm, with members-only from 10–11 am

The Barnes Foundation – Public opening: Friday, January 8, 11 am – 5 pm

Saturday, January 9 – Monday, January 11, 11 am–5 pm Thursday, January 14, 11 am–5 pm (ADDITIONAL OPEN DAY) Friday, January 15 & Saturday, January 16, 9 am–6 pm (EXTENDED HOURS) Sunday, January 17 & Monday, January 18, 11 am–5 pm Regular open hours: Fridays–Mondays, 11 am–5 pm, (10–11 am members-only hour) Elijah Pierce’s America (Extended through January 18, 2021)

Philadelphia Museum of Art – Public opening: Friday, January 8, 10 am – 8:45 pm

Saturday, January 9 – Monday, January 11, 10 am–5 pm Friday, January 15, 10 am–8:45 pm (pay-what-you-wish) Rodin Museum – A spring reopening will be announced at a later date.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – Public opening: Thursday, January 21, 10 am –4 pm

Hours: Thursday – Friday, 10 am–4 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 11 am–5 pm; closed: Mondays through Wednesdays World-premiere exhibitions: Taking Space, Only Tony, and Roll, Press, Pull

Eastern State Penitentiary – Public opening: March 2021

Book A Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package Winter Getaway And Get Numerous Free Perks Valued Up To $256

Package Includes Philadelphia Auto Show Tickets For Limited Time Only

  

Guest who book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package Winter Getaway from January 28-February 5, 2017 receive two tickets to the Philadelphia Auto Show (left), in addition to the many perks included in the standard winter package (available until March 19, 2017). Admission for two to Jurassic World at The Franklin Institute (right) is one of the many perks available to those who book the package.

Credit: Photos by R. Kennedy () M. Fischetti for VISIT PHILADELPHIA^®

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® announces a new perk for the in-demand Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package Winter Getaway. Guests who book the package and stay at any of 38 Philadelphia hotels between January 28 and February 5, 2017 receive the bonuses listed below—plus two tickets to the Philadelphia Auto Show. This package, typically valued up to $228, jumps up to a $256 value with the Auto Show tickets. The standard winter package, available until March 19, 2017, includes:

• Free hotel parking
• Two untimed tickets to Jurassic World: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute
• Admission and ice skate rentals for two at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
• One $20 gift card for use at any of chef Jose Garces’ restaurants in Philadelphia
• A code from Uber good for one free ride valued up to $10 for new and existing customers

“Winter’s more fun when you sleep over in Philadelphia,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA. “And now, thanks to this season’s super value-added hotel package, visitors can experience all of the city’s winter wonders for themselves.” Some of those current wonders: City Hall’s mega-successful holiday happenings: the Christmas Village, Dilworth Park Wintergarden and more.

Bookable seven days a week, the getaway is good for one- and two-night stays this winter only.

About The Package Perks:

• Free Parking: Thirty-eight participating hotels offer free parking for one car for up to two nights—that’s as much as $100 in value at Center City hotels.
• Jurassic World: The Exhibition: The Franklin Institute offers up another blockbuster North American premiere—this one shows off the wild wonders of Isla Nublar in a massive exhibition based on one of Hollywood’s biggest-ever science-fiction films. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic of moviemaking and dinosaur animation stars whopping versions of animatronic dinosaurs—Brachiosaurus, T. Rex, Stegosaurus—and more beasts. Those who book this season’s deal can exchange two admission vouchers onsite for timed tickets, which include entry to the full museum. 222 N. 20^th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edu
• Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest: This waterfront wonderland village features an open-air Olympic-size ice skating rink, cozy lodge with fireplaces, festive landscaping, twinkling lights, fire pits, arcade games and a variety of food and beverages. The winter package includes tickets for two rink admissions and two skate rentals. 101 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 925-7465, delawareriverwaterfront.com
• Garces Restaurants: Award-winning chef Jose Garces rose to prominence in the food world after he opened Amada in Old City in 2005. To date, he’s opened 10 hit restaurants in Philadelphia—Amada, Olde Bar, Tinto, Distrito, Village Whiskey, Volvér, Garces Trading Company, JG Domestic, Buena Onda and the brand-new 24. The $20 gift card included with this winter’s deal is useable at any one of them. garcesgroup.com
• Uber: Visitors can use the Uber app anytime, anywhere to get around Philly. The promo code—good for one free ride valued up to $10—is valid for new and existing Uber customers. uber.com
• The Philadelphia Auto Show: Those who book and stay between January 28 and February 5, 2017 receive a bonus perk: two tickets to a showcase of more than 700 concept, classic, luxury and exotic cars—most available for climbing in—at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. phillyautoshow.com

More Reasons To Book The Package:

Long weekends and special events and exhibits in Philadelphia this winter give visitors even more reasons to book:

• Long Weekends: Martin Luther King Jr. weekend (January 13-16, 2017) and Presidents Day weekend (February 17-20, 2017) give visitors three full days to explore. Those celebrating the life of King and the U.S. presidents can enjoy visits to historic sites and museums, such as the Liberty Bell Center, Independence Hall, President’s House, The African American Museum in Philadelphia and National Constitution Center, among others.
• Special Events: The Philadelphia Flower Show (March 11-19, 2017) features top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 100 vendors, and, for 2017, a Holland theme. Plus, the Philly Craft Beer Festival (March 4, 2017) brings national and international breweries and food trucks to the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
• Special Exhibits: Bill Graham And The Rock & Roll Revolution, through January 16 at the National Museum of American Jewish History; and Thomas Eakins: Photographer, through January 29 at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

Hotel Package History:

Launched in 2001 in response to the events of 9/11, the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package includes free hotel parking and special perks all year long.

So far this year, visitors have used the evergreen package to book more than 11,000 room nights—that’s a 29% increase over the number of room nights booked through the package during the same period last year. (Source: CBRE Hotels)

For a full list of participating hotels and to book the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package Winter Getaway, visitors can go to visitphilly.com/overnight.

Philadelphia To Welcome Plethora Of New Tourism Developments In 2017 #PhiladelphiaWorldHeritageCity

With myriad new openings planned to arrive into the city in 2017, there’s no time like the present to book a trip to Philadelphia, the birthplace of America.

Visitors in 2017 will be able to enjoy a number of new experiences scheduled to open in Philadelphia including a day trip of the city on the new Total Philly Tour, a cultural visit to the new Museum of the American Revolution and an immersive and educational experience with the latest Virtual Reality demonstration at the Franklin Institution.

Launch of Total Philly Tour

Launching in 2017, the ‘Total Philly Tour’ will take visitors through the city’s hotspots and hidden gems. Participants can relish in tasting the delicious food at Jewish delis and the famous Italian Market – the oldest and largest everyday open-air market in America – before paying homage to the unmissable sights within the historic district. This tour also includes a glimpse of public art and stunning mosaics in the Bella Vista neighbourhood and Magic Gardens, adding intricate beauty to any traveller’s photo collection. To top it all off, the tour comes to a close with a local beer expert, who will guide visitors through the booming local bar and pub scene, showcasing the city’s regional breweries and microbrews. The tour starts from outside New Image Art & Framing (601 South 9th Street) at 10am, finishing at 7pm. Strictly over 21s.

Museum of the American Revolution to Open in April

Firmly marking 2017 as a year to celebrate Philadelphia’s colourful past, the state-of-the-art Museum of the American Revolution will open its doors to the public in April next year. Taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable story of America’s founding, the stunning building will feature four floors of permanent and temporary exhibition galleries. Aptly located in the historic heart of the city, the museum is just two blocks from Independence Hall and across the street from Carpenter’s Hall, where the Constitutional Congress first met. Original artefacts, immersive settings and dynamic theatres will instil visitors of all ages with a profound understanding of, and interest in, the outbreak of conflict and ensuing new nation.

Liberty Title and Trust Building to Become Aloft Hotel by Starwood

As the only building on the block of Broad Street and Arch Street to survive the expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Centre, the 1929 Liberty Title and Trust Building is a stalwart of historic architecture in Philadelphia. After years of being vacant, the historically-certified 21-story complex is being renovated into a 179-room Aloft by Starwood hotel – the second from the brand to open in the city. With its superb access to the city’s ancient and modern landmarks, the hotel will be a fantastic addition to the Philadelphia accommodation scene when it opens in 2017.

New Foodie Hotspots

Why not toast the start of 2017 in one of several new restaurants in Philadelphia. At the iconic Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where luxury and grand decor can be found in abundance, savour Latin-American cuisine in the stunning, newly-decorated hotel lobby restaurant. ‘Aqimero’ is bound to make any occasion special, whether diners have a reservation to stay the night or not.

For a more vintage dining experience, Chef Michael Schulson has opened ‘Harp & Crown,’ a trendy new foodie hotspot close to Dilworth Park and Philadelphia’s City Hall. Combining charm and luxury with modern sensibility and functionality, the restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients in a menu of global cuisines, as well as a comprehensive cocktail menu at the 32-seat bar. What is more, the space has been transformed to include a two-lane bowling alley in the basement, where revellers can enjoy drinks, pizza and charcuterie between strikes.

Franklin Institute Launches Virtual Reality Experience

As one of America’s oldest and most beloved museums, the Franklin Institute has been delighting visitors old and young since it was founded in 1824. Despite its age, this science museum on North 21st Street has long been paving the way for innovative displays of information and the latest new Virtual Reality initiative is no exception. Open to visitors in 2017, the VR demonstration spaces will allow visitors to try out an HTC Vice or Oculus Rift and be transported through outer space, encounter a blue whale, explore the human body, tour the solar system and even take a peek inside a brain!

'Jurassic World' Comes Alive At Philadelphia Exhibit At Franklin Institute

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This Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 photo, shows a pair of pachyrhinosaurus that move around as part of... Read more

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Dinosaurs in museums tend to be of the fossilized variety, but a new exhibit in Philadelphia is bringing the creatures and their world to life.

"Jurassic World: The Exhibition" opens at the Franklin Institute on Friday. Based on the blockbuster dinosaur movie franchise, the experience mixes the vibe of a theme park with the backstory of science, but the big — like, really big — attraction is the animatronic dinosaurs, some measuring over 24 feet tall.

The traveling show made its world premiere in Melbourne, Australia, earlier this year, but Philadelphia's U.S. debut offers some new features.

Here's what visitors can expect at the exhibit, which runs through April 23:

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DINOSAUR PETTING ZOO

Guests can meet a towering Brachiosaurus, come face-to-face with a Velociraptor and get up close and personal with a Tyrannosaurus rex. The lifelike, life-size dinosaurs were designed by The Creature Technology Co., which created the enormous creatures for the "Walking with Dinosaurs" arena shows. A family-friendly "Gentle Giants Petting Zoo" also promises interactions with a baby Pachyrhinosaurus and its 29-foot-long mother. Visitors can even "pet" a small dinosaur.

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WHAT'S DIFFERENT FROM MELBOURNE?

The U.S. debut of the exhibit offers a look inside a raptor training paddock, like the one used by Chris Pratt's character in 2015's "Jurassic World." It also includes an interactive raptor.

Tom Zaller, president of Imagine Exhibitions, said that the U.S. show also adds additional science-related content and interactive elements.

The exhibit is nearly double the size of the Australian version.

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PRO PALEONTOLOGIST

Exhibit organizers worked closely with paleontologist Jack Horner, one of the best-known dinosaur researchers in the world, to help get the science right. Horner discovered the world's first dinosaur embryos and found that dinosaurs had nests and cared for their young.

In his book "Jurassic Park," Michael Crichton based the character Alan Grant on Horner. Steven Spielberg brought Horner on as a technical adviser on all of the "Jurassic Park" movies — and Horner did it without a college degree and with dyslexia.

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FAKE CREATURES, REAL SCIENCE

The museum hopes to appeal to fans of science in addition to fans of the movie. An educator guide offers ways to look at the exhibit through scientific eyes on topics including: ethics in science; climate change; DNA and genetics; and extinction.

It also offers interactive exhibits. Brave visitors can even stick an arm into a pile of dinosaur dung to feel its squishy, warm interior as a way to learn about identifying animals by studying their leavings

Travelore News: The Franklin Institute In Philadelphia To Display Vatican Treasures

(AP) — 

"Vatican Splendors" opens Sept. 19 at the Franklin Institute. It will include artwork by Michelangelo, embroidered silk vestments, religious relics and bone fragments of Saints Peter and Paul, and a touchable cast of Pope John Paul II's hand.

The exhibit traces the evolution of the Roman Catholic Church over 2,000 years through 11 galleries that include objects such as mosaics, frescoes, maps and documents. Galleries aim to recreate environments such as catacombs and the papal chambers. Organizers say they want the exhibits to be a multisensory experience.

Pope Francis plans to visit Philadelphia in September for the World Meeting of Families, an international gathering for Catholics aimed at strengthening family bonds.

Larry Dubinski, the Franklin Institute's chief executive, said being able to have the exhibit in Philadelphia during the World Meeting of Families and the pope's visit will give it additional impact.

"Vatican Splendors" has traveled to other U.S. cities in recent years, but organizers said 40 percent of the items are new to this tour, and it has grown in size. About 200 items will be on display.

Organizers have already begun planning lectures, tours and interactive programming.

"It is such a gift to Philadelphia. So many people who otherwise would have to travel to another continent get to experience firsthand the culture and art of the Vatican," said Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of World Meeting of Families.

The Franklin Institute, a science museum named after Benjamin Franklin, is the exhibition's first stop on a two-city North American tour and the only stop on the East Coast, the institute said. The other stop has not yet been announced.

The museum is just a few blocks from where the pope will celebrate an outdoor Mass on Sept. 27.

The exhibit will remain in Philadelphia through Feb. 15.

Contributed by SHARON JOHNSON

TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Raddison Blu Warwick Philadelphia, A World Renowned Luxury Brand New To The U.S. Provides Outstanding Value

The Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia is known for having some of the most exclusive shopping, dining and homes in the world. Recently joining this highly coveted area is the Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel after a $20 million update to the iconic address that originally opened in 1926 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. While the luxurious Raddison Blu brand already has 270 properties in 62 countries, this is only the third in the United States. The others are the Raddison Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago and the Raddison Blu Mall of America. Being new to the U.S. market creates a value opportunity for travelers since perceived value is not yet established against more established 'boutique' brands.

Beyond having world-class options for dinning and shopping just out the door; Philadelphia is one of the
most walk-able cities in the world with its historic area, museums, and theater options all nearby.

The hotel features 301 spacious modern rooms with Philadelphia-centric art. We stayed in one of the 31 spacious Executive Rooms that have upgraded amenities and services including access to the Business Class Lounge serving evening drinks and breakfast, free high speed internet,  in-room Nespresso coffee machine, turn-down service, complementary bottled water, a bath robe and slippers.

 The hotel features three food options; Tavern 17, featuring artisan-inspired dishes from local and organic ingredients.Recommended at Tavern 17 is their Amish Chicken Breast with Yukon gold potato puree, broccolini and salsa; The prime Rib, evocative of a 1940's Manhattan supper club; and a coffee bar. For early risers also offered is a complementary Grab and Run breakfast with fresh coffee, fruit, and breakfast bars from 5-6:30 a.m.

We found the service at the hotel to be outstanding, the 'bottom-line' reason for choosing where to stay. Radisson has a  full satisfaction warranty that if they do not make it right after reporting a problem, you won't pay.

The Radisson Blu Warwick is located on 1701 Locust Street 215-735-6000 or www.RHI_RHPH@Radisson.Com


The newest important attraction in Philadelphia is the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion at the Franklin
Institute, one of the best science museums in the world that first opened it's doors in 1934. The centerpiece of the new pavilion is the Your Brain exhibition. With over 70 interactive experiences Your Brain is the largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the most complex and misunderstood organ in our body in the Country. Other iconic attractions at the Institute include the Baldwin 60,000 locomotive, the walk- through Giant Heart, the Planetarium, and the best IMAX theater that we've experienced in our world travels.

The Franklin Institute is located on 222 N. 20th Street, a 15 minute walk from the Raddison Blu. For more information please visit: www.fi.edu

Also a short walk from the hotel is the British Lush Spa, the second opened in the U.S., with the first opened in New York. While mainly known for its exceptional cosmetics, their spas have unique experiential British theme. Recommended is their signature Synaesthesia treatment designed to be a complete merging of the senses with choreographed massage to music that takes you through a 24 hour day starting with bird songs, along with radiating color and clouds of scent. Before going into your treatment you consult with your therapist sitting along a large table made of reclaimed wood to decide what you seek to achieve with your treatment including "Ambition", "Esteem", "Relaxed", "Mind Cleanser" and "Relaxed"; using a customized blend of essential oils for your treatment to achieve your objective. At the end of your treatment you will be given a Bubble Bar Stone with the same essential oils to take home.

The Lush Spa is located at 1525 Walnut Street, on Rittenhouse Row. For more information please call 215-546-5874 or visit: www.LushUSA.Com/LUSHSPA

For more information about planning your visit to Philadelphia and to enter to win a "Dream Trip To Philly" please go to: www.VisitPhilly.com






         

           

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220 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel: +1 (215) 790-1799

Our contemporary take on the traditional tavern is the perfect spot to get together with business associates, clients, friends and family, enjoying a comfortable and unpretentious – yet totally "now" and atmospheric – environment.

The tavern serves breakfast and dinner daily, plus Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Tavern 17 Bar

Pick from 12 craft beers on tap as well as a wide variety of wines by the glass. You will also find your favorite spirits and engaging, friendly staff.

In-room dining

Our convenient in-room dining features the same menu as Tavern 17 and follows the same hours as the restaurant as well. Enjoy fine food in the comfort of your guest accommodation.

Private Parties

Tavern 17 provides a fresh, alternative venue for that special event or celebration you are planning. It is the perfect atmosphere for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, birthdays, anniversary dinners and networking events. Contact Stefy Garber atstefy.garber@radisson.com for more information.

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The Coffee Bar menu indulges guests with local One Village Coffee, bagels from Philadelphia’s renowned Metropolitan Bakery, and croissants and pastries from Au Four Nil, along with craft beers, wine, cocktails and "charged" coffee beverages. Additional options include freshly made sandwiches, soups and handcrafted sweets.

The featured atmospheric local photography is also available for sale.