The Barnes Foundation Presents "Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me" Opening March 3–May 19, 2024

In spring 2024, the Barnes Foundation will present Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me, a major exhibition exploring the influence and significance of photographer, designer, and instructor Alexey Brodovitch (1898–1971). Brodovitch is best known for his art direction of the US fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar from 1934 to 1958 and his role in making photography the cornerstone of its visual identity. Curated by Katy Wan, Managing Curator, D.Daskalopoulos Collection Gift, Tate Modern, London, this exhibition will focus on the legacy of this overlooked figure, consider his collaborations with many of the major figures of 20th-century photography, and encourage new perspectives on art direction and graphic design.

Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal. Key support is provided by the David Berg Foundation and additional support comes from The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, Julie Jensen Bryan and Robert Bryan, Hearst, and Donna and Jerry Slipakoff. This exhibition will be on view in the Roberts Gallery from March 3 through May 19, 2024.

As art director at Harper’s Bazaar, Alexey Brodovitch transformed the magazine and design fields through his creative layouts—often incorporating surrealist inventions and European avant-garde innovations—and celebrated collaborations with photographers including Richard Avedon and Lillian Bassman. Upon first arriving in the United States in 1930, he taught at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art (now University of the Arts) in Philadelphia and, later, the New School for Social Research in New York City. Brodovitch’s unique pedagogy influenced an extraordinary number of celebrated documentary and fashion photographers, including Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Eve Arnold, and Hans Namuth. He also collaborated with luminaries such as Man Ray and Henri Cartier-Bresson.

“Alexey Brodovitch had a tremendous impact on photography as an artistic medium in the mid-20th century. His influence on the world of design is indelible, but he has been overlooked in the history of art,” says Thom Collins, Neubauer Family Executive Director and President of the Barnes. “He called Philadelphia home beginning in 1930; while Dr. Barnes was building his collection of modern European paintings and introducing it to the city, Brodovitch was introducing leading European design to his students—and later, through his work at Harper’s Bazaar, to a wider audience. We are proud to present the first major US museum exhibition to explore the influence of Brodovitch, along with the first monograph to examine his present-day relevance and pivotal relationships with photographers.”

Born in the former Russian Empire (now Belarus) to an aristocratic Jewish family, Brodovitch dreamed of becoming an artist when he was a young man. After serving in the Russian Civil War, he was exiled to Paris. He lived in Montparnasse, a diverse community inhabited by some of the 20th century’s most revolutionary artists, where he was exposed to myriad artistic styles. Brodovitch’s exposure to vanguard art movements fueled an intense interest in photography and typography. He took on freelance work as a graphic designer, creating posters, advertisements, and restaurant decoration and paraphernalia. His first design success was in 1924 for a Grand Prix poster contest for the Bal Banal, which many artists entered, including one Pablo Picasso.

Brodovitch arrived in the United States in 1930 and moved to Philadelphia to work at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art (now the University of the Arts) where he established the Department of Advertising Design. He introduced his students to cutting-edge magazines and other leading European design work and founded his methodology on creative problem-solving, which was unorthodox during the time. In 1933, he established the Design Laboratory, a workshop that used contemporary examples and technology to explore innovative design possibilities.

In 1934, Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow saw Brodovitch’s work in New York City. She immediately suggested the magazine hire him as art director. During the subsequent years, he frequently used surrealist devices in his magazine layouts, which featured constellations of small photographs, a creative use of white space and contemporary fonts, and playful spreads that unfolded like musical compositions. Changes in size, layering, and color provided the viewer with a sequence of experiences, evoking movement and energy on the printed page. Brodovitch also pursued personal projects: from 1935 to 1937, he photographed several performances of the itinerant Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo using a 35mm camera and slow shutter speeds. The resulting images were ethereal—capturing the movement and experience of dance. In 1945, this body of work was published in the boldly experimental photobook Ballet, which became one of the most significant achievements of its medium and the only book of his own work that Brodovitch ever produced.

“Alexey Brodovitch was regarded by his peers as the father of modern art direction. He created unconventional and experimental designs that are common practice today, and the lessons he imparted through his own work and his influence on those he mentored have transformed the worlds of photography and graphic design,” says curator Katy Wan. “Though Brodovitch is not a household name, the images by photographers whom he worked with and influenced are instantly recognizable all around the world. Our hope is that this exhibition affirms his legacy in modern photography and design.”

Featuring more than 100 works from public and private collections around the world, Alexey Brodovitch: Astonish Me is arranged thematically and showcases photographs, prints, works on paper, books, and magazines, including works by artists Brodovitch mentored and collaborated with, including Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon, Lillian Bassman, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Irving Penn.

Exhibition highlights include:

Richard Avedon. Dovima with Elephants, Evening Dress by Dior, Cirque d’Hiver, Paris (1955): This iconic photograph by Richard Avedon is a testament to his mentor, Brodovitch, who challenged artists to “astonish” viewers through surprise and invention. (Richard Avedon Foundation, NY)

Lisette Model. Woman at Coney Island (1939-41, printed 1976): Brodovitch presented Model’s ebullient subject in a Bazaar spread dedicated to the cherished tourist destination of Coney Island. (Tate, United Kingdom)

Henri Cartier-Bresson. Calle Cuauhtemoctzin, Mexico City (1934-35): Brodovitch was allegedly the only art director permitted the crop the photographs of Cartier-Bresson, who famously espoused the ‘decisive moment’ of releasing the shutter. Brodovitch dared to give Cartier-Bresson’s photograph a fresh presentation in Bazaar.

Eve Arnold. Models Limbering Up Backstage before a Fashion Show in Harlem (1950): Brodovitch understood the significance of Eve Arnold’s photography of the Harlem fashion shows in the 1950s, when she brought them to his attention at one of his classes at the New School. (Magnum Photos)

Poster for Bal Banal (1924): Brodovitch’s design won first prize in the poster competition for a soirée organized by the Union des Artistes Russes in Paris. It helped launch his career in commercial art and graphic design. (Collection of Dr. Curt Lund)

Cover image. “The Girl of Tomorrow,” Harper’s Bazaar (February 1939): Brodovitch’s bizarre and fantastical imagery captures the spirit of surrealism. He did not self-identity with the surrealists but was influenced by their aesthetic. (Collection of Vince Aletti)

Photograph. Tricorne (1935): Brodovitch’s emphasis on mood, atmosphere, and dynamism transformed the direction of dance photography. This evocative image was included in his one and only photobook, Ballet (1945). (Philadelphia Museum of Art. From the Collection of Dorothy Norman, 1968)

Floor Chair, Model 1211-C (c. 1948): Brodovitch’s modern aesthetic extended to furniture design. This model won third prize in its category at the International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture Design at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, in 1950. (Museum of Modern Art, New York)

For more information and to plan your visit, please go to: https://www.barnesfoundation.org/plan-your-visit

The Essential Guide To Visiting Philadelphia, A World-Class City With Something For Everyone

   

Philadelphia’s Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park (left) is a popular spot to gather and enjoy skyline views. Dilworth Park (right), on the west side of Philadelphia City Hall, is both one of William Penn’s original squares and a busy urban park.

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

PHILADELPHIA – Every year, visitors to Philadelphia get to know the city’s history, customs, cuisine, dialect and landscape during their visits. Both first-time travelers and returning natives discover and rediscover a diverse, neighborhood-based  metropolis with a downtown that’s easy to navigate on one’s own or via public transit. Philly regularly receives raves in The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast Traveler, yet doesn’t stand one bit for pretense. Here are the basics any visitor to Philadelphia should know:

Well-Planned City:

• Layout – Seventeenth-century city planner William Penn envisioned the grid of streets that comprise Philadelphia’s downtown, Center City. Perpendicular streets run north-south (they’re numbered) and east-west (many named for trees: Walnut, Locust, Spruce). What would be 1^st Street is named Front Street. What would be 14^th Street is Broad Street. Two rivers, the Schuylkill and the Delaware (dividing Pennsylvania from New Jersey), form the western and eastern boundaries of Center City; Vine Street and South Street form north-south boundaries. Today, Penn continues to give direction to the city. His statue atop City Hall points northeast.
• Exceptions to the Layout – The century-old, mile-long Benjamin Franklin Parkway cuts diagonally through Center City’s grid, from near City Hall, past the famous LOVE Park to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Modeled after Paris’ Champs-Élysées, the parkway is home to the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Rodin Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. East Passyunk Avenueruns diagonally through South Philly, passing through a row of restaurants and shops, past cheesesteak rivals Geno Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks and ending at colorful South Street. Frankford Avenue begins near Delaware Avenue before heading northeast through Fishtown and Kensington, where Penn’s grid transforms into more of a web. Parkway, 16^th to 26^th Streets, parkwaymuseumsdistrictphiladelphia.org; Passyunk, Broad & McKean to South Streets, visiteastpassyunk.com; Frankford, Delaware Avenue to Northeast Philly, frankfordavearts.org
• Greene Country Towne – Penn also planned Center City’s five main squares, part of his vision for a “greene countrie town.” Today, these city-block parks are called Rittenhouse Square, in one of Philly’s most desirable neighborhoods; Washington Square, home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Franklin Square, with a playground and carousel; Logan Square, now a circle along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with the Swann Memorial Fountain; and Center Square, where City Hall and Dilworth Park reside. Rittenhouse, 18^th & Walnut Streets, friendsofrittenhouse.org; Washington, 7^th & Walnut Streets; Franklin, 6^th & Race Streets, historicphiladelphia.org; Logan, 19^th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway; Center Square/Dilworth Park, Broad & Market Streets, (215) 440-5500, dilworthpark.org

Getting Around:

• By Foot or Wheelchair – Locals like to self-propel. It’s the easiest way to get around. WalkScore ranks Philadelphia as the country’s fifth most pedestrian-friendly large city.
• Indego – Cyclists can traverse the city’s 240 miles of bike lanes by using this popular bike-share program. More than 120 docking stations have simple credit card machines that take less than a minute to use. A day pass is $10 for unlimited 30-minute rides; any ride over 30 minutes is an additional $4. rideindego.com
• Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop^™ – Fast, convenient and affordable: That’s the purple PHLASH bus. Riders pay $2 per ride, $5 for a one-day pass to reach 22 stops along its attraction-heavy route. The PHLASH runs daily in the summer and winter holiday seasons, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the fall. ridephillyphlash.com
• SEPTA (Southeastern Public Transit Authority) – The region’s public transit system includes subways, buses, trolleys and suburban rail lines. The Broad Street Line subway runs north and south along Broad Street and connects to the sports stadiums of South Philadelphia, with express service during games. The Market-Frankford Line (called “the El” for its above-ground portions) travels east and west beneath Market Street, connecting to northeastern neighborhoods Northern Liberties and Fishtown and to University City/West Philly in the other direction. Numbered bus lines cover nearly every other block of the city. For subways and buses, riders can pay $2.50 in cash (exact change), or purchase a reloadable SEPTA Key Card, which offers several fare options. Riders can also purchase an individual or Family Independence Pass; both provide unlimited travel for one whole day, for one low fare. septa.org
• Taxis – They’re easy to flag down, especially in Center City. Look for the light on, on the top.
• Uber, Lyft, 215-Get-A-Cab – Need a ride? There are apps for that. uber.com, lyft.com, 215getacab.com

Historic Essentials:

• Independence National Historical Park – America’s most historic square mile is a must-see of America’s origins. Visitors can pick up free, timed tickets to tour esteemed Independence Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Declaration of Independence was signed, the U.S. Constitution was created, and the Annual Reminders, the country’s earliest organized and recurring LGBTQ rights demonstrations, took place. Nearby, the no-ticket-required Liberty Bell Center displays the beloved symbol of freedom, continuous inspiration for believers in civil rights. On the same block, the open-air site The President’s House: Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation tells of the nine Africans U.S. President George Washington enslaved there. (215) 965-2305, nps.gov/inde
• Valley Forge National Historical Park – In the harsh winter of 1777-1778, Washington’s Continental Army encamped here. Today, the site honors the sacrifice and strength of those who helped secure freedom for the United States. Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a variety of programming throughout the year, including ranger programs, guided tours and living history demonstrations. Open year round with the exception of Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, when grounds are open, but park buildings are closed. 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, (610) 783-1099, nps.gov/vafo

Art & Architecture:

• Barnes Foundation – This world-renowned collection contains Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, along with Old Master works, Native American jewelry and African sculpture. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7200, barnesfoundation.org
• Boathouse Row – Ten charming, 19^th-century crew clubhouses comprise this National Historical Landmark along the Schuylkill River. Still in use, the boathouses serve local colleges and universities. At night, lights frame the buildings, providing one of Philadelphia’s most recognizable—and Instagram-worthy—landmarks. 1 Boathouse Row, boathouserow.org
• Mural Arts Philadelphia – Founded in 1984 as an anti-graffiti initiative, this world-renowned mural program uses art to ignite change in communities, transforming public spaces and individual lives. To date, the program has produced nearly 4,000 murals, available to view on one’s own or via a number of tours. 128 N. Broad Street, (215) 925-3633, muralarts.org  
• Philadelphia City Hall – The Second Empire building at the intersection of Broad and Market Streets has been the home to Philadelphia city government for more than a century. The elaborate masonry structure, once the tallest building in the U.S., remains, at 14.5 acres, the country’s largest municipal building. The observation deck below the 37-foot bronze statue of William Penn atop the clock tower offers tours on weekdays and select Saturdays, and the building hosts two-hour building tours. Broad & Market Street, (267) 514-4757, phlvisitorcenter.com/CityHall 
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – The crown jewel of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway offers an astounding art collection spans more than 2,000 years and includes sculpture, paintings, textiles, arms and armor, photography, prints and drawings. The site was also immortalized in the classic Rocky film franchise. To this day, visitors jog up the steps to reenact Stallone’s famous scene. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.org
• African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) – The very first museum funded by a major city to showcase and preserve the African-American history and culture opened in 1976 and remains home to an extensive collection of artifacts and hosts a number of artistic and cultural events. 701 Arch Street, (215) 574-0380, aampmuseum.org
• National Museum of American Jewish History – Also established in 1976 is this only U.S. museum dedicated exclusively to the American Jewish experience. More than 30,000 artifacts comprise the world’s largest collection of Jewish Americana; the venue hosts public and educaitonal programs, events and lectures. 5^th & Market Streets, (215) 923-3811, nmajh.org

All About The Food:

• Cheesesteaks – Born in South Philly, this meat-and-cheese (onion optional) sandwich is most frequently purchased at 24/7 operations Pat’s King of Steaks (where it was invented) and nearby Geno’s Steaks, Pennsport’s neon-lit Tony Luke’s, South Street’s Jim’s Steaks and North Philly’s famedMax’s Steaks. Geno’s, 1219 S. 9^th Street, (215) 389-0659, genosteaks.com; Pat’s, 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue, patskingofsteaks.com; Tony Luke’s, 39 E. Oregon Avenue,(215) 551-5725, tonylukes.com; Jim’s, 400 South Street, (215) 928-1911, jimssouthstreet.com; Max’s, 3653 Germantown Avenue, (215) 229-9048
• Hoagies – Outside of the 215/267/484/445 area codes, these sandwiches often go by “subs” or “heroes.” Philly’s hoagie game is serious: The bread has to be just right—slightly crunchy on the outside yet soft enough to allow bites through to deli meat, cheese and toppings. South Philly spots such as Chickie’s Italian Deli and Cosmi’s Deli are classic; places like Primo Hoagies are reliably omnipresent. Chickie’s, 1014 Federal Street, (215) 462-8040, chickiesdeli.com, Cosmi’s, 1501 S. 8^th Street, (215) 468-6093, cosmideli.com, Primo, various locations, primohoagies.com
• Roast Pork – The Philly sandwich many locals consider to be the real hometown favorite consists of a quality long Italian roll, savory sliced pork, provolone cheese and broccoli rabe or garlicky spinach. Some people add long hots (peppers) for even more flavor. Two popular places people go for roast pork are the Reading Terminal Market’s Tommy DiNic’s and John’s Roast Pork, on the edge of South Philadelphia’s Pennsport neighborhood. DiNic’s, 12^th & Arch Streets, (215) 923-6175, tommydinics.com; John’s, 14 Snyder Avenue, (215) 463-1951, johnsroastpork.com
• Soft Pretzels – Early German settlers introduced this doughy delight. In the morning, locals can dip pretzels into cream cheese; typically, mustard is the condiment of choice. Soft pretzels are standard fare at food carts, and often sourced at South Philly’s Center City Pretzel Co. and throughout the region atPhilly Pretzel Factory franchises. Center City, 816 Washington Avenue, (215) 463-5664, centercitypretzel.com, Pretzel Factory, phillypretzelfactory.com
• Water Ice – Erstwhile referred to as Italian ice, this smoother-than-a-snow cone, better-than-a-shaved ice has flavor mixed in, not poured on top. Lemon and cherry win the most-ordered contest, though the sweet treat comes in a variety of flavors. South Philadelphia’s circa 1945 John’s Water Ice, multipleRita’s Italian Ice locations, and West Philly’s Siddiq’s Real Fruit Water Ice keep people cool in the warmer months. John’s, 701 Christian Street, (215) 925-6955, johnswaterice.com; Rita’s, ritasice.com; Siddiq’s, 264 S. 60^th Street, (215) 410-6513, siddiqswaterice.com
• Food Hubs – For these and more Philly flavors, the Reading Terminal Market and S. 9^th Street Italian Market serve as culinary catchalls. The former houses 80 vendors of regional specialties and global cuisine in an historic onetime train terminal. The latter lines multiple South Philly blocks with merchants selling produce, cheeses, tacos, pasta, meats, spices and more. Reading Terminal, 12^th & Filbert Streets, (215) 922-2317, readingterminalmarket.org, Italian Market, S. 9^th Street, between Christian & Federal Streets, (215) 278-2903, italianmarketphilly.org

The Dialect:

• Pronunciations – Many Philadelphia natives have a distinctive way of pronouncing local names. Schuylkill, as in the river or the I-76 expressway, is skool-kil. Passyunk, the South Philadelphia avenue and neighborhood, is pash-shunk.
• Philly Accent – Water is wooder. Many words that start with st- tend to get more of a sht- treatment, making street sound like street. The pronoun “our” sounds like are, and “orange” gets the same sound at its start—are-ange. “Bagel” goes by beg-el (but soft pretzels are better; see above). And jeet? That’s how caring Philadelphians ask if a person has eaten.

The Dictionary:

• gravy /grey-vee/ noun: a South Philadelphia term for red Italian sauce. Villa Di Roma makes gravy like my grandmom’s.
• hoagie /hoh-gee/ noun: a hero or sub sandwich. The block party is sure to have hoagies, cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.
• jawn /jawn/ noun: a thing, person or place; multi-purpose fill-in-the-blank word. Wave that jawn when the parade goes by.
• the Linc /thə lingk/ noun: short for Lincoln Financial Field. “E-A-G-L-E-S: Eagles!” echoes, well, really, everywhere.
• Mummers /muhm-er/ noun: costumed musicians and irreverent revelers who march up Broad Street on New Year’s Day. You know Uncle Jimmie. He’s a Mummer.
• yo /yoh/ interjection: greeting; used to get someone’s attention. Yo! Who’s dat at the top of City Hall?
• water ice /wood-er ahys/ noun: Italian ice treat. When it’s August, lemon water ice hits the spot.
• Wawa /wah-wah/ noun: convenience store native to Philadelphia region. Stop at Wawa for a Classic hoagie and some Tastykakes before the game.

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

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.