One of the prettiest areas in the city. Definitely worth driving down. You can easily get directly into center city, or down toward Kelly Drive. It's worth parking and walking around for sure too! read more

I like Benjamin Franklin Parkway. If you've never been to Philadelphia before, I think it's a must-see. If you have time and weather permits, I recommend walking the parkway in its entirety. It's only about a mile long. Its two end points are major attractions: City Hall (technically, John F. Kennedy Plaza or Love Park: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-park-philadelphia) and the Philadelphia Museum of Art (https://www.yelp.com/biz/philadelphia-museum-of-art-philadelphia). The Parkway is wide and scenic. It was modeled after the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Unlike the Champs-Elysees, however, Benjamin Franklin Parkway isn't lined with as many buildings, but instead more trees. Many parks and fountains are situated on the Parkway's path, from Love Park to Eakins Oval. Along with parks and fountains, there are several museums and other sights and attractions along the Parkway. They include the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Logan Circle (a.k.a. Logan Square), the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Franklin Institute, and the Rodin Museum. The latter is home to a historic statue, The Thinker. This part of town is officially known as the Parkway Museums District. If you're sightseeing in Philly for the first time, I suggest starting at City Hall (https://www.yelp.com/biz/city-hall-philadelphia). The midpoint of the Parkway is the aforementioned Logan Circle (https://www.yelp.com/biz/logan-circle-philadelphia-2), home of the beautiful Swann Memorial Fountain (https://www.yelp.com/biz/swann-memorial-fountain-philadelphia-2). The stretch of parkway between Logan Circle and the Philadelphia Museum of Art is lined with flags of countries from all over the world. Not every country is represented. According to the city's Parkway Council Foundation, the flags represented are those "with significant populations in Philadelphia" (http://www.parkwaymuseumsdistrictphiladelphia.org/About-the-Parkway/FAQs/25/#q5). Growing up, I was first introduced to Benjamin Franklin Parkway, unknowingly, through the Rocky movies. Rocky II (1979) in particular highlights the Parkway with Sylvester Stallone running with a bunch of kids around Swann Memorial Fountain (Logan Circle) and then up the Parkway, past The Thinker (Rodin Museum) and Washington Monument (Eakins Oval), and up the famous art museum steps: https://youtu.be/ABg0c_E7OOI?t=282. Fittingly, the steps are known as the Rocky Steps: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rocky-steps-philadelphia. These steps are probably the highlight of the Parkway for me. There's a great view of the parkway, fountains, and city from the top. read more

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Love this area, nice place to walk around because of several museums in the area. They are all walking distance to each other. People are jogging on the walkway in the middle of the road. Lots of beautiful trees. read more

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Came for the July 4th celebration. Very crowded. Meghan Trainor and Jennifer Hudson performed to huge crowds. A couple of big screens allow you to see the performances. Of course you can get this at home on TV. There are a few food trucks and lots of beer and wine booths. Unfortunately, the food truck choices aren't the best. We tried empanadas which were pretty good and from another truck, Inmovations, hot dog, burger and fries. It was OK. They were slow with the order and very polite and apologetic and gave Hubby a comp Gatorade for the wait. Crowds were civil as we watched Jennifer Hudson and Meghan Trainor perform and eventually the fireworks which started 1/2 hr late. Then the massive exit of bodies when it was all over. Have to say City Hall at night looked pretty awesome. Also glad to see a lot of Philadelphia's police force all over the place read more

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Lots happening here from marathons to live music, festivals and celebrations. The parkway is really enjoyable to walk rather than use by vehicle. read more

The Ben Franklin Parkway is most frequently a road used for me to get from point A to point B in Philly; however various occasions throughout the year cause it shut down for use as a huge event space. From the 4th of July Party on the Parkway, Thanksgiving Day Parade, Made in America, Philly Marathon to numerous charity runs and walks, whenever there is an event going on the Ben Franklin Parkway it is a hubbub of activity. Not all of the activities are my cup of tea but there probably is something for everyone, if you don't mind large crowds and a little chaos from time to time. The city government and city cops seem to have gotten the routine down and, for the most part, I feel pretty safe attending an event of the parkway. Whether it be an event day or a regular afternoon, the structure of the parkway lends itself to awesome views. Whether you are standing in center city and looking towards the Art Museum or at the top of the steps looking towards City Hall, it can be quite picturesque. Might I recommend a stroll down the parkway on a nonevent day. read more

Ben Franklin Parkway - Cultural Center Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Listen, I understand, there are 196 Countries in the World. 109 of which are represented on the parkway. However, Saudi Arabia is not one of them. And I wonder why? Yes, there isn't a large Saudi immigrants, but the decent Saudi population still hope for a little more recognition. Anyone? Deputy City Representatives office. Other than that, this iconic one mile-long stretch is running through the heart of Philly, from Love park to Philadelphia Museum of Art. The parkway is surrounded by few small parks, sculptures and monuments, and lined with many museums worth visiting, such as the Rodin Museum, the Barnes Foundation, and the Franklin Institute. All year-round, things get into full swing around the Parkway. From 5k and marathons to parades and concerts. Three and Half Yelps. read more

Ben Franklin Parkway - Cultural Center Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Beautiful and extremely large! Festivals and concerts are held here on a norm (Made in America concert, 4th of July fire works, marathons, etc). I like riding my bike around here, but be careful because there's a lot of foot traffic. You could easily run someone over if you're not really experienced. It is also a huge tourist attraction that is a must see. It's rare to see pretty trees in Philly and this place has it! Bring you family and your camera bc you're going to take tons of pictures! read more

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is a picturesque route from LOVE Park to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Consider this your go to route to get to most of the Philadelphia Museums. Beautiful tree lined street that circles Logan Square. This is the most famous street in Philadelphia and well worth a drive. The true Philadelphia experience will include a drive on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. read more

Ben Franklin Parkway - Cultural Center Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Came here for Made in America festival. Huge space and beautiful grounds with a bunch of historic statues

Philadelphia's Annual Welcome America Festival (July 4, 2018)on the Parkway was a must attend, my kids and I have been going there for over 10 years. This year was no different. Rain or shine, we were going to make it. Parking was free, which made those of us traveling with children (plus cooler, food, chairs, etc) much easier. Kudos for that! The crowd is always thick, so we arrived about 3pm, early enough to find decent parking (around the corner from the main event area)but a little too late for many family friendly/kids activities were over, or lines were too long. And, unlike previous summers, this year certain kids events cost money. One ride (A trampoline style harness) cost five dollars. For an individual with one child, it may be an inconvenience but for those with more than one child, activities. It would have been easier had they offered family discount coupons, with access to rides. games, etc. On the plus side, there were enough food" vendors, enough space, some free giveaways, curbside entertainment, read more

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway (originally called the Fairmount Parkway until 1937) was designed as the centerpiece of the City Beautiful urban design movement of the late 19th Century. Often compared to the Champs-Elysees in Paris because of its width and anchoring by key public monuments and edifices, in fact, it looks little like that famous roadway, but is truly an American take on European classical architecture and urban planning, talked about since the Civil War to signify a "model of an orderly, classical metropolis, crisscrossed by boulevards and dominated by stately groups of public buildings." And, true to that description, the buildings along its traverse from City Hall to the foot of the Art Museum, are what make this diagonal slash through Center City so dramatic, culturally worthwhile, and give the roadway its importance and stately beauty. The emergence of these structures began in 1864 when the Cathedral of Peter and Paul was completed at 18th and Logan Square. Thereafter, in 1876 The Academy of Natural Sciences opened at 19th and the Parkway. In 1901 Philadelphia City Hall was finished. Ground for the actual roadway was not broken until 1907, although plans for it had gone through several iterations until then - delayed by political considerations. The final design was not approved until 1917, when actual construction commenced. The Swann Memorial Fountain in the middle of Logan Square started flowing in 1924. The Free Library main branch began lending books in 1927, and the first part of the Pennsylvania Museum (later renamed the Philadelphia Museum of Art) admitted its first visitors in 1928. Rodin Museum followed in 1929 at 22nd and the Parkway, and The Franklin Institute opened at its current location at 20th and the Parkway in 1934. Moore College of Art & Design moved to its campus on 20th Street in 1959; the Barnes Foundation in 2012 between 20th and 21st Streets. There are many other buildings along the Parkways length contributing to its overall grandeur. Although Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods, what gives this town its national and international identity (in addition to cheesesteaks and pretzels) are the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and all that is found along its length and breadth. From City Hall to the Art Museum, this space is where people meet for special events, from 4th of July concerts and fireworks, to the Papal visit and National Football League Draft. It has a deserved reputation for a great party venue that has only improved with the new skyline in western Center City and the emergence of West Philly across the Schuylkill River as an educational and commercial center in view beyond the museum to the west. It attracts pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists to survey its graceful imposing reality. It is a great place for people watching. The addition of restaurants and cafes within a few blocks of the Parkway, make it also a cool place to find anything from a nosh to full dinner. The only place better to capture the essence of the city is to get up to the Belmont Plateau on a late afternoon and take in the panorama of Center City from that vantage point. You can do both spots as part of one excursion, then come back; find a place to park, and explore the great collections and histories that populate the Parkway. read more

A nice space in the city to stop by. I am often here either for events, drove by or walked by.

Not sure what to say about "The Parkway" - but it is an integral piece of the Philly Landscape and Cityscape. Many events, parades, races and benefits are held here - and when they are the traffic is re-routed and it's kind of a pain. If you live in the city - chances are you have been on the parkway on your way to a museum or even to work. read more

Love this venue for Made in America festival. Three years straight and never disappointed. The area becomes a cocoon of music, art, and of course beer (Budweiser is the biggest sponsor.) When an event is not taking place, it's a nice area to relax by the museum (and don't forget the rocky statue and steps!) I am a fan. read more

Ben Franklin Parkway - Made in America's main stage in front of Philadelphia museum of art - Cultural Center Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great spacious area. I attended the Pkwy for the 2016 Made in America Festival and had a grand time! Philly definietly knows how to show you a fun time! read more

Ben Franklin Parkway - Cultural Center Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I usually don't enjoy walking near so many lanes of traffic, but with all of tall trees and well maintained paths, it's hard not to fall in love with the parkway. Not only are there several museums here, there also countless events that add to the excitement here. Another perfect dog walking location in this crazy dog lady's opinion! read more

Not sure quite how to review the parkway. I walked the parkway in my way to Philadelphia art museum. It was clean and side street for parking and bike lanes. I was walking during work hours so it was pretty quiet. read more