The Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1731, was the first circulating library in America. Today, it is an independent research library with more than a half a million books, graphics and other rare printed items from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Library Company is the only major early American library to survive intact and as such, it provides an interesting example of the book culture of early America. The library has an extensive collection of English and American novels, plays, poems and narratives.

The University anchors the newly renovated South Broad Street "Avenue of the Arts," a cluster of top cultural organizations that form a hub for arts and entertainment. The University's neighbors include the Academy of Music, the Wilma Theater, and the new Regional Performing Arts Center. In addition to training in all the arts, the University owns several theatres, including the Arts Bank and the Merriam, where professional dance and theatre performances are regularly scheduled.

Reconstructionists at Center City's Leyv Ha-Ir have a strong commitment to tradition and to their search for contemporary meaning. They define Judaism as an ever-evolving product of history that must be continuously re-examined and restated for each age. When a particular Jewish value or custom becomes meaningless, Reconstructionist rabbis work with committed lay members to formulate guidelines for future Jewish practices. In this way, each generation of Jews can subtly reshape the faith and traditions of the Jewish people so that Judaism becomes a dynamic, ever-changing vision for the future.

Congregation Mikveh Israel was founded in 1740 and is the second oldest congregation in the United States. Benjamin Franklin contributed to the building fund and a letter that George Washington wrote to the Congregation can be viewed when you visit here. Early members of the Congregation include Nathan Levy, whose ship brought the Liberty Bell to America, and Isaac Leeser, who was the first to translate the Hebrew Bible into English for Jewish readers. Congregation Mikvey Israel is one of four congregations in the world that utilizes the Sephardic, Spanish/Portugese Rite.

The society's collection is highlighted by the continuing exhibit, "Finding Philadelphia's Past." Over 500 antiques and personal items chronicle the city's history through 1900, including the wampum belt of Pennsylvania founder William Penn and George Washington's desk. Videos delving into Philadelphia's rich history can be viewed in the "Trolley Car Theater." Check website for further information.

In operation for more than 30 years, the Gross McCleaf Art Gallery caters to those who prefer pieces that are geared more toward contemporary realism than abstract work from local and regional artists. Gross McCleaf Gallery carries an extensive inventory that is rotated around three locations.

This 1976 Claes Oldenburg sculpture carries the same bit of quirk found in many of his other works about the city. If you take a stroll through Philadelphia, you'll find it is not that odd to find a 20-foot tall, red clothespin in the middle of high activity areas. The Clothespin also provided the background for a scene with Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Ankroyd in the film "Trading Places." There are other Claes Oldenburg sculptures around town, including the giant broken button on the Penn campus at 36th and Locust Walk.

The Rosenbach Museum & Library is cozily nestled away, much like many of its exhibits, in a residential area. The 19th Century townhouse boasts original manuscripts and handwritten copies of some of the world's most important literary works. The most highly prized of all the rarities on display is the original handwritten manuscript for James Joyce's 'Ulysses'. The museum celebrates 'Ulysses' every June 16th with the Bloomsday festival.

In the 19th century, the Academy was the American equivalent of the best European art schools. A host of genres and mediums from the most prominent names in American art are constantly on display, with new pieces rotating their way into the collection. Some of America's best artists either taught or were students here, including Thomas Eakins and Mary Cassatt. The building itself is a work of art designed by Frank Furness, an influential 19th-century American architect.

Casual visitors, artists and fabric buyers alike enjoy the fusion of the brilliant textile displays and on-site working fabric design shop of this unique museum. Located in an industrial loft, original designs from some of the most notable names in the fabric art world are on display. The institution also gets the community involved with the Apprentice in Training program that educates students about every characteristic of the textile production process and the artistic aspect. The gift shop also sells prints and other items.