The 2000 block of Delancey Place (the most filmed residential street of Philadelphia) in Rittenhouse Square is one of the prettiest in the city. With its Civil War-era mansions and beautiful window boxes overflowing with flowers, you almost expect the residents to saunter out in Victorian garb.
Every June 16 the street is packed with fans of James Joyce’s Ulysses for an all-day out loud reading of the once scandalous masterpiece in celebration of Bloomsday. Chairs are lined up, singers from the Academy of Vocal Arts prepare their voices to sing “Shall I Wear a White Rose” or “Seaside Girls” or another tune from the book. Readers, famous and not, line up, grasping beloved, bookmarked copies. The literary lovers arrive. Excitement is palpable. Some stay for an hour, others for the duration. In the museum, tucked into one of its many bookshelves, is a copy of Joyce’s manuscript, probably the Rosenbach’s most famous holding.
But there are many other treats as well. A manuscript of Dylan Thomas’ Under Milkwood, a first edition of Jane Eyre, and an extensive collection of the Scottish Poet Robert Burns’ notes and poem drafts. It’s a goldmine for researchers. I personally get a thrill seeing Nathaniel Hawthorne’s copy of Moby Dick (a gift from their brief but intense friendship). Marianne Moore, the modernist poet, bequeathed her belongings: visit the recreation of her Greenwich village living room (see pic). There’s more: antiques, portraits, a beautiful garden and fun events and courses.
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...
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Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...
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The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...
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"Stina Pizzeria" in Philadelphia offers an enticing blend of pizza but also the best spanakopita I've ever tasted and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes...
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"The Modern Republic" in Philadelphia is a midcentury modern home decor shop that is colorful, ebullient, high-ceilinged, and tastefully curated!
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"Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood" in Philadelphia is 36-feet-large and portrays the early 21st-century LGBTQ+ icon that's conquered the world...
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When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.
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"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...
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Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).
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These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...
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"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...
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My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...
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156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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