While the driving restrictions may keep many visitors in one area through the duration of the Papal party, the city's museum, history, and food scenes offer many avenues to keep everyone happily entertained.
The entire region is in high gear preparing for the World Meeting of Families and the arrival of Pope Francis in September
Hundreds of thousands of people are planning to flock to Philadelphia for the festivities which includes events throughout the city the week of Sept. 22 through Sept. 27 when the pope delivers Mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway.
While the driving restrictions and security meausres may keep many visitors mostly confined to one area through the duration of the Papal party, the city's museum, history, and food scenes offer many avenues to keep everyone happily entertained.
Ecclesiastical Exhibits
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University -- Plant and animal specimens, objects, books, and archival materials given to the museum over the years by clergy from the Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Quaker, Jewish, and Moravian communities. The exhibit runs through Oct. 23. For more information, visit ansp.org.
Penn Museum -- "Sacred Writings: Extraordinary Texts of the Biblical World" includes rare artifacts with a special focus on the ancient Near East, Egypt, Canaan, and Ancient Israel galleries. Rare artifacts from the museum's collection including rare books and artifacts, will give visitors the opportunity to delve into ancient cultures and Bible-era art and artifacts. The exhibit will be on display until Nov. 7. For more information, visit penn.museum.
Franklin Institute -- "Vatican Splendors" features more than 200 works of art and historically significant objects spanning 2,000 years of Vatican history.The exhibit opens Sept. 19 to coordinate with Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia, and runs through Feb. 15. For more information, visit fi.edu or call 215-448-1200.
National Constitution Center -- "Religious Liberty and the Founding of America" features 20 key documents from early American history that highlight the role religion played in public life during the Founding era, and shows how freedom of religion became a right guaranteed by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The exhibit runs through Jan. 3. For more information, visit constitutioncenter.org.
Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul -- "The Knotted Grotto," an art installation of "Undoing the Knots," sponsored by Project Home and the World Meeting of Families, will be at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul through September to coincide with the World Meeting of Families. "Mary, Undoer of Knots" is Pope Francis' favorite artwork. For more information, visit mercyandjustice.org/knots.
Sacred Sustenance
Reading Terminal Market -- This iconic Center City food emporium will be open on a modified scheduled during the World Meeting of Families and Papal visit.From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, visitors can grub on Philly favorites from vendors such as Beiler's Bakery, Dienner's Bar-B-Q Chicken, Valley Shepherd Creamery and Meltkraft Grilled Cheese, Beck's Cajun Cafe, and Bassetts Ice Cream. Visit readingterminalmarket.org for more information.
Pizzeria Vetri -- Located near the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Pizzeria Vetri will serve up a papal-inspired pizza with Black Mission figs, mozzarella, lardo and Pecorino Toscano, oregano and fresh basil, called the Il Papa pie. The pious pie will be available through September.
Center City Soft Pretzel Co. -- What better way to celebrate the holy visit then to shape a traditional Philly pretzel like a cross? Beginning Sept. 2, the Philadelphia staple will be available for snacking at the Center City Soft Pretzel Co.
Jake's Sandwich Board -- Located at 122 South 12th Street, Jake's Sandwich Board is offering several Pope-related options including the Steak Franwich -- a tribute to the Philly cheesesteak -- made with brisket, mild provolone, and caramelized onions; the Holy Pork with pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe; and the Vatican Turkey with turkey, black cherry spread, bacon, and baby arugula.
London Grill -- The London Grill on Fairmount Avenue is just a short walk from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where all the World Meeting of Families action will commence. The restaurant is adding special Argentinian dishes inspired by Pope Francis' birthplace to the menu in honor of his visit.
Divine Dining: A Meal fit for a Pope -- City Food Tours is hosting a hands-on cooking event in a fully-equipped commercial kitchen featuring "heavenly" dishes such as an appetizer that was enjoyed by Pope Paul II back in the 1400s; St. Peter's Fish -- honoring the very first Pope -- served with a red wine risotto; and a decadent cherry dessert which was a favorite of Pope Benedict XVI. For reservations, visit cityfoodtours.com/philadelphia/cooking_classes.html.
Holy History
Independence Hall Visitor Center -- A perfect place to begin an historic journey of Philadelphia is the Independence Hall Visitor Center at 6th and Market streets.Here, guests can get information about and directions to all the nearby locations that played such a big part in the country's history. Go to phlvisitorcenter.com for more information.
Liberty Bell Center -- The most famous broken bell in the country sits on Independence Mall surrounded by documents and graphic images exploring the facts and myths of the American icon. For more information, visit nps.gov.
Independence Hall -- Stand in the place where America's Founding Fathers stood in defiance of the King of England, fighting to create the U.S. Constitution. Guided tours take visitors through the courtroom where lawyers from opposing sides shared tables and law books, to the Assembly Room where George Washington's "rising sun" chair sits exactly as it did during the Constitutional Convention. For more information go to visitphilly.com.
National Constitution Center --This 160,000-square-foot gallery explores the Constitution through high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. "Freedom Rising," a multimedia film presented in the Kimmel Theater, features a live actor and video projection on a 360-degree screen, and tells the story of "We the People." Life-size bronze figures of those who signed the Constitution are displayed in Signers' Hall, and one of the rare, original public copies of the Constitution is on display at the Center. For more information, go to constitutioncenter.org.
Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
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