What’s new in Philadelphia’s art and culture scene ?

Museums, murals, walking tours and gardens. Philadelphia has added more to its list of touristy things to do in 2022

There’s a Philadelphia for everyone. So, say the tour guides. Every year, more than 50,000 visitors from India travel to the American city. Post-pandemic, , Tourism Economics is projecting 34,000 tourists in 2022 . Last year, as the pandemic waned, a few distinct experiences were added to attract more tourists. Robin Bloom, director of content, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau says, “The city’s food/drink scene is booming. Our tourism numbers are rising, and Philadelphia will host World Cup games in 2026.”

Here are four new attractions to experience when you visit Philadelphia next time:

The Neon Museum

A celebration of the glitzy glowing signs that once decorated the city, The Neon Museum is devoted to a culture that’s long gone. The museum, which opened in April 2021, was founded by Len Davidson who has been designing and manufacturing neon signages for the last 40 years. He began collecting them from fading businesses and even rescued a few from dump yards from different locations.

In the 1950s, animated neon signs announcing events and businesses spurted all over the U.S. with Las Vegas and Philadelphia leading the way. As technology changed, these signs faded away in the 1990s. But, says Mason Carter, Outreach Coordinator of the Museum, “Neon is still very much a part of our culture. People associate neon with Las Vegas but we see a lot of it in Philadelphia too.” He points out that the city’s culture of small mom-and-pop stores and corner shops also encouraged neon signages. Mason also explains that, earlier, trade schools commonly taught the skill of glass bending, which is required to shape the signs and, hence, skilled artists were available. Philadelphia once boasted of 80 neon benders, he says, adding that “it’s an art that is hard to find now.”

Artist Eve Hoyt, who volunteers at the museum every month, and shares information with visitors on glass tube bending techniques, explains, “By educating the public about the history of neon signs, it sparks an interest on how they are made. Seeing all the signs up close, you appreciate all the work that goes into making them. Visitors are naturally curious about the process. I encourage them to ask questions about it.”

Carter adds, “Neon has a big connect with music, which is a big part of Philadelphia’s culture. Local clubs sported neon signages. Dobbs, for instance, had a big neon D.” The museum, located on 1800, North American Street, Philadelphia, is open on weekends from 1pm to 6pm. On weekdays, it is open only for private viewing and tours. Recently a special exhibition, All Rock and Revelry, which deals with artefacts and the oral history of Philadelphia’s alternative music club scene from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s was held.