The Art Museum area of the city offers more than just an all-you-can-consume variety of museums. The area is full of a booming student population, great restaurants and much more.
The area has seen an influx in students due to a housing shortage as well as the appeal the area provides to students. It’s conveniently located to Temple, Center City and the clubs along Delaware Avenue.
The hood’s name implies the various museums that litter the area. The Franklin Institute, Academy of Natural Sciences and Please Touch Museum are just a few of the attractions that students can enjoy at a discounted price. Clearly the most well known museum is the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located at 26th and the Parkway. For those not in the know, it’s the home to steps where Rocky took his victorious strides (Note: please don’t replicate his famous moves, it’ll just make you look stupid and touristy and give people the urge to trip you). However, the appeal of the Art Museum area obviously isn’t the plethora of museums in the area.
The area has a vast amount of restaurants to satisfy any taste. From Italian to Chinese, seafood to fast food, there’s something to satisfy every palate. For a nice night out, especially when someone else is footing the bill, Fairmount Avenue has a number of restaurants that offer great food and an even better ambiance. Illuminare, 23rd and Fairmount, and Jack’s Firehouse, 21st and Fairmount, are great places to go to get a break from the SAC. Another must-stop spot is Gloria’s Gourmet Seafood Restaurant, located at 2120 Fairmount Ave. Besides having great seafood entrees under $20, the restaurant often has live music to create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere.
Another asset of the Art Museum area is the Whole Foods market at 20th and Callowhill streets. The market doesn’t just offer organic produce for the health conscious. The ready made meals are perfect for those not blessed with culinary skills and the Corn Chowder is perfect for the rapidly approaching cold nights. The bakery is also to die for and once you get hooked on a dessert, it’ll be hard to stay away.
Restaurants aside, the area is in a central location. A 10 minute walk can place you in the heart of the shops, restaurants and theaters of Center City. And for the club goers, simply going a few miles east opens up the doors to the clubs along Spring Garden Street and Delaware Avenue.
The Art Museum area can be accessed by hopping on the Franklin House shuttle.
Patrice Williams can be reached at patricew@temple.edu.
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