TheaterWorksUSA: “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System”
This action-packed adventure with science teacher Ms. Frizzle is a musical adaptation based on the beloved book series, The Magic School Bus. When the bus gets lost on the way to the planetarium, she saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip. Despite rivalries old and new, the young student heroes must learn to work together or risk getting lost in the solar system forever.
When: Monday, May 4 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.
Bill Blagg: The Science of Magic
For centuries magicians have used scientific principles to make people levitate in mid-air and vanish in the blink of an eye. Illusionist Bill Blagg’s one-of-a-kind educational experience, The Science of Magic, takes students on a “behind the scenes” journey of the magic world. Students will discover firsthand how magicians use science to create their illusions!
When: Monday, May 4-5 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.
Literature to Life: “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter”
Julia is anything but perfect. That was always her sister Olga’s role. But when tragedy strikes, Julia is left to pick up the pieces of her family and soon learns Olga might not have been quite who she seemed. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez—a National Book Award finalist, New York Times bestseller and forthcoming Netflix film—follows a Mexican American teenager in Chicago as she breaks free from suffocating cultural and familial expectations to find her true self. Poignant and funny, this coming-of-age story is a heartfelt reminder of the courage it takes to forge your own path. Content Advisory: Please note that this performance references depression, self-harm and personal trauma; it’s intended for ages 14+.
When: Monday, May 4-5 at 10 a.m.
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.
Hangin’ with the Giants: JazzReach
Staged as an interactive TV talk show, Hangin’ with the Giants explores the groundbreaking music and enduring legacies of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. Animated likenesses of these legendary artists pair with live music performed by the Metta Quartet, bringing the trailblazing innovators of jazz to life.
When: Tuesday, May 5 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Where: Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.
Cinco de Mayo at East Market
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style as Mi Vida and The Wayward come together for a vibrant patio party filled with flavor, music, and festive energy. Join us for an evening that blends the bold, elevated tastes of Mi Vida’s modern Mexican cuisine with The Wayward’s signature cocktails and lively atmosphere. The patio transforms into a dynamic social scene — complete with handcrafted margaritas, curated tequila selections, and seasonal bites designed for sharing. Expect a high-energy soundtrack featuring live DJs and festive beats, colorful décor that captures the spirit of the holiday, and interactive moments that keep the celebration flowing from day into night. Whether you’re gathering with friends or making new ones, this is your destination for a Cinco de Mayo experience that feels both upscale and effortlessly fun.
When: Tuesday, May 5 from 3-6 p.m.
Where: Chestnut Walk on Ludlow Street at East Market
Night Market
East Market’s vibrant, weekly Night Market transforms Chestnut Walk into a glowing open-air marketplace every Tuesday evening this spring. Weather permitting, visitors can explore a curated mix of local vendors offering fresh food, handcrafted goods, seasonal produce, plants, and much more, all set against the backdrop of live music and a lively happy hour atmosphere. Happy hour specials from the East Market Bar Cart and seasonal samples from restaurants Mi Vida and The Wayward add to the fun. Guests are encouraged to stroll beneath string lights, discover unique offerings at each vendor’s booth and unwind with friends as the sun sets over East Market.
When: Tuesdays through June 16 from 3–7 p.m.
Where: Chestnut Walk, 34 S. 11th St.
Greatest Private Collection of Benjamin Franklin comes to Philly
Ahead of its landmark New York auction of The Jay T. Snider Collection of Benjamin Franklin in June, highlights from the collection will be exhibited at the Library Company of Philadelphia. The Library Company was founded by Franklin in 1731 and is today the first successful lending library and one of Philly’s earliest cultural institutions. The greatest private collection of material related to Franklin to be formed over the last century will be displayed together for the first time in the city he helped build. Almost 50 works will go on display from the distinguished private collection of Jay T. Snider (the highlights in this exhibition alone total over $1m in value). Snider’s collection, in addition to being the most important of Franklin assembled in the last century, is also the most valuable to come to auction.
Where: Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust St.
Mother’s Day Weekend at the Barnes
With a world-class art collection, expertly guided tours and exclusive programs, a restaurant featuring delicious fare, and a fabulously curated shop, the Barnes has everything Mom could want for a special day. The Barnes is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings, with especially deep holdings by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. Assembled by Philadelphia native Dr. Albert C. Barnes between 1912 and 1951, the collection also includes important examples of African art, Native American pottery and jewelry, Pennsylvania German furniture, American avant-garde painting, and wrought-iron metalwork — it is unlike any art museum you’ve experienced. During your visit, you can also discover Freedom Dreams, our new exhibition offering a moving-image meditation on American history, Black identity, and the power of imagination, on view through Aug. 9.
When: Thursday, May 7–May 11
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Cirque du Soleil’s “LUZIA”
Cirque du Soleil’s iconic Big Top returns to the greater Philadelphia area for the first time since 2023 with its delightfully-imaginative and visually-stunning production LUZIA, a waking dream of Mexico. Audiences are invited under the famed Big Top to escape to an imaginary Mexico: a sumptuous world suspended between dreams and reality. In a series of grand visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA takes audiences on a surrealistic journey through a vibrant world filled with wonders, playfulness and striking artistry. Smoothly passing from an old movie set to the ocean to a smoky dance hall or an arid desert, LUZIA cleverly brings to the stage multiple places, faces and sounds of Mexico taken from both tradition and modernity. Rich in awe- inspiring moments, LUZIA enchants by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes – a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production.
When: Thursday, May 7-June 7
Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456
”Paths to Independence, 1765-1787” at HSP
In 1763, most American colonists proudly saw themselves as members of the British Empire. Yet by 1776, many were ready to break from Britain and condemn King George III as a ‘Royal Brute.’ Paths to Independence explores how this remarkable shift happened in just over a decade. The exhibit showcases rare documents from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania—including letters, pamphlets, broadsides, prints, and early drafts of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Tracing the complex path to American independence, these documents reveal the ideas of well‑known leaders such as Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Wilson, as well as the everyday Philadelphians whose experiences shaped the struggle for independence.
When: Thursday, May 7-Sept. 18
Where: Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St.
Friday Night at PMA: AAPI Heritage Month Edition
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Enjoy live music from Rachel Andie, create your own Chinese zodiac animal portrait with artist Hui-yi Kuo, learn from curator Hiromi Kinoshita, and explore local organizations at our community tabling forum. Drinks and light refreshments available for purchase. Tickets are required.
When: Friday, May 8 from 5-8:30 p.m.
Where: Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Spring Listening Circle
On Friday, Calder Gardens will launch the Listening Circles series, a new program inspired by Indigenous talking circles where participants gather to reflect, listen deeply, and share across generations. Guided by Denise Dunkley of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, each session explores a story and opens space for dialogue and sharing lived experiences. For this inaugural program, we welcome special guest Mirian Masaquiza Jerez from the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. She shares perspectives from the forum’s 25th session, which focuses on climate change and the health of Indigenous Peoples. For many Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon rainforest, círculos de la palabra — circles of the spoken word or talking circles — are essential communal gatherings where knowledge, memory, and care are shared. Elders, adults, and the youngest members of the community sit together in a non-hierarchical circle, listening attentively to one another while affirming listening as a collective responsibility. These practices nurture intergenerational bonds and recognize wisdom as something that emerges through presence, reciprocity, and time.
When: Friday, May 8 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: Calder Gardens, 2100 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Book Talk: Everybody’s Fly with Fab 5 Freddy
Join us for a free captivating talk with pioneering graffiti artist and hip-hop icon Fab 5 Freddy about his new memoir, Everybody’s Fly: A Life of Art, Music, and Changing the Culture. Everybody’s Fly is a love letter to the art of seeing, a fascinating account of an inimitable creative life, and a celebration of what it means to shape culture. The book shows how Freddy shattered racial and artistic boundaries, bridging worlds and lifting underground movements into the mainstream. Learn more about how the artist witnessed and affected seismic shifts in art, music, and style during the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s. The conversation will be moderated by Maori Karmael Holmes of BlackStar Projects. The talk, which takes place in the Barnes’s Annenberg Court, will be followed by an audience Q&A. Free to attend.
When: Friday, May 8 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Celebrating Mothers Brunch
Maternity Care Coalition (MCC) invites you to its annual Celebrating Mothers Brunch. This year’s event highlights resilience in maternal and child health and will honor Sara Lomax, President and CEO of WURD Radio, along with Dr. Arline T. Geronimus, author of Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life on the Body in an Unjust World. The program will be hosted by 6abc’s Tamala Edwards. The brunch brings together leaders, advocates, and community members for an inspiring program, brunch, kids’ activities, and live and silent auctions — all benefiting MCC’s work supporting pregnant and parenting families and children ages 0–3.
When: Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St.
Northern Liberties Spring Fest debuts
Northern Liberties Business Improvement District is thrilled to announce its first ever Northern Liberties Spring Fest. Neighbors and visitors are invited to an all-day, all ages celebration of spring with family-friendly entertainment, hands-on activities, neighborhood vendors, artists and makers, food trucks, locally made beer, music and more. Some highlights include two stages with live bands, DJs and cultural performances, 60+artists, makers, vendors, small businesses, restaurants, bars and food trucks, a hot dog eating contest, Kids’ Yoga and movement activities, and family fun zone, toddler play area and family photo moments, and more. Free to attend, open to the public.
When: Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Liberty Lands, 913 N. 3rd St.
Roxborough’s Spring Festival and Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show
The 24th Annual Roxborough Spring Fest & Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show returns and this year it carries a little extra weight. Roxborough Spring Fest is one of only 20 neighborhood festivals citywide selected to receive support through Mayor Parker’s RingItOn! initiative, making it an official anchor event in Philadelphia250’s year-long celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial. This year’s festival will include three live performance stages with a full all-day line-up of live bands, the Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show featuring classic, custom and specialty vehicles, 70+ local artisans and food from 15+ trucks and Ridge Ave brick-and-mortar spots and more.
When: Saturday, May 9 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Ridge Avenue in Roxborough
Mother’s Day with City Cruises Philadelphia
City Cruises is helping show the love to mothers this year as they host a Mother’s Day Brunch, an Afternoon Brunch, and a Dinner Cruise. Families will board the Spirit of Philadelphia to celebrate their mothers and create memories that will be treasured forever. Each cruise will include delicious food, classic cocktails, and amazing views of the city.
When: Sunday, May 10 from 12-2 p.m. for brunch, and 5-7:30 p.m. for dinner
Where: depart from Penn’s Landing, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Barnes Cinema: “Time” by Garrett Bradley
This program features Time (2020), directed by Garrett Bradley, one of the artists featured in our Freedom Dreams exhibition. This powerful documentary follows Sibil Fox Richardson as she fights for the release of her husband, who is serving a 60-year prison sentence. Through lyrical filmmaking and archival imagery, the film meditates on love, endurance, and the temporal weight of incarceration. The film will be followed by a short lecture and conversation with Chi-ming Yang, a professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania. This screening is part of a special three-part series curated by Maori Karmael Holmes of BlackStar Projects in conjunction with Freedom Dreams, which brings together film, video, and installations that invite viewers to engage deeply with the memories, dreams, and histories of Black Americans. Tickets include admission to the Barnes collection and “Freedom Dreams.”
When: Saturday, May 9 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
”Botany of Nations” Workshop Series: Natural Dyeing
Every aspect of natural dyeing involves a relationship. Join ethnobotanist Marja Eloheimo for a presentation and demonstration exploring these connections, with hands-on opportunities to engage in the process. Participants will hear more about the colors derived from plants featured in the exhibition and learn the steps involved in safe, kitchen-based dyeing techniques. Eloheimo will share the histories of these plants, and participants will take home naturally dyed materials to use in a simple project of their own.
When: Saturday, May 9 from 1–4 p.m.
Where: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
Nick Di Paolo comes to Philly
In this day of watered-down comedy, Nick Di Paolo’s brutally honest performances remind us of what great stand-up should be: funny, socially relevant and a little bit reckless. His strong political opinions and razor wit make him a perfect fit for talk radio. He currently hosts “The Nick Di Paolo Show” Mondays through Thursdays and has been featured on “The Nick Di Paolo Show” on SiriusXM and “The Nick & Artie Show” on DirecTV. He has performed on “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Conan O’Brien.” He was twice nominated for an Emmy for his writing on HBO’s “The Chris Rock Show.” He has also had three half-hour stand-up specials on Comedy Central, and four one-hour specials: “A Breath of Fresh Air” (2019) and the wildly popular “Raw Nerve,” “Another Senseless Killing” and “Inflammatory.” He was one of the stars on Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and a standout on many Comedy Central Roasts. Not limited to stand-up, radio and writing, he has had acting roles on FX’s “Louie,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “The Sopranos,” “Cop Show” and CK’s critically-acclaimed “Horace and Pete” as well as many other sitcoms. Tickets are required.
When: Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m.
Where: Rivers Casino Philadelphia, 1001 N. Delaware Ave.
Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar
The Art Star Craft Bazaar, an award-winning retail art and craft show organized and juried by Art Star. This upcoming show will mark the 22nd year of Art Star’s Flagship Art Star Craft Bazaar. Art Star has chosen a line-up of the best art and craft vendors from the region and beyond. The show will feature a thoughtfully curated mix of handmade goods by returning Art Star favorites and over 30 fresh, new vendors. Jewelry, pottery, housewares, clothing, men’s and women’s accessories, art, prints, stained glass, stationary, bath and body products, dolls, art, woodworking, and more will be available. The festival layout has been reworked so Art Star can accommodate more vendors than ever — 80+! The Bazaar will also feature Make + Take stations, where DIY lovers of all ages can create something to take home for an affordable fee. Project Joy will lead hands-on workshops using her popular color cells (a stained glass–like material), guiding participants in creating mandalas, 3D flowers, and other designs. Guests can also learn print making with Second State Press. A handful of pop-up food vendors (Philly Taco, Irv’s Ice Cream, Tokio Sushi, and more to be announced) will be available on-site, along with a full cash bar for customers to sip a drink while they shop or relax in the beer garden. Art Star will give away 75 free event totes at 11 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. each day. Guests are encouraged to visit the free raffle table for a chance to win a handmade item donated by participating vendors. Free to attend, open to the public.
When: Saturday, May 9-10 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
Mother’s Day with City Cruises Philadelphia
City Cruises is helping show the love to mothers this year as they host a Mother’s Day Brunch, an Afternoon Brunch, and a Dinner Cruise. Families will board the Spirit of Philadelphia to celebrate their mothers and create memories that will be treasured forever. Each cruise will include delicious food, classic cocktails, and amazing views of the city.
When: Sunday, May 10 from 12-2 p.m. for brunch, and 5-7:30 p.m. for dinner
Where: depart from Penn’s Landing, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd.
A Sweet Mother’s Day Awaits at Glen Foerd
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a creative twist at Glen Foerd during Buttercream & Bubbly, a hands-on cake decorating experience. Designed for moms, daughters, friends, and anyone looking to mark the occasion in a unique way, the event invites participants to sip mimosas while learning cake decorating techniques in a relaxed, social setting. Led by Alexandra “Alex” Niemiec of Cakes N’ Bakes, attendees will frost and decorate their own cakes with elegant, Mother’s Day-inspired designs. Each participant will leave with a finished cake to enjoy at home, along with new skills and lasting memories. The experience also includes complimentary mimosas, a giveaway entry courtesy of Cakes N’ Bakes, and the opportunity to explore Glen Foerd’s historic Gilded Age mansion and scenic riverside grounds — perfect for Mother’s Day photos. No prior experience is required. Tickets are required, space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. For tickets and more information, visit www.glenfoerd.org/events
When: Sunday, May 10 from 12-2 p.m.
Where: Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave.
Mother’s Day: “Brunch & Bouquets” at The Wayward
For a more elevated, experiential moment, The Wayward is hosting a Mother’s Day brunch centered around connection and creativity. Guests can enjoy a curated brunch alongside a Build Your Own Bouquet Bar (BYOBB) experience, where they can create custom floral arrangements for Mom. The experience includes a complimentary chilled glass of prosecco for mothers and offers a visually-driven, lifestyle-forward angle ideal for holiday features and gift guides.
Where: The Wayward, 1170 Ludlow St.
Gary Owen comes to Philly
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia proudly presents comedian Gary Owen as he brings his “No Hard Feelings Tour” to the Live! Event Center. Known for his quick wit, hilarious storytelling and relatable takes on family and everyday life, Owen’s high-energy style keeps audiences laughing from start to finish. Tickets are required.
When: Sunday, May 10 at 6 p.m.
Where: Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, 900 Packer Ave.
”Molière’s The Hypochondriac”
There is more than one way to afford healthcare. Argan is convinced his undiagnosable illness is fatal, and he must spend his wealth on celebrated doctors to survive. Anxious over medical bills and a profligate second wife, he schemes to marry his beautiful daughter to a doctor to ensure free healthcare. Can his daughter’s loveless marriage give Argan the insurance he needs against illness, or will he survive sickness without tridaily enemas and realize that the true ills threatening his life, happiness, and survival are not medical?
When: ends Sunday, May 10
Where: Quintessence Theatre, 7137 Germantown Ave.
”Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Fats Waller Musical Show”
Amina Robinson — Barrymore award-winning director of Theatre Horizon’s “The Color Purple” — returns to helm this electrifying world of the Harlem Renaissance, where the music was hot, the nights were alive, and every spotlight shone with possibility. “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” the Tony Award-winning celebration of Fats Waller, brings the era’s jazz houses and juke joints to life with an unforgettable evening of romance, humor, dance, and pure joy. Featuring timeless hits like “Honeysuckle Rose,” “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie,” “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love,” and the iconic “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” this dazzling show honors a musical genius who forever changed the sound of American music.
When: through Sunday, May 17
Where: Theatre Horizon, 401 DeKalb St., Norristown, PA 19401
Open Streets: West Walnut
Center City District (CCD) is pleased to return Open Streets in 2026, beginning along West Walnut Street, this spring. CCD, with support from Rittenhouse Row and the City of Philadelphia, transforms one of Philadelphia’s most popular shopping and dining destinations, 18th Street from Locust to Chestnut and Walnut Street from Broad to 19th, by temporarily closing streets to vehicular traffic. During these closures, pedestrians are invited to stroll nearly eight blocks of car-free space while enjoying shopping, dining, and activities for all ages.
When: Sundays through May 17
Where: Walnut Street (Broad to 19th) & 18th Street (Locust to Chestnut)
”The Weight of Time” at Morton Contemporary
Morton Contemporary is proud to present “The Weight of Time,” an intimate exhibition featuring a group of ten artists all presently incarcerated at SCI Phoenix prison in Pennsylvania. Each artist offers a deeply personal reflection on coming of age and growing old behind bars, collectively forming a portrait of lives shaped by confinement and the passage of time. As a unified body of work, this group exhibition powerfully depicts a community of men navigating the realities of daily life in prison as they meditate on the past, endure the present, and reach toward an uncertain future.
When: through Monday, May 25
Where: Morton Contemporary Art Gallery, 115 S. 13th St.
”The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales”
This spring, Arden Children’s Theatre invites families into a hilariously twisted world where classic fairy tales don’t go quite as expected in its final production of the 2025/26 season, “The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.” Based on the beloved book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, adapted by John Glore, the production brings the book’s whimsically fractured fairy tales to life for kids and adults alike. Directed by Steve Pacek, the laugh-out-loud production is where fairy tales get scrambled, mixed up, and turned upside down. Classic fairy tales get scrambled and turned upside down. The Ugly Duckling doesn’t become a beautiful swan, just a Really Ugly Duck. A princess kisses a frog and ends up with a mouthful of slime. Familiar characters wander in and out of the wrong stories, narrators lose control of the plot, and the title character himself, a very smelly cheese, tries to steal the spotlight.
When: through Sunday, May 31
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St.
Stamp Rally
April marks the return of Historic Germantown’s highly-anticipated spring Stamp Rally. The theme for the popular program is “Trees of Germantown.” The free program allows participants to pick up a passport book and collect stamps at various sites, providing residents and visitors with a fun, interactive way to explore Germantown. Participants have the opportunity to discover the neighborhood through an entertaining scavenger hunt, with prizes awarded to those who complete the challenge.
When: through Sunday, June 21
Where: various locations throughout Germantown
”America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print” at the Print Center
“America Today: Voices in Contemporary Print” brings the works of more than 30 artists from across the country together to explore core principles of democracy, including civil rights, social justice, racial equality, and political engagement. With Philadelphia at the center of America’s founding, the exhibition bridges past and present, inviting audiences to reflect on how democratic ideals continue to evolve at a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Featuring widely recognized artists whose work has been exhibited in major museums around the world, “America Today” offers a compelling opportunity to engage with contemporary perspectives on urgent national issues.
When: through Saturday, July 25
Where: The Print Center, 1614 Latimer St.
”Muliebrity” by Viola Bordon
Philadelphia-based interdisciplinary textile artist and educator Viola Bordon blends sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and fibers to explore the interplay between materiality and environmental fluctuation. Her textile-focused practice draws upon pre-industrial craft techniques like weaving and quilting, intertwining them with inquiries into contemporary issues in our society. For Radical Americana, Bordon conducted research at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to create her exhibition, Muliebrity, where she examines the invention and evolving meanings of American liberty in the national identity.
When: through Sunday, July 26
Where: Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd St.
”Freedom Dreams” at the Barnes
As Philadelphia and the nation prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, Freedom Dreams brings together powerful works by artists in film, video, and installation that invite viewers to immerse themselves in the memories, dreams, and histories of Black Americans. The exhibition features works by Arthur Jafa, David Hartt, Garrett Bradley, Ja’Tovia Gary, and Tourmaline, all exploring history, archives, and cultural memory. Freedom Dreams highlights the fluid boundary between past, present, and future and encourages viewers to reflect on how Americans of color have shaped identities and created spaces of resistance, joy, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression. The exhibition is co-curated by Maori Karmael Holmes, Chief Executive and Artistic Officer of BlackStar Projects, and James Claiborne, Fleischner Family Vice President for Engagement at the Barnes.
When: through Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.
”Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence” at Parkway Central Library
What would the Declaration of Independence say if ordinary people from all walks of life came together to write it today? This spring, Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Free Library of Philadelphia present Printmaking by the People: Posters for a Reimagined Declaration of Independence, an exhibition of hundreds of posters created by Philadelphians who were asked to share their visions of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This special exhibition is part of Printmaking by the People, the largest 2026 public art and engagement project in Philadelphia inspired by the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. The vibrant, colorful, and compelling artworks in the exhibition were created by hand in 35 artist-led workshops, held in 13 neighborhoods across the city. Over a thousand people attended these workshops, utilizing various printmaking techniques to bring their ideas to life—including some of the very same techniques used to communicate during the time of the American Revolution. The result is hundreds of unique posters and prints, representing a rich and diverse assemblage of aspirations for our nation, our city, and ourselves, as we move into the next chapter of our country’s historic journey.
When: through August 2026
Where: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.
“Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design” at AAMP
The African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) presents a cultural milestone exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” The acclaimed exhibition, celebrating the power of art, identity, and imagination, marks its Philadelphia debut with nearly 80 original costumes from films that have shaped global culture — including “Black Panther,” “Selma,” “Do the Right Thing,” “Amistad,” “Dolomite is My Name,” “Coming 2 America,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and, for the first time ever, “Sinners.” As the first Black woman to win two Academy Awards, Ruth E. Carter has transformed costume design into a form of cultural storytelling, honoring the past while envisioning what’s possible for the future. Her journey from Springfield, Massachusetts, to Hollywood’s most celebrated stages resonates deeply with Philadelphians.
When: through Sunday, Sept. 6
Where: African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St.
”Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” at Franklin Institute
Step inside the creative and innovative world of theme parks through the lens of Universal’s fan-favorite attractions, including “Jaws,” “Illumination’s Minions,” “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Sing,” SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, “Jurassic World,” DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon,” Universal Monsters, and more. Play your way through eight themed galleries, where 100 original artifacts bring each experience to life. From authentic costumes and iconic props to early concept models, experience the creativity, artistry, and innovation behind Universal’s most epic attractions. Snap a photo, storyboard a ride, design and animate horror masks, cue a live show, and experiment with animation and projection mapping — all while hearing directly from the creators, animators, and show writers who make it happen. “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” is a timed-entry exhibit, which allows the museum to manage the number of guests in the exhibit, providing the best possible experience for everyone. Advanced tickets are recommended.
When: through Monday, Sept. 7
Where: The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.
”Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga” at Penn Museum
Spotlighting century-old watercolor paintings by Egyptian artist Ahmed Yousef, Ancient Egypt in Watercolors: Paintings and Artifacts from Dra Abu el-Naga will go on view at the Penn Museum. Last exhibited in Cairo during the 1920s, the watercolor paintings have been carefully preserved in the Penn Museum’s Archives for more than 100 years. They have never been on display in the United States. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors reveals the often underappreciated, but critical function of art in archaeology. The 1,500 sq. ft. exhibition highlights elaborately decorated tomb chapels during the New Kingdom (approximately 1550 BCE-1070 BCE), a “golden age” that marked the height of Egypt’s power and wealth. Many affluent officials built their tombs at Dra Abu el-Naga — a key part of the larger Theban Necropolis. Their tomb paintings show scenes from everyday life and imagery depicting the journey to the netherworld — illuminating how much the ancient Egyptians valued family bonds, honoring their ancestors, and continuing one’s identity into the next life. Ancient Egypt in Watercolors will close in November—just ahead of the grand opening for the Penn Museum’s Egypt Galleries: Life and Afterlife on Dec. 12.
When: through November 2026
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
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