Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

The Calendar of Events is organized as follows:

February 2012
March 2012
April 2012
May 2012
June 2012
July 2012
August 2012
September 2012
October 2012
November 2012
December 2012
Ongoing Activities

FEBRUARY 2012

Through February 12, 2012
VAULTS OF HEAVEN: VISIONS OF BYZANTIUM. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology offers a glimpse into the complex and vivid world of the Byzantine Empire with large-scale contemporary photographs by well-known Turkish photographer Ahmet

It may still be winter, but Philadelphia is set to bloom a little early this year thanks to a blockbuster Van Gogh exhibition that pays special attention to the artist’s floral works, the largest indoor flower show in the world and the American debut of Bruce Munro’s imaginative garden light display. Here’s a look at what’s flourishing in Philadelphia even before spring has sprung:

• 2012 promises to be a banner year for the Philadelphia Museum

Art collector and progressive thinker Dr. Albert Barnes was committed to showing the influence of African art on modern Western artists—a practice that’s evident in the unique wall ensembles he arranged at his famed Barnes Foundation. Today, these still-in-tact arrangements, which boldly show the cross-cultural connections of art, are lauded throughout the art community. As the May 2012 opening of the Barnes Foundation’s Philadelphia campus approaches, area art institutions honor Barnes’ early push to recognize

On-trend shops have taken root in Philadelphia and The Countryside®, spreading fashion and function from Rittenhouse Square to King of Prussia. In the past year, the region has embraced aspiring athletes and adventurers via women-centric Lululemon and Athleta and rugged Trove General. Newer shelter shops showcase pieces that stand the test of time, from Morihata’s note-perfect Japanese staples to garden lifestyle essentials at Earth to RevivalSmith’s curated vintage wares. Europe makes its presence known, too,

This winter, whether visitors are spending the night in Philadelphia for a family-friendly weekend, a romantic getaway or a trip that tempts the tastebuds, there are hotel packages fitting for all itineraries. With hotels offering deals that include a free night’s stay, $50 hotel credits or seats at some of Philly’s most renowned restaurants, there’s no better time to be in Philadelphia and The Countryside®:

Winter Family Escape Package:
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is about to make the most romantic month of the year even more romantic with its 29 Nights of Dates promotion running throughout the month of February. A component of GPTMC’s popular With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® campaign, which is heavily focused on couples this winter, the facebook.com/visitphilly sweepstakes features nearly 70 prizes, including a Vespa—all valued at more than $13,000.

Fox 29 is GPTMC’s media partner for the

In 2012, two big exhibits bring even more religious insight to Greater Philadelphia—a leader in providing spiritual freedom back when it was a novel idea. The largest and most comprehensive display of the biblical Dead Sea Scrolls ever displayed in the United States comes to The Franklin Institute, May 12-October 14. The 20-scroll Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times contains the books of Genesis, Leviticus, Exodus and Kings. Just 45 minutes away,

Philadelphia shines a spotlight on its rich African-American legacy during Black History Month, when exhibits, plays, storytelling events, music and more illustrate and celebrate the black experience in Philadelphia and beyond. Headlining the events, Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) features more than 100 pieces by Tanner, who lived in Philadelphia after the Civil War and became the first prominent African-American painter to gain international acclaim. Joining

Romance abounds in February, and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is making it possible for couples to celebrate their love in style thanks to the month-long 29 Nights of Dates promotion. A component of GPTMC’s popular With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® campaign, which is heavily focused on couples this winter, the facebook.com/visitphilly sweepstakes features nearly 70 prizes, including a Vespa—all valued at more than $13,000.

From February 1-29 (yes, it’s a leap year), fans

Reading Terminal Market Expansion
A favorite of residents and tourists alike, Philly’s preeminent indoor market and local food hub has been around since 1892, but in 2012 the Reading Terminal Market is getting bigger and better. With increased sales, a growing city population and the recently enlarged Pennsylvania Convention Center stretching its capacity, the market—housing all of Philly’s classic foods (cheesesteaks, hoagies, soft pretzels and more) under one roof—is in the midst of a $3.5