Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt

The Experience

The world of Cleopatra, which has been lost to the sea and sand for nearly 2,000 years, will surface in a new exhibition, Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, making its world premiere in June 2010 at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, from June 5, 2010

First Friday

When

The First Friday evening of each month, rain or shine, year-round. Hours: 5 to 9 p.m.

Where

Most galleries can be found between Front and Third, and Market and Vine Streets.

The Experience

Want proof of Philadelphia´s happening art scene? Come down to Old City for First Fridays. On the first Friday evening of every month the streets fill with art lovers of all kinds who wander among the neighborhood´s 40-plus galleries, most of them open from 5 until 9 p.m.

A casual atmosphere encourages art and people watching, eating at Old City´s many restaurants and just plain mingling. There´s diversity both in the crowd and among the galleries, adding flavor to the experience. Most galleries can be found between Front and Third, and Market and Vine Streets.

History

Started in 1991 by a group of galleries as a collaborative open house evening, First Fridays grew quickly into one of Philly´s most vital, signature cultural events. Old City´s historic commercial buildings have fostered a SoHo-like cultural ambience with the densest network of galleries in the city.

Some of the arts organizations you can visit on First Fridays include the Clay Studio; the Temple Gallery; the cooperative galleries Nexus, Highwire, Muse and Third Street Gallery; and collaborative Space 1026.

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts

The Experience

April 7 through May 1, 2011, the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) will shine a spotlight on the city´s arts and cultural scene. For three weeks, audiences will revel in an array of one-time, only-in-Philadelphia productions by some of the region´s top talents