It’s National Arts & Humanities Month and I’d be remiss not to mention one of my favorite art experiences. When looking for an interesting way to spend an evening out in Philadelphia, be it a happy hour with co-workers or a fun first date, you’d be hard pressed to find a more relaxing evening than Art After 5 In Philly or better known as “Friday Night’s” on their website. Every Friday evening at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a group intrigued by the arts enters the museum after hours.

Sway To The Music With A Glass of Wine

Why? To sip a glass of wine or crafty cocktail, peruse the timeless collections and take in the sultry jazz, folk & international music played by iconic musicians in the center hall. Surrounded by white linen tables, the featured musical artist varies from week to week with a slight variance of Jazz (not just the american standards). Enjoy tapas styled appetizers or reserve a table for a more intimate group experience.

Peruse The Exhibits

After a unique dining or cocktail experience, take a leisurely stroll through the massive collection of exhibits developed by their astute Curators. Enjoy the Designs for Different Futures special exhibitions on the human evolution progression solution. Wander the new Japanese Contemporary Craft, a modern contemporary acquisition on display. Enjoy the Horace Pippin show or a photo show from the archives in Photography & Memory. The recently renovated Chinese Galleries house a mix of Chinese work from antiquity & contemporary works from China & Korea. Stationed throughout the museum, guides are on hand to answer any questions you have.

Extended Cultural Bliss

After our exhilarating culture filled evenings here, my friends and I continue the fun. Our favorite thing to do is jump in the car & head up Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Enjoying the beautiful scenery of Boathouse Row, we travel to Manayunk. Finish the evening with dinner at their restaurants or perusing the shops and swanky gathering spots along the Schuylkill River.

How to Book Your Evening…….or Make It A Weekend

The evenings entertainment starts at 5pm and goes through 8:45pm. This is a ticketed event starting at $25.00 for adults, $23.00 for Seniors and $14.00 for students with a valid I.D. Children 18 years of age and younger are free. Parking at the museum is $5.00. If you plan on enjoying with friends, the spots fill up quickly with first come first serve. A Friday Night’s Plus ticket is $95.00 and gives you: Admission for 4 adults, a reserved table in a prime location (seating is between 5 pm and 6 pm), free parking & Chef Mark Tropea sets you up with a tasting plate for the night. You can purchase all tickets here: http://www.philamuseum.org/fridaynights .

If you’re looking to stay in Philadelphia for a getaway, get the best rates on accommodations at OnceUponAPostcard.com by clicking on this link. The Bellvue is blocks from The Walnut Street Theatre and 11 minutes by car to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Book your stay through Agoda now by clicking on this link. You can also get tickets to the various other museums and attractions throughout Philadelphia by clicking on this link: CityPASS

As an added aside, for the Yogi in your group, don’t miss Yoga Wednesday Nights at the Philadelphia Museum of Art also…….it’s pay what you wish admission.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates, dates and details directly with the locations and events in question while planning your trip.

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Photo Credits: Feature Photo: West Entrance and Fairmount Water Works. Photo: Graydon Wood, Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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