Best Historic Architecture

This is the hardest question because Philadelphia has such an amazing architectural history, but to narrow it down I would have to say my favorites are City Hall, Reading Terminal Trainshed, and American Academy of Music. All buildings are beautiful examples of excellence in design for their time period and function. All of them in their own way remind me of the European influences that were so strong in forming the cultural foundation of Philadelphia and America.

Best Restaurants and Bars

It would be a missed opportunity if those attending the convention did not head across the street to Reading Terminal Market for the unique (and crowded) lunch experience that it is, offering every Philadelphia staple from scrapple to Cheesesteaks.

For more fine dining, there are so many amazing restaurants but by favorites are Talulah’s Table on Washington Square and Osteria on North Broad street.

Best Hotels

Any architect would be crazy to not be in love with the Loews Philadelphia Hotel which is located in the iconic PSFS building. This monument to the International style was the first such skyscraper in America. The views from the former boardroom on the top floor are amazing, and the thoughtful renovations a few years back are consistent with the original design intent. I also have a soft spot for Hotel Palomar because it is located in the Architects Building. This was the former home of the AIA Chapter and Bookstore, and the decision to renovate the building—and many other buildings in the city—into hotels in lieu of demolishing them is commendable by the Kimpton Brand who has done that twice in the city.

Best Museums and Galleries

If you only have time to see one museum while here it has to be the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It is such an impressive collection and piece of architecture itself that I believe is should be worth not just running up the steps but entering through the doors as well.

If you don’t quite have time for such a large museum, the smaller Rodin Museum is beautiful inside and out with the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris.

While on the Parkway the newest museum added to the must see list is the Barnes Foundation museum. The architecture and the story of how this museum came to be are just as fascinating as the art itself.

Best Shopping

Easiest question by far: The AIA Bookstore is the best shopping experience for all your design related books, children’s toys, and gifts. We have recently renovated the Center for Architecture across the street from the convention center, and our thoughtfully curated store focuses on locally made products that highlights Philadelphia and our rich design culture.

Anything else?

I want to let everyone attending the convention know that the Center for Architecture (across the street from the convention center, as noted above) will be open as a lounge throughout the entire convention. We will be giving away coffee in the mornings and hosting happy hours in the evenings. There is a new special exhibit for the convention as well as a place to relax, meet with old friends and new, and learn about all the amazing things we are doing as AIA Philadelphia and a strong design community in the city and surrounding region.