A city best known for its storied past, Philadelphia is writing a new chapter this year. The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s elegant Greek Revival facade has remained largely the same since it first opened in 1928, but the interior now offers visitors a fresh perspective with a Frank Gehry–led redesign unveiled in May. The space now includes access to a previously off-limits vaulted walkway and a stunning floating staircase to rival the iconic steps out front, made famous by Rocky. It has also added 20,000 sq. ft. of gallery space to include exhibitions like “New Grit: Art & Philly Now,” showcasing the work of 25 contemporary artists with ties to the city. The local culinary scene is as vibrant as ever too, with chef Omar Tate crowdfunding the forthcoming Honeysuckle Community Center in West Philly, sprouted from his award-winning dinner series of the same name that centers Black culture and history. And Ange Branca, after closing her award-winning Malaysian restaurant Saté Kampar last spring, is back with Kampar Kitchen, featuring meals for takeout from a rotating roster of chefs. —Regan Stephens
World's Greatest Places 2021
