Situated right in the heart of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania University is affectionately called Penn. Penn is a leading Ivy League and a treasure of American history and culture. Founded in 1740 by the iconic Benjamin Franklin, Penn is one of the oldest educational institutions in America. Its old age, remarkable architecture, and great campus activities make it a place that any visitor to the City of Brotherly Love wants to visit.
Whether it’s the connections to America’s founding fathers, the world-class museums found there, or the serene green oases within a busy city, seeing Penn is a fulfilling experience. Here’s everything you need to know when exploring the University of Pennsylvania as a tourist.
Why Visit the Pennsylvania University?
Penn isn’t just a place for students-it’s a hub of history, innovation and of art. Being among the nine colonial colleges that were established before the American Revolution, Penn boasts an important legacy that is often interwoven with the birth of the United States. In his brainchild, Benjamin Franklin envisioned it as a practical institution that involved knowledge useful for personal as well as societal progress.
Penn thus offers a walk through centuries of history while drawing comfort from modernity. From its museums housing ancient artifacts to the perfectly designed picturesque campus filled with Gothic and Georgian architecture, Penn has a blend of culture, learning, and leisure.
Must-visit places on campus
- College Hall and Locust Walk: One of the oldest buildings on campus, College Hall is there testifying to Penn’s deep history. Completed in 1871, it is a stunning Gothic Revival building. The Ben Franklin statue out in front of the hall honours the founder of the university. Lastly, take a walk along Locust Walk, the campus pedestrian way, which always throbs with student energy. It is very wonderful for walking with trees, sculptures, and historic buildings on both sides.
- Penn Museum (University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology): For history and archaeology enthusiasts, the Penn Museum is definitely a place to be visited. It is also an old one -1887 – housing over a million artifacts, one of the biggest collections of Egyptian and Mesopotamian relics in the United States. Among its notable features is a 15-ton Sphinx of Ramses II and exquisitely intricate mosaic from the ancient city of Ur. While offering that sense of important history, the museum also carries on exhibitions that bring history to life for visitors of all ages.
- Fisher Fine Arts Library: This is a students’ hall turned the finest architectural masterpiece. The red-brick construction dates back to 1891 by Frank Furness, and its inside boasts exquisite detail. A photographer’s as well as an architecture lover’s favorite, it is something not be left unnoticed – in particular the imposing great reading room with its high ceilings and ornate wooden internal work.
- The Quadrangle (The Quad): This is the Quad, actually an area of residence surrounded with beautiful Collegiate Gothic buildings. It has become the favorite spot to rest for the students as well as to the visitors who like to sit on lawns and enjoy the peaceful ambiance surrounding them. In spring and summer, the courtyards burst with flowering flowers, making a perfect scene.
- The Wharton School: For any business enthusiast, the Wharton School at Penn is legendary. Founded in 1881, it was the world’s first collegiate business school. While many of its academic spaces are reserved for students, walking through its iconic Huntsman Hall offers a glimpse into the modern side of Penn.
- Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts: The Annenberg Center is a hub of cultural interest, where theatrical and dance performances blend with live music, among others. You may get lucky with catching either a student production or a professional one while you are passing by.
A Brief History of the University of Pennsylvania
Penn was actually the Academy of Philadelphia, established in 1740 and becoming a university in 1755. In Penn’s vision, Benjamin Franklin set the standards that were revolutionary for its time by defining academic excellence as being both inclusive of experimental content in addition to theoretical discipline and multidisciplinary education.
Penn was very influential in the intellectual and political discourses that characterized America at the early years of its existence. The university produced alumni who are of great importance for the birth of America. Many Declaration of Independence signers graduated at the university; it leads now in research and education, attracting students and faculty from all over the world.
Insider Tips to Visit Penn
- Guided Campus Tours: Penn offers free campus tours guided by informative guides who tell interesting stories about the university’s history as well as landmarks.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall seasons are the best times since its campuses have incredible vibrant colors that make perfect photography backdrops and locations for outdoor adventures.
- Dining/Seafood/Other Options: Don’t miss the diversity of dining around campus. Right across the street from campus is the University City area, which can run the gamut from casual cafes to fine dining and offers a reflection of Philadelphia’s multicultural vibe.
- Accessiblity: The campus is pedestrian-friendly, but bring comfortable shoes because there’s much to see.
Discover Beyond Campus End
Penn is in Philadelphia, making it walking distance to several of the city’s most famous landmarks. Just across the street, you can stroll around the Liberty Bell or go to Independence Hall, or hop on a subway to get to the Philadelphia Museum of Art-all within a short subway ride or drive. And if you enjoy a more scintillating walk or bike ride, Penn is located just along the Schuylkill River Trail.
Conclusion
That is not all of what the Pennsylvania University offers – it is also a place in which historical values, cultural traditions, and innovative activities find a common thread. Whether you admire the Gothic spires of College Hall, explore ancient artifacts in the Penn Museum, or feel alive on Locust Walk, the magical experience awaits every visitor at Penn.
So, when you plan to visit Philadelphia again, take the time to visit Penn’s beautiful campus. It is one place where history meets the future in a picturesque view of America’s glorious academic and cultural heritage.
