Avenue of the Arts

The Avenue of the Arts is Philadelphia's designated cultural district along South Broad Street stretching from City Hall to Washington Avenue. Officially designated in 1993 as part of an urban revitalization effort, the corridor features over 30 cultural venues including the Kimmel Center, Academy of Music, Merriam Theater, University of the Arts, and numerous theaters, galleries, and performance spaces. The transformation of South Broad Street into a vibrant arts district represents one of Philadelphia's most successful urban renewal initiatives, turning a formerly declining commercial area into a nationally recognized cultural corridor that generates significant economic activity and positions Philadelphia as a major performing arts destination.

History

Decline

Pre-revitalization:

• Historic theater district
• Post-war decline
• Suburbanization impact
• Urban challenges

Vision

Revitalization concept:

• Arts-based renewal
• Cultural concentration
• Economic development
• City identity

Designation (1993)

Official recognition:

• Avenue of the Arts named
• Development initiative
• Public-private partnership
• Strategic planning

Development

Building boom:

• Kimmel Center (2001)
• Venue renovations
• New construction
• Ongoing investment

Venues

Major Venues

Performance spaces:

• Kimmel Center*** (Philadelphia Orchestra)
• Academy of Music*** (opera, ballet)
• Merriam Theater*** (Broadway)
• Wilma Theater***
• Miller Theater***
• Forrest Theatre***

Educational

Arts institutions:

• University of the Arts
• Arts schools
• Training programs
• Cultural education

Galleries

Visual arts:

• Art galleries
• Exhibition spaces
• Public art
• Visual culture

Economic Impact

Revitalization

Success:

• Property values increased
• Restaurant growth
• Hotel development
• Employment

Tourism

Visitors:

• Performance attendees
• Cultural tourists
• Restaurant patrons
• Economic activity

Development

Investment:

• Billions invested
• New construction
• Renovation
• Ongoing development

Urban Design

Streetscape

Improvements:

• Enhanced lighting
• Wider sidewalks
• Street furniture
• Landscaping

Signage

Wayfinding:

• Gateway markers
• Directional signs
• Venue identification
• District identity

Lighting

Illumination:

• Building lighting
• Street lighting
• Evening ambiance
• Visual appeal

Performing Arts

Theater

Productions:

• Broadway touring shows
• Regional theater
• Experimental work
• Cultural diversity

Music

Concerts:

• Philadelphia Orchestra
• Opera Philadelphia
• Jazz and pop
• Various genres

Dance

Movement:

• Pennsylvania Ballet
• PHILADANCO
• Dance companies
• Cultural expression

Key Institutions

Kimmel Center

Anchor:

• Opened 2001
• Orchestra home
• Multiple venues
• Major investment

Academy of Music

Historic venue:

• 1857 opera house
• National Historic Landmark
• Opera and ballet
• Continuing tradition

University of the Arts

Education:

• Arts university
• Student body
• Cultural programming
• Campus presence

Restaurants and Nightlife

Dining

Culinary:

• Pre-theater dining
• Post-show venues
• Diverse cuisine
• Entertainment district

Bars and Lounges

Nightlife:

• After-show venues
• Live music
• Social spaces
• Urban vitality

See Also

• Kimmel Center
• Academy of Music
• Center City