8 – 14 May 2019
Philadelphia
Description

Philadelphia Skyline
Philadelphia, the ‘cradle of the nation’ lies in the extreme South East of Pennsylvania – named after its founder William Penn, and also known as the ‘Keystone state’ because some of the key events in the founding of the United States took place here. In particular the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia in 1776 – the Liberty Bell was rung at its first reading and remains in the historic area of the city. The first settlers, in 1640, were Swedes and Finns, followed by the Dutch and British in 1681. Charles II granted possession of the territory a year later to William Penn who founded the city, and from 1790 to 1800 it was the capital of the United States. Philadelphia is an important commercial and industrial centre, as well as a major port – with riverboat tours highlighting the past, present and future of the city. Its theatres, concert halls, libraries and museums together with the three universities and its famed orchestra make it one of the leading cultural centre in the United States. Modern ‘Philly’, is still famous for its history but is also a vibrant hub of art – with world class museums and artworks decorating its public areas. The City Hall even doubles as a government building and an art gallery. It is also famous for its cheese steaks and its ice cream. Philadelphia is also the heartland of Freemasonry in the US.
Other Details
Accommodation
Warwick Hotel Rittenhouse Square**** in the centre of Philadelphia.
Breakfast/Meals
Breakfast is not included. The hotel provides free bottled water and a coffee maker. Casual dining is possible all day long. The Coffee Bar serves light meals, beer, and wine in the lobby. Guests can dine at the Prime Rib Restaurant.
Course Cost
£1169 per person for double room with matrimonial bed
£1193 per person for twin-bedded room (2 matrimonial beds)
£1657 single occupation in room with matrimonial bed
inclusive of tuition and airport transfers (airport transfers are only available for the Siragusa Tours Ltd nominated flight).
Travel Insurance
Once tour is viable and if we have booked a flight for you through Travelpack, you can call Lina on 0208 5854010 ext 1008, for an immediate quote (unless you already have insurance).
Flight
Ca. £1025 scheduled flight to Philadelphia with BA, possibility to upgrade
BA 67 08MAY LHRPHL 1240 1530
BA 68 13MAY PHLLHR 2200 #1015
Local Transport
Airport transfers by shuttle
Group Size
16
Tutor
Jackie Parry MA, is an experienced lecturer and art historian who has led many gallery visits and study tours. She teaches art history at the University of Sussex and the Open University. She has also lectured for NADFAS, the U3A and the National Trust. Her interests are mostly based around 18th century art and culture and the development of modernism from 19th century to the present. Her MA research included issues of gender and critical theory.
Related OU Courses
AA318/A226/General Interest
Itinerary / Study Programme
Day 1, Wednesday 8 May 2019
pm: Arrive; orientation – including the option of a bus tour and/or a boat tour
Day 2, Thursday 9 May 2019
am & pm: THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM of ART – with 300,000 exhibits – one of the largest collections in the US – from (14th to the present day – including Duchamp’s ‘Etant Donnes’ and Large Glass. We will also visit the nearby PERELMAN annex with costumes, textiles and phhotography.
Day 3, Friday 10 May 2019
am: THE RODIN MUSEUM (the largest collection outside France)
pm: THE BARNES COLLECTION (one the world’s finest collections of Impressionist and Post Impressionist works) – if there is time the nearby FREE LIBRARY
Day 4, Saturday 11 May 2019
am: THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS a National Historic Landmark and one of the world’s largest collections of American art
pm: CITY HALL AND TOWER with the MASONIC TEMPLE of the GRAND LODGE opposite
Day 5, Sunday 12 May 2019
am: THE PENN MUSEUM of Archaeology and Anthropology – situated at University of Pennsylvania
pm: Historic Philadelphia: The Liberty Bell; possibly a harbour cruise if not already taken; Betsy Ross House (where the original Stars and Stripes was stitched)
Day 6, Monday 13 May 2019
am: THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF THE REVOLUTION
pm: Free time until departure
Day 7, Tuesday 14 May 2019
Arrival in the UK
This itinerary and study programme is provisional and may be subject to change in response to local conditions