neighborhoods

Philadelphia Open Studio Tours takes place in the following neighborhoods. Check out their distinct flavor.

Center City East

Center City East features studios from City Hall, through Chinatown, and into Society Hill. Right downtown, this section of the city boasts the lively 915 Studio Building, and features many other sites of local interest, including historic Market Street, Independence Hall and more. Meander along Pine and Spruce streets to discover quaint storefronts and a corner cafe, or take a break from seeking out city-style studios to relax in Washington Square Park.

Center City West

Center City West is situated right downtown, and includes studios in and around Rittenhouse Square, Graduate Hospital, and Logan cirle. These posh neighborhoods make a great walking tour, and features artists who have carved out amazing spaces amid the city's hustle and bustle. This neighborhood also features fabulous theater, shopping, dining, and easy public transit. Find a friend, take an afternoon, and enjoy a full entertainment experience!

Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy

Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy are two neighborhoods located in the Northwest quadrant of the city. Home to the Northwest Artist Collective and many fabulous galleries, this scenic tour features friendly and attractive shopping areas, cozy coffee shops, countless restaurants and stunning studio spaces.

Fairmount and Francisville

Fairmount sits just North of Center City West, and features a strong network of neighborhood artists. This lovely, tree-lined neighborhood is home to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, vibrant community events, and gorgeous studio spaces tucked into rowhomes and converted historic buildings. Visit Fairmount on your bike, and you can easily catch the Schuylkill River Trail or a path to Fairmount Park.

Germantown

Historic Germantown sits just East of Mount Airy, and features many hidden studio gems. Visit the up-and-coming Germantown Avenue to enjoy new retail ventures, breathtaking stone architecture, and direct bus routes to Center City. Take a minute to explore the studios in and around Germantown and you may just find an outdoor sculpture garden, a motorcycle building studio, or a custom mosaic tile operation. No matter what, you won't be disappointed!

Kensington, Fishtown

Kensington and Fishtown are sister neighborhoods located just north of Girard Avenue, and home to countless established and emerging artists. A destination for urban pioneers, these eclectic neighborhoods bring together strong communities of artists represented by gallery spaces, quickly-developing retail and commercial districts, and a grassroots spirit you can't resist. While you explore the varied and vibrant studios, check out the Crane Arts Building, cruise Frankford Avenue for some great local eats, take a trip to Penn Treaty Park right on the Delaware waterfront, or catch a show at one of the renowned music venues along Girard Avenue.

Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls

Manayunk, Roxborough and East Falls sit just North of the Schuylkill River and Fairmount Park, and offer studio visitors an exciting destination! Built beautifully into the hillside, these neighborhoods feature a vibrant studio scene and Sherman Mills, an impressive live and work community for artists. With easy driving access off Kelly Drive and a train stations in the heart of their impressive commercial corridors, Manayunk and East Falls make any studio visit into a full afternoon adventure.

North Philadelphia

North Philly is home to the recently-formed North Philadelphia Arts and Culture Alliance, and features many important artistic and cultural sites, not to mention an up-and-coming gallery scene on Girard avenue. North Philly and its environs seem to be a popular site for Philly's noteable potters and ceramicists, but if you take just a minute, you'll find murals, textiles, and more.

Northern Liberties

Northern Liberties is located along the Eastern edge of the city, bordering the Delaware River to the East and Girard Avenue to the North. This neighborhood offers studio visitors an experience that is both trendy and timeless. Visit polished studios that range from ceramics to photography to architectural salvage, while exploring some of the city's oldest nooks and crannies. Northern Liberties offers enticing culinary and entertainment options, ranging from dance clubs to cobblestone eateries. Easy public transportation and bike-friendly shortcuts make these neighborhoods a great option for a full day's tour.

Old City

Perhaps the most well-known arts destination in Philadelphia because of it's monthly First Friday events, Old City is home to countless galleries and historic workspaces. Situated North of Market Street on 2nd and 3rd Streets, this neighborhood not only showcases a wide variety of contemporary artwork, but boasts upscale shopping and dining. Also a must-see for studio visitors with an interest in historic landmarks.

Jacqueline Weaver and Tim McMurray:"Cibacron F"

Port Richmond

Port Richmond is nestled just off the Delaware River, with easy access from I-95. Once a busy manufacturing district, Port Richmond is now home to some impressive studios, both in scale and scope. Just north of Kensington and Fishtown, the studios of Port Richmond feature installation artists, gallerists, experimental and exciting new media. All in all, it's an experience that's well worth the few extra blocks.

Queen Village and Bella Vista

Queen Village and Bella Vista are cozy, quaint neighborhoods tucked between South Street and Washington Avenue. Here, you'll find everything from outdoor mosaic murals to artist-run galleries to stylish home studios. Take a walk around South Street and Fabric Row for some unusual sights and delicious dining!

South Philadelphia

South Philadelphia is a delight not only for the quality of its artists, but the variety of its neighborhoods. The South Philly tour will truly give you a taste of Philadelphia! Make a weekend of it, and wander the Italian Market, window shop along Passyunk Avenue, or choose from among the dizzying array of world-class restaurants.

West Philadelphia

West Philly and University City are located directly West of Center City, just across the Schuylkill River. These colorful and tree-lined streets are home to a strong base of local artists, featuring innovative cooperative and residence studios in addition to more traditional spaces. Visit West Philadelphia during the weekends of POST to participate in workshops and activities for the whole family, take a stroll through Clark park, and leave some time to try the neighborhood's exciting cuisine.