This blog post update will focus on the final 2-3 days of our five day trip to this city that played a major role in the shaping of our country. We visited several museums, the US Mint, and attended a well known historic church.
St. Peter and Paul Church
While we did not attend a service here, we did stop in to tour this historic church. The old Catholic churches are awesome beautiful. While they are not our theological choice, (we’re Presbyterian PCA), I always like to visit and take in the beauty.
This cathedral started being built in 1846 and was a Neo-Classical design after much debate. The walls of the building are 4.5 feet thick. The vaulted ceiling is 80 feet above the floor. Very inspiring. Read more here. LINK
Rodin Museum
While on the way to the Philly Museum of Art, we passed the Rodin Museum. Do we stop in? Sure! But, we only had a few hours before the main attraction (Philly Museum of Art) closed. So, unfortunately it meant a quick tour through the Rodin, but it is a smaller place.
They have about 150 pieces of this famous sculptor’s work. From website: Auguste Rodin (French, 1840–1917) was deeply inspired by tradition yet rebelled against its idealized forms. Over the course of a career that spanned the late 1800s and early 1900s, he introduced innovative practices that paved the way for modern sculpture. He believed that art should be true to nature, a philosophy that shaped his attitudes to models and materials.
Kind of scary
I thought that his “hands” was one of the most interesting exhibits. It was just what it sounds like, many versions of hands. Of course, they also had the Thinker outside on display. Probably his most famous work. LINK
Philadelphia Museum of Art
This is a major art museum for the US. It is ranked at number 3 in the country according to a Google search. And it was very impressive. Many different galleries and date ranges and many styles. This place could take an entire day, but alas we only had a few hours.
Of course, my favorite section was the Impressionist area that had a huge collection. Some of the sections to this massive museum were the American Art, Contemporary, East Asian, South Asian, European, and many more. I’ve included just a small sampling of photos.
You could take your photo in front of Rocky statue, but long line 
Many steps up 
Randy and Pat in front of the Philly 
Yeah! 
An interesting chat explaining some of the famous pieces 
Paul Cezanne 
Claude Monet 
Claude Monet 
Me and Pat by Claude Monet’s famous bridge
Another interesting fact about this museum is that the movie “Rocky” used the huge front stairs to film the inspiring scene in the movie. We re-enacted that scene as well. Okay, I actually walked up the hundred steps and then ran the rest of the way.
Revolutionary War Museum
This was a very well done museum that details the revolutionary war. It looks at the war from many different angles and has many artifacts from the time period. The most amazing display was the actual Washington’s war tent.
General George Washington’s Revolutionary War Tent, his office and sleeping quarters, served as the mobile command center for the Continental Army. The tent was present at the scene of many pivotal moments, including the 1781 Siege of Yorktown, the last major land battle of the Revolutionary War.
Unlike many commanding officers, Washington stayed at the front line with his solders fostering much loyalty from his troops. He was very popular and could have become a “king” if he wanted.
Washington’s actual tent
The tour guide maintains that this is the real deal not a replica. They even keep it out of the light to preserve the fabric. He did say that the tent was kept by an individual for a few years until it was turned over to a museum. Then another museum and then finally this museum. Its final home.
US Mint
This tour was very interesting to me. Unfortunately, they did not allow any photos to be taken. The Philly mint produces only coinage for our country. No paper money. They have lines set up for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters, and many others including special commemorative coins.
Pat at the mint
The process is very similar to the production process from my former employer used in making automotive rod and main bearings. Very basically they buy coil stock, then stamp out plain round blanks, then stamp the image on both sides. On some coins, they stamp in the grooves on the coin edges. I left out several steps such as heat treating, but tried make it brief. LINK
Congress Hall
Built as the Philadelphia County Courthouse, Congress Hall was home to the U.S. Congress from 1790 to 1800, when Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the United States. Presidents Washington and Adams were both inaugurated in this building. LINK
George Washington’s actual chair 
Tenth Presbyterian Church
We did attend the Sunday service at this historic church. The church is in the same denomination as we attended for years, Presbyterian PCA. The building was built in 1857 at 17th and Spruce street. It was a 20 minute walk from our condo on a beautiful day.
The preaching is well known throughout the country and it appeared they have a large congregation. Pat and I attended the second service that finished up around 12:30, just in time to meet the rest of the group for some lunch.
Philly Cheese Steak
When in Philly, it is a requirement that you eat one of these monster sandwiches. And it was very good. Cleavers of Philadelphia. Loaded with strips of steak and peppers and onions and topped with cheese. Another item checked off the list! Maybe not fine dining but it was tasty and was huge.
Our small group, me, Pat, Ross, Jenn, and Bryan
Wrap Up
After our five nights in the city we took an Uber back to the train station for the 2pm train going back to Virginia. It was a good trip. We saw a ton of attractions plus got to spend some great time with family. Yes, Philadelphia has a dark side with high crime and not clean, but if you are prudent, it is a good visit. I plan to have one more Philly post to capture some more sights, buildings, and a review of the restaurants.
Take care and God Bless.
