An Artful Escape: Summer Exhibitions, Festivals, & Events Near The Rittenhouse
With the arrival of summer, Philadelphia reveals a distinctive beauty—sunlight dapples historic squares, gardens bloom in full color, and creativity spills from gallery walls into vibrant city streets. For those who find inspiration in artistry and elegance, there is no finer time to experience the city’s cultural rhythm.
At The Rittenhouse, it is understood that art holds the power to move, restore, and connect. This season, esteemed guests are invited to discover the very best of Philadelphia’s artistic spirit—with distinguished events, iconic exhibitions, and moments of serene reflection—all just steps from the hotel’s front door.
Art Within: The Rittenhouse Lobby Exhibition and Artist Reception (May 5–June 5)
Art is not merely observed at The Rittenhouse—it is quietly lived. This spring, The Rittenhouse presents an inspired introduction to Philadelphia’s creative community through a special lobby exhibition, held in partnership with the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show. Featuring select works by participating artists, the Fine Art Show Board Exhibition offers guests the opportunity to experience original pieces in a gallery-like setting—an intimate prelude to the city’s most treasured outdoor art tradition.
On June 4, the exhibition concludes with a Closing Reception & Happy Hour—a tasteful gathering featuring small bites, signature cocktails, and the rare opportunity to engage with exhibiting artists ahead of the weekend’s full showcase in Rittenhouse Square.
Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show (June 6–8)
Just outside, Rittenhouse Square transforms into a living gallery as the 98th Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show welcomes over 140 artists to this historic neighborhood park. As the nation’s oldest outdoor fine art show, the event blends an enduring legacy with a spirit of contemporary creativity.
Amid classical sculptures, tree-lined paths, and the city’s gentle hum, visitors stroll from canvas to canvas, discovering original works in oils, pastels, sculptures, and mixed media. Whether a collector, enthusiast, or simply curious, all are invited to connect with artists and celebrate the city’s cultural richness in one of Philadelphia’s most enchanting settings.
From Paris to Provence: French Painting at the Barnes (June 29–August 31)
A short stroll from The Rittenhouse leads to the distinguished Barnes Foundation, where the upcoming exhibition From Paris to Provence promises a journey through France’s most storied landscapes.
Featuring works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cézanne, this curated collection illuminates how the light, spirit, and atmosphere of France shaped some of the most enduring masterpieces of the modern era. For those with an appreciation for fine art, the Barnes offers an extraordinary immersion—a rare opportunity to view these celebrated paintings in the heart of Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival (June 20–August 31)
As evening falls, Franklin Square glows with thousands of lanterns during the mesmerizing Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival. Towering, hand-painted sculptures—illuminated and fantastical—bring to life dragons, koi, florals, and mythical creatures in a spectacle that inspires wonder across generations.
Beyond the lights, guests may enjoy cultural performances, globally inspired cuisine, and enriching experiences—all within one of William Penn’s original five city squares. It is a striking contrast: a time-honored tradition reimagined beneath the stars of a modern metropolis.
Manayunk Arts Festival (June 21–22)
A brief journey from Center City leads to the banks of the Schuylkill River, where the Manayunk Arts Festival returns for its 36th year. As the region’s largest juried festival, the event welcomes 300 artists working across mediums—from fiber and glass to photography and sculpture.
Amid cafés, boutiques, and historic charm, visitors are invited to explore a neighborhood brimming with creative energy. It is an ideal day excursion—a spirited counterpart to the refined atmosphere of Rittenhouse Square.
Art Beyond the Season: A Year-Round Cultural Destination
Philadelphia’s devotion to the arts is timeless. From The Rittenhouse’s central location, the city’s most esteemed cultural collections are mere moments away.
One might begin at the world-renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art, where masterpieces span centuries—from European classics to modern American icons. From there, the journey continues through the tranquil gardens and cultivated galleries of the Rodin Museum, home to one of the world’s premier collections of the sculptor’s work.
Nearby, the Barnes Foundation continues to captivate with its immersive displays of Impressionist and Modern art, while PAFA, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, offers both historical gravitas and contemporary resonance in a breathtaking 19th-century setting.
A Refined Retreat at The Rittenhouse
Between gallery visits and festival strolls, The Rittenhouse offers a peaceful haven in the heart of the city. With newly redesigned accommodations—each among the most spacious in the city—the hotel provides a rare balance of comfort, sophistication, and discretion.
Whether savoring a handcrafted cocktail at the Library Bar, indulging in restorative treatments at The Rittenhouse Spa & Club, or enjoying a leisurely brunch at Lacroix, guests are invited to unwind in surroundings shaped by care and craftsmanship. And as evening descends, the lights of Rittenhouse Square flicker to life just beyond the window.
Reserve your stay at The Rittenhouse and experience Philadelphia through an artful lens—where culture meets comfort, and every detail reflects a tradition of thoughtful hospitality