(posted by Jen McCleary)

Hidden City Philadelphia is an upcoming Philly arts festival (May 30-June 28, 2009) that looks absolutely fascinating! I love secret places that have been lost to time, decaying quietly, with only a few people still aware of their existence.  According to the project’s website:

“There are many historical and architectural landmarks around Philadelphia that at one time were all important to the city’s neighborhoods, but their significance – and in some cases their existence – has been forgotten over the years, making them hidden to the people who walk, run, or drive by them every day.  Performing and visual artists have created dance, music, sculpture, video, print, and mixed media pieces inspired by the history and architecture of their selected sites to draw attention back to the important people and places forming Philadelphia.”

Did you know that Philly had a Metropolitan Opera House on N. Broad St? Neither did I! It’s still beautiful, and will be home to a performance during this event.

This is just one of many interesting forgotten places that will be home to art of various kinds during the event! Check out the website for more information. I hope to go see some of these and report back about them!  (Many thanks to Kathy from Artista and our own Ruth, who coincidentally both let me know about this on the same day.)