Located within our country's most historic square mile, Philadelphia's Old City was once a busy commercial waterfront district. By the early 1970’s many of its industrial and warehouse uses gave way to artists’ lofts, and a thriving arts community began to take root. The subsequent restoration and conversion of many historic industrial structures into large residential apartments coincided with an influx of art galleries, design firms, architects and performance groups during the 1980’s and 90’s.
Old City Arts Association was formed in 1991 as the Old City community quickly grew to include galleries of all kinds, as well as theatre companies, artists’ cooperatives, workshops, schools, dance companies, design showrooms, and historic and cultural museums. Today, Old City is an active cultural, dining and shopping district, and one of the most appealing residential neighborhoods in downtown Philadelphia.
Old City Philadelphia is an easy walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center & many downtown hotels. The Old City neighborhood is small enough to be seen during a brief walking tour but interesting enough to spend several days exploring its many cultural and architectural gems.
Old City Arts Association is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining Old City as a vital meeting place for arts and culture in Philadelphia.
