Today Philadelphia celebrates Martin Luther King Day, January 20, with many events throughout the City of Brotherly Love. Here's a list of events and things to do, some of which are free or have been discounted.
National Liberty Museum
January 20 ~ “Give Back” gift from 11 am – 3 pm at the National Liberty Museum. Visitors will get to create a fun craft in support of Enchanted Makeovers, an organization that nurtures women and children living in homeless shelters through various projects, programs and makeovers that help improve their outlook for the future. They’ll be creating “hero capes” for children in these shelters to let them know they can be their own superhero. You’ll create a cape from start to finish with the help of our Museum Educators. This activity is free with admission. It's at 321 Chestnut St, phone number (215) 925-2800
African American Museum
$2 admission on Monday, January 20. Visitors will enjoy a scavenger hunt (10 am – 5 pm), a re-enactment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Carlo Campbell (10 am – 2 pm), a visit from the Phillie Phanatic, a MLK Memorial Concert (3 pm – 5 pm) and more. It's at 701 Arch St, phone number (215) 574-0380
Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary will have free readings open to the public. But the tours of the Penitentiary are standard admission. Visitors will get a chance to look at one of the most influential letters written by MLK, the Letter from Birmingham Jail. The letter was written while MLK was incarcerated. Listen to actors read the letter every day which will occur at 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. It's at 22nd & Fairmount Avenue, phone number 215 236-3300.
Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution will celebrate Martin Luther King Day with free programming with museum admission. The Museum will feature diverse programming that discusses a variety of communities during the Revolution who banded together to push boundaries for what they felt was best for themselves, the community, and the world. On select days, join a free, 30-minute talk of the Museum’s core galleries to learn stories of people of African descent who found freedom on all sides of the Revolutionary War. It's at 22nd & Fairmount Avenue, phone number (215) 236-3300
The Philadelphia Orchestra
January 20 ~ The Philadelphia Orchestra will have a free concert at 4 pm (doors open at 3:30 pm). The 90 minute concert is conducted by Thomas Wilkins. Even though the concert is free, you must register with tickets. It's Girard College Chapel, 2101 S. College Avenue
National Museum of American Jewish History
January 20 ~ The National Museum of American Jewish History will have free admission all day long 10 am to 5 pm celebrating MLK Day. In fact, FREE admission is from January 13 – 30! On January 20, enjoy a day filled with family-friendly performances, arts and crafts activities, spotlight talks about social justice, documentary screenings, and more. It's at 101 South Independence Mall, phone number (215) 923-3811
Ceremonial Tapping of the Liberty Bell
On January 20, join distinguished guests and more with a ceremonial tapping of the Liberty Bell at 12 pm at the Liberty Bell Pavilion in honor of Martin Luther King. Ceremony starts at 11:15 am (by special invitation only). Luncheon to follow at Philadelphia 201 at 17th & race Sts at noon (formerly Sheraton). It's at 525 Market St.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
On January 20 The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers free after pay-what-you-wish admission on from 10 am to 3 pm. Guests can take part in conversations, teach-ins, mini tours and an all-ages drop-in making activity. It's at 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, phone number (215) 763-8100
National Constitution Center
$5 admission on Monday, January 20! In honor of Martin Luther King Jr’s lifelong for justice, equality, and service for the greater good, The National Constitution Center will have several activities during the day. There will be the powerful I have a Dream speech at 12 pm and 2 pm in the F.M. Kirby Auditorium. There will also be arts, crafts, a sing along and more. Share your thoughts regarding Martin Luther King Jr on Twitter, using hashtag #TheDream. It's at 525 Arch St, phone number (215) 409-6700
Woodmere Art Museum
January 20 offers free admission from 12 pm – 4 pm. Join in on crafts and a storytelling session inspired by King. Later in the afternoon, sing along to a concert by the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble featuring songs like Lift Every Voice and Sing, A Change Is Gonna Come, and We Shall Overcome. It's at 9201 Germantown Ave, phone number (215) 247-0476
(Thanks to myphillyalive.com for this report)