Two of Philadelphia’s premier cultural institutions have been shortlisted for the Leading Culture Destinations Awards 2017. The Museum of the American Revolution has been nominated for the ‘Best Museum of the Year – North America’ award and Changing Earth at The Franklin Institute has been nominated in the ‘Climate Smart Award’, a new category introduced this year.

In its fourth year and dubbed ‘The Oscars for Museums’, the prestigious awards celebrate the vibrancy and vitality of museums and cultural institutions around the world, while also showcasing some of the world’s best emerging cultural destinations.

“Philadelphia is renowned for its historical role in the founding of the nation and our rich history has helped to develop the thriving cultural environment that our city has to offer today,” said Julie Coker Graham, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We’re absolutely delighted to have two of our iconic cultural attractions nominated in such a prestigious awards programme and wish both The Museum of the American Revolution and The Franklin Institute the best of luck.”

Known as the ‘Birthplace of the USA’ with the signing of the Declaration of Independence taking place in 1776 and having recently been awarded the elite title of America’s first World Heritage City, Philadelphia provides a rich and thriving cultural backdrop to any visitor. With a vibrant art scene, vast collection of museums and array of outstanding innovative exhibitions, Philadelphia is becoming firmly established as one of the world’s most engaging cultural destinations.

The Museum of the American Revolution officially opened on 19th April 2017, showcasing an unrivalled collection of artefacts, interactive digital installations, immersive environments and theatre experiences that take visitors through the Revolutionary era, including General Washington’s War Tent, a privateer ship visitors can board and a two-story replica of a Liberty Tree. The Franklin Institute is one of the USA’s oldest science museums and through a range of dynamic sensory experiences showcased in the Changing Earth exhibition, provides a platform for visitors to learn more about the interconnected systems of earth science and how our choices can impact the Earth’s future.

“What an honour to be named alongside so many illustrious cultural institutions from around the world!” said Michael C. Quinn, President and CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution. “The founding of the United States of America is one of the pivotal events in modern history and continues to reverberate around the world, establishing the principal of equality among all people.  We have been thrilled to welcome thousands of visitors, nationally and internationally, who come to Philadelphia – the headquarters of the Revolution — to learn about the people, places and events that have inspired generations globally.”

“The Franklin Institute is honoured to receive this prestigious global recognition,” said Larry Dubinski, President & CEO of The Franklin Institute.  “Philadelphia is a great cultural destination, a thriving city of science and technology.  Understanding our impact on the world today is crucial to the betterment of our future, which is why we are so proud of our multi-sensory Changing Earth exhibit, as well as the many programs, partnerships and initiatives The Franklin Institute has since developed to broaden our reach, and further an understanding of and engagement with the science of climate change.”

The shortlist for the Leading Culture Destinations Awards 2017 was carefully selected from a long list of nominations put together by 100 plus ambassadors of highly influential and creative professionals from the arts, fashion, music and film industries. The winners will be voted for by a distinguished jury panel and announced at an award ceremony on Friday 29th September 2017 at the Trafalgar St James Hotel.

For more information on Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, www.discoverPHL.co.uk. For more information on the Museum of American Revolution visit www.AmRevMuseum.org and for more information on The Franklin Institute, visit www.fi.edu.

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Notes to Editors: Photo Captions (From Left to Right):
Image 1: The Benjamin Franklin Memorial at the Franklin Institute
Image 2: The Leading Culture Destinations Awards is now in it’s fourth year
Image 3: The Liberty Tree at the Museum of American Revolution (photo courtesy of Bluecadet)

For Further Press Information, please contact:
Greg Evans – Philadelphia UK Office
Tel: 07768 341790 / 01633 480 754
Email: [email protected]

Sarah Salord – GEC PR
Tel: 07971 559942
Email: [email protected]

About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), a private non-profit, membership corporation, is the official tourism promotion agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The PHLCVB is an economic engine for the city – creating jobs and fueling economic growth by encouraging overseas visitation and by bringing ethnically diverse regional, national and international meetings, conventions and sporting events to Philadelphia.

About the Museum of the American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dynamic story of the American Revolution using its rich collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, letters, diaries, and works of art. Immersive galleries, theatre experiences, and recreated historical environments bring to life the events, people, and ideals of our nation’s founding and engage people in the history and continuing relevance of the American Revolution. Located in the heart of historic Philadelphia – the headquarters of the Revolution — the Museum is just steps away from Independence Hall, Carpenters’ Hall, and Franklin Court. It serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organisation. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.

About The Franklin Institute
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic centre of activity. Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visitwww.fi.edu and follow The Franklin Institute on Twitter @TheFranklin and Instagram @FranklinInstitute, hashtag #franklininstitute.

About Leading Culture Destinations
Leading Culture Destinations is a platform created to explore, recognise and promote the world’s best destinations for cultural experiences. Set up by Florian Wupperfeld and Bakul Patki, together with a team of art and travel enthusiasts, it aims at sharing knowledge and recommendations from a global network of leading professionals from the arts, fashion, music and film. The company aims to support both emerging and existing arts institutions and cultural travel destinations, highlighting the practices and solutions that raise the standards of the cultural sector worldwide.