Philadelphia, PA – October 22, 2014 – Philadelphia, America's Most Cultured City rated by Travel+Leisure, already boasts some of the world's largest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art. From June 24 - September 13, 2015, Philadelphia will also be home to the Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The exhibition comes to Philadelphia following stopovers in Musée du Luxembourg, Paris and the National Gallery in London. Philadelphia will be the only opportunity in the U.S. to see these priceless works of art and will showcase additional masterpieces only to be seen in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia is home to world-renowned museums such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Rodin Museum, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and The Barnes Foundation. Here, visitors will find among the world's largest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces. The Barnes Foundation invites visitors to explore connections between masterpieces by way of “wall installations” inspired by its founder, Dr. Albert C. Barnes. A few steps away, the recently renovated Rodin Museum features the largest Rodin collection outside of Paris. The mural capital of the world, Philadelphia boasts over 3,500 murals as well as outdoor sculptures and historic mansions in Fairmount Park – the largest urban park in the U.S.

Culture, cuisine, historic landmarks and streets that are easy for walking combined with tax-free shopping on clothes and shoes make Philadelphia the obvious choice for your next American adventure. In the prime central location on the Northeast corridor between New York City and Washington D.C., Philadelphia offers a budget-friendly metropolitan experience for the international traveler.

“We have worked hard in the international arena to tell the story of Philadelphia offering world-class culture, dining and attractions,” said Jack Ferguson, President and CEO, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). “But we also need to remind global travelers that we are incredibly easy to get to through Philadelphia International Airport, Amtrak rail and a great value compared to many other large cities.  Philadelphia is just over an hour by Amtrak from New York City and only two hours from Washington D.C.”

Steeped in history, Philadelphia is the birthplace of America and the Liberty Bell – a resonant symbol of freedom around the world. Within the one square mile surrounding Independence Hall, a UNESCO heritage site, echoes of the past linger as one walks past the President's House, Carpenter's Hall, Washington Square Park, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley and Franklin Court.

While staying in Philadelphia, visitors will find a walkable downtown area with parks, outdoor cafes, cobblestone streets alongside modern skyscrapers, and charming, friendly neighborhoods. Center City is easily navigable in a grid centered by the impressive City Hall. Strolling leisurely across Center City between the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers takes approximately 45 minutes and the city is safe and clean.

Philadelphia is an accessible world-class tourism destination offering arts, culture, history, and outdoor life.

To find out more, visit www.discoverPHL.com. The PHLCVB also offers international visitor guides in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and simplified Chinese.

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Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, 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 expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has departments dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets. The PHLCVB incorporates the short code PHL, an open source graphic identifier for the City of Philadelphia into the Convention & Visitors Bureau brand identity. The graphic identifier and other assets for use by public, private and non-profit organizations can be found at www.PHLpartners.com.