The Phoenixville Mural, located at the corner of Bridge and Main Streets, was created in 1994, by Michael Webb and Meg Fish Seligman. The artists met with area residents who shared their stories and their interests, helping to decide what the imagery presented on the mural should be. The mural design reflects Phoenixville’s iron and steel history and its location on the Schuylkill River. It was the first major revitalization project undertaken for the Borough by the Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation. A bronze plaque explains the images shown on the mural wall.
The Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Theatre, built in 1903 as a Vaudeville House, is owned and operated by the Association for the Colonial Theatre (ACT), a nonprofit corporation. ACT is committed to the full restoration of the Colonial as a cultural arts center. The Colonial is open, and shows art and independent film as well as a Sunday classic film series and children’s programs. It also presents live theatre, music, dance and other community events in the heart of Phoenixville’s historic business district.
Art and independent films run seven nights a week. Classic films are on Sunday at 2 p.m. with Children’s Series on Saturdays at 2 p.m. Matinees are on Wednesday at 2 p.m. A special baby night – bring them along – is Monday at 6:30 p.m.
People’s Light and Theatre Company
Now in its 32nd season, the People’s Light and Theatre Company is a non-profit, professional theatre founded in 1974. The theatre includes two black box theatres with 375 and 180 seats, respectively. It produces eight or nine plays per season, mixing world premieres, contemporary plays, and fresh approaches to classic texts for its Main Stage Series and Family Discovery Series.
The theatre offers special talkbacks with artists and staff. It offers partnering opportunities with cultural and religious organizations in the community, behind the scene tours of its facilities, pre and post show receptions and access to its beautiful grounds and award-winning gardens, as well as discounted tickets for new groups.
The People’s Light and Theatre reaches new audiences through its nationally recognized arts education program, Project Discovery. This program serves 35,000 young people each year through in-school residencies, student matinees for free and special projects tailored to specific youth communities plus a year-round Theatre School for both young people and adults.
Be sure to visit PLACES ! – The Bistro at People’s Light & Theatre – with changing menus to bring you the freshest cuisine possible, cordially served in an intimate setting. Whether sitting by one of the fireplaces before or after the performance, or simply enjoying the gardens with some al fresco dining, you will be welcomed. Call 610 647-8060 for reservations.
Call the box office for tickets or subscriptions to this outstanding venue of artistic excellence. Check the website for the newest season of productions.
Longwood Gardens
The world’s premier horticultural display garden offers majestic trees, exquisite gardens and conservatories, concerts, educational opportunities, illuminated fountains, flower shows, festivals and holiday displays.
In 1906, industrialist and philanthropist Pierre S. du Pont purchased an old Quaker farm near Kennett Square, PA, to save centuries-old trees from being cut for lumber. The farm became his country estate, with gardens planned to “exploit the sentiments and ideas associated with plants and flowers in a large way.” Recalling the great pleasure gardens of Europe, Longwood exemplifies a contemporary approach to Old World traditions.
Today the property encompasses 1,050 acres including woodlands and meadows, 20 outdoor gardens and 20 garden rooms inside a four-acre conservatory complex. The horticultural and performing arts programs invite visitors to experience the art of horticulture in an unforgettable setting. Acres of spring explode to delight and welcome one to the rebirth of the land; summer fountain festivals bring the fun of the season; the charms of autumn showcase the brilliant fall hues, the harvest spectacle and the exotic chrysanthemums. A Longwood Christmas with a holiday wonderland of 420,000 lights sparkling outdoors, exquisite plants and designer trees inside and strolling carolers and joyous music add to the festivities.
Longwood Gardens is open every day of the year. Admission is charged with group rates and guided tours available. Call for information and hours. The Gardens are open on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings between Memorial Day and Labor Day.