World Heritage Week
World Heritage Week is a celebration of the World Heritage City Designation of Philadelphia. The last Thursday of May is set as World Heritage Day by the City. 
The city of Philadelphia declared World Heritage Day on the last Thursday of May to celebrate Philadelphia's World Heritage City Designation. Today, we celebrate World Heritage Week with a selection of events to highlight Philadelphia's international heritages and communities.
This week is a collaborative celebration featuring valued community partners, the Office of the City Representative, and GPA-hosted events.
Community Partners
What to Expect
Featured Event: Woodmere Youth Art Exhibit: Educational Art Program with Philadelphia School District
This event is a partnership between GPA and Woodmere Art Museum to offer art education to district schools without the funds for art programs. Through this program 7 schools (Esperanza, Mcclure, Solis Cohen, Kennedy Crossan, Spring Garden, Shawmont, and J.S. Jenks) are given art instruction through the 3rd quarter and participate in an art gallery opening in the 4th quarter during World Heritage Week. Woodmere is also given a grant and copies of our heritage coloring book for use through the program.
WHERE: 9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Featured Event: Sustainable Development Goal #2 Unveiling - Zero Hunger with Philabundance
GPA, GIANT and Philabundance are working together to debut the artwork of Philadelphia-based artist Branche Coverdale which highlights SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
Sponsor - GIANT
NGO – Philabundance
Host – BUDD Building
Artists - Branche Coverdale
WHERE: Budd Bioworks, 2450 West Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Sunday - May 19th
Featured Event: Woodmere Youth Art Exhibit: Educational Art Program with Philadelphia School District
This event is a partnership between GPA and Woodmere Art Museum to offer art education to district schools without the funds for art programs. Through this program 7 schools (Esperanza, Mcclure, Solis Cohen, Kennedy Crossan, Spring Garden, Shawmont, and J.S. Jenks) are given art instruction through the 3rd quarter and participate in an art gallery opening in the 4th quarter during World Heritage Week. Woodmere is also given a grant and copies of our heritage coloring book for use through the program.
WHERE: 9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Monday - May 20th
City Hall Tour
World Heritage week is all about heritage in our city, so this year we are offering a tour of City Hall geared towards our Young Professional audience. This will cover the exterior architecture of the building and also offer access to the tower where attendees can witness an amazing view of the city.
World Affairs Council - Diplochat: Denmark
Join us for an in-depth conversation between our CEO, Lauren Swartz and H.E. Jesper Moller Sørensen, the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States.
WHERE: World Affairs Council 1617 JFK Blvd., Suite 1660, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tuesday - May 21st
Caribbean Transnational Identity and Art Literacy - Lecture
The Caribbean Lecture Series, proudly sponsored by the Caribbean Community in Philadelphia,
invites you to delve into the fascinating intersection of transnational identity and art literacy. Our
guest speaker, Sharon Hicks, will take center stage, sharing her personal narrative of navigating
the intricate landscape of local and global identity as a second-generation Caribbean-Jewish
immigrant from Jamaica.
WHERE: 3401 Market Street, 3rd floor, suite 3000, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
Wednesday - May 22nd
Dare to Declare! A Conversation About the Declaration of Independence
PHILADELPHIA250 and The Welcoming Center present "Dare to Declare! A Conversation About the Declaration of Independence". As the nation's semiquincentennial approaches in 2026, we reflect upon the meaning of our nation's founding document and the ongoing influence of its ideas.
PHILADELPHIA250 and The Welcoming Center are hosting a civic conversation and networking event for friends and participants of The Welcoming Center's programs to learn what Philadelphia's immigrant and international communities think about this anniversary and how they believe the ideals of the Declaration resonate today.
WHERE: 211 N 13th St 4th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
GPLEX360: Recruitment and Networking Event
Experience the essence of GPLEX at our 2024 recruitment and happy hour! Whether you're a seasoned GPLEX alumni or curious newcomer, dive into our vibrant community at the Writers Room. Connect with like-minded individuals and immerse yourself in the distinctive conversations that define GPLEX. Don't miss this opportunity to join us and discover what makes GPLEX truly special.
WHERE: 229 North 34th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104
Thursday - May 23rd
Sustainable Development Goal #2 Unveiling - Zero Hunger with Philabundance
GPA, GIANT and Philabundance are working together to debut the artwork of Philadelphia-based artist Branche Coverdale which highlights SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
Sponsor - GIANT
NGO – Philabundance
Host – BUDD Building
Artists - Branche Coverdale
WHERE: Budd Bioworks, 2450 West Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129
Friday - May 24th
Soccer Clinic and Book Club with Philly Parks & Recreation at Independence Park
More information coming soon.
Saturday - May 25th
Tango Dance Workshop - Beginner
This year’s festival will explore the theme, La Poesia del Abrazo (The Poetry of the Tango Embrace). The premise of this festival is that, whether or not we speak Spanish, if we invest just a bit of time and effort to explore tango’s poetry, we can enormously enrich our experience of dancing and listening to tango. The festival draws together dancers, musicians, vocalists, poets/lectures, and DJs who will expertly guide us in this exploration.
World Heritage Week Advisory Committee
Carol Wong, Chinatown Learning Center, Director
Jeannine Cook, Harriett’s Bookshop, Owner
Layla Tannir, Director of Entrepreneurship at The Welcoming Center
Toyin Ogunfolaju, Jacobs, Director Social Value & Equity Americas
Jane Grabias, Philadelphia250, Director of Programs
Bill Salvatore, Deputy Commissioner of Programs; Director of Philadelphia International Unity Cup
Jazelle Jones, City Representative and Director of Special Events
