Guided Search: News, Arts and Culture, Europe

By Aaron Stoyack

On October 15th of last year, the first UNESCO Trail was launched to digitally connect thirteen UNESCO-designated places. Amongst these thirteen, biospheres, global geoparks, and creative cities were included along with six World Heritage Sites. Scottish Parliament member Neil Gray began a fascinating virtual conference by celebrating this achievement and thanking the staff of all six of Scotland’s WHS that would be presenting.

Representatives of the Flemish Government and Flemish in the World PA joined the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The World Heritage Coordination team of Regensburg, represented by Monika Göttler, had the pleasure to welcome Mr. John Smith III and his wife Susan for a visit in Regensburg on June 21. Mr. Smith, Board Chair of the Global Philadelphia Association, is a strong supporter of the OWHC idea and had a major share in Philadelphia becoming a member city.

UKRAINIAN FOLK FESTIVAL – 24th Annual
Celebrate the enduring, vibrant culture of a people that fights for world freedom!

On October 22, the Norwegian-American Chamber of Commerce celebrated the bicentennial of the signing of the Constitution of Norway by hosting an art exhibition and book discussion at the National Constitution Center.

On July 24, Mayor Michael Nutter made began a six-day business development and cultural exchange trip to Paris to discuss foreign investment, cycling and World Heritage.

On June 6, The American Swedish Historical Museum (1900 Pattison Ave.) celebrated "National Sweden Day," by offering free admission. Visitors discovered a world of historical treasures, learning experiences and ties to Philadelphia that they never imagined.

On May 2,  the Alliance Française de Philadelphie hosted the opening reception for "American Women Rebuilding France 1917-1924," a photo exhibition on loan from the Franco-American Museum. The exhibition features WWI-era photographs capturing the volunteer efforts of American women to bring stability back to the lives of families in France. The reception was followed by a lecture from the nephew of Anne Morgan, a philanthropist who led the volunteer efforts and commissioned the original photographs. 

With help from their Women's Committee, the Penn Museum has put together "Culinary Expeditions: A Celebration of Food and Culture," illustrated with historical objects from the museum's holdings. The full-color, hardcover journey through the world of food is available May 5, with proceeds benefiting the museum.

"Yinka Shonibare MBE: Magic Ladders," an exhibition currently residing at the Barnes Foundation (2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway), reflects on the enduring effects of colonialism, cultural identity and Albert Barnes' interest in avant-garde art from around the world.