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5 Of Philadelphia's Top Hidden Gems

There may be some truth to all the hidden gems that were discovered in the movie National Treasure. Ok, so maybe not to that extent, but Philadelphia has secrets! Secrets that only a few have discovered until now. Hidden restaurants, bars, events and more! We are willing to share them with you, regardless of the consequences. Here are Philly's top choices for hidden gems.
Sylvester Stallone's Footprints
Art Museum Steps
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway,
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-8100
www.philamuseum.org

Most everyone is familiar with the Rocky statue, but are you aware there's another Rocky monument on the famous stairs? The Rocky statue was originally made for the movie Rocky III and was donated by Sylvester Stallone to Philadelphia after the movie was complete. There was much debate over whether or not the statue should remain on the Art Museum stairs since it was really not a piece of art but actually a movie prop. The statue was moved to the Wachovia Center in South Philadelphia. In its place, a pair of bronze footprint inlays of Rocky's converse sneakers are found at the top of the Art Museum steps where Rocky did his victory dance during the training scene to the song "Gonna Fly Now." Even though the statue was eventually returned to the steps (this time at the bottom of the famous stairs), the bronze footprints remain at the top of the art museum steps.

Related: Top Public Art In Philadelphia

The Stoogeum
904 Sheble Lane
Ambler, PA 19002
(267) 468-0810
www.stoogeum.com

The Stoogeum is the ultimate museum dedicated to everything that has to do with The Three Stooges. Of course Ambler would be the most obvious choice for the home of this institute for celebrating the Stooges. Who knew?! If you are a Stoogephile, then this is the place for you. Over 100,000 pieces of memorabilia can be found at Stoogeum. The artifacts found at the museum date all the way back from 1918 to present day. There's also a research library and an 85-seat theater. What a great hidden gem found in the Philadelphia area.

Whispering Benches
41st St. and Ave. of the Republic
Philadelphia, PA 19104
www.philart.net/Smith_Memorial_Arch

The benches at the Smith Memorial Arch on the Avenue of the Republic have been stumping people for years. The "Whispering Benches" are made of stone and are around 50 feet long. If two people are sitting on either end whisper they can hear one another clear as day. The Smith Memorial celebrates the Pennsylvania military heroes from the Civil war.  The bench has also become the place for new couples to share their first kiss.

Insectarium
8046 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19136
(215) 335-9500
www.insectariuminstitute.com

Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Believe it or not, Philadelphia is home to the largest insect museum in the nation. Why this has been a well-kept secret we will never know, but it does exist! This is the perfect place for the bug-loving kid. You can find both live and mounted insects at the Insectarium. The museum also has interactive displays and a movie room. The best part of all is that you can catch a viewing of the insects at mealtime every day at 11 a.m. Check out this exciting hidden gem with the whole family.

Edwin And Trudy Weaver Historical Dental Museum
3223 N Broad St.
3rd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19140
215-854-2586
www.temple.pastperfect-online.com

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you have a thing for teeth then this is the place to be. The Edwin and Trudy Weaver Historical Dental Museum explores the last 148 years at Temple University School of Dentistry. Check out the old dental drills, x-ray machines and dental chairs that were once considered the state-of-the-art back in the day. This will give you a whole new outlook to visiting the dentist.

Related: Teen Cancer Survivor Celebrates Beating The Disease With Rocky Run Up Art Museum Steps

Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/
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