Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in North America, known for its historic architecture, its museums, libraries and universities. But this summer, the city is in the grip of Egyptian fever as one of the most
infamous women of history moves into town. Cleopatra is centre stage at the Franklin Institute this summer and her presence has caused a stir.
The exhibition, Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, made its world debut in Philadelphia this month, and it's obvious the city has fallen hard for the lady.
And who could resist her? Immortalized on film by Elizabeth Taylor and soon to be reinvented by Angelina Jolie, dramatized on stage by Shakespeare and Shaw, the African Queen has bedazzled the world since her reign as the last pharaoh of Egypt came to an end. Her amorous conquests and her dramatic death – a suicidal asp bite to the breast – have made her the stuff of legend. While she may not have been the beauty that history has portrayed, she was intelligent, charismatic and unforgettable.
Fitting then that Philly should roll out the red carpet for the Egyptian goddess. Restaurants have dedicated dishes to her – Meritage for example has devised an iced Egyptian obelisk for the dessert course – while bartenders are inventing liquid tributes like the Viper and the Cleopolitan. Other museums are running parallel exhibitions and area spas are featuring Cleopatra-themed treatments. Get to know Cleopatra, and then spend time with some of Philadelphia's other treasures. Even Renoir is here for the summer.
Now on display at the Franklin is a sphinx representing Cleopatra's father Ptolemy XII, which was discovered underwater.— Jerome Delafosse
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Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt at the Franklin Institute is a dramatic showcase of artifacts recovered from the seabed in Alexandria by underwater archeologist Franck Goddio, and from nearby dig sites overseen by Zahi Hawass. Cleopatra beguiled the most powerful men of her time, waged war against the Roman Empire, and was so feared that Emperor Octavius ordered all traces of her to be destroyed after her death. The show is dramatically presented, and Cleo proves far more interesting than old Tut. The exhibition runs until January. 222 North 20th St.; 1-887-TFI-TIXS; www.fi.edu
A Toast to Cleo
Arrive early for the Cleopatra show and hang out at the new pop-up bar/resto, Cleo’s Portico, on the raised terrace of the Franklin. Enjoy a Cleopolitan (vodka and Goldwasser, with Goldwasser-soaked watermelon cubes topped with gold dust) or a Nefertini (raspberry vodka, Chambord and pomegranate topped with prosecco and a rosemary sprig) along with some mezze 222 North 20th St.
The Face of a Queen
In honour of Cleo, the Spa at the Four Seasons is featuring a deep cleansing moisturizing facial, The Cleopatra, using Naturopathica skin-care products from Barbara Close (Glenn’s sister). One Logan Square; 215-963-1500; www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia
I Want My Mummy
Directly on the other side of the Schuylkill River and just west of Center City is the neighbourhood known as University City, home to the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. It’s worth a jump to this nearby area while the Cleopatra show is on because of the strong tie-in. The Penn Museum, officially titled the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, owns more than 5,000 Egyptian artifacts, including the third largest sphinx in the world. Their popular Egyptian Mummy Exhibit explores the funerary practices of the ancient Egyptians. To complement the Cleopatra show at the Franklin, the Penn has created a self-guided tour, Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Double tickets for this and the Cleopatra show are available through the Franklin Institute. 3260 South St., 215-898-4000; www.museum.upenn.edu
I Pod
After the Penn, head for Pod and settle in to one of the private booths, “pods” where you can adjust the colour of the light to suit your mood. Created by culinary star chef Stephen Starr, Pod serves Asian-influenced cuisine in a cool stark white interior, punched with colour, inspired by Woody Allen’s Sleeper. The sushi arrives on a conveyor belt. 3636 Sansom St.; 215-387-1803; www.podrestaurant.com
