Appreciating Black history and culture is so important in Philadelphia. The city would not be the same without it. February is Black History Month and the perfect opportunity to explore this part of our city’s roots and African-American history. We made this guide to all the best places to check out this month. There’s options near The Isle and throughout the city. You’ll love this experience. Happy Black History Month.

Venice Island Performing Arts Center – The Isle actually shares an island with this awesome community center. Come out this February and see a performance of The Slave Narratives. Based off of a Federal Writers Project in the 1930s, it brings the enslaved experience to life.

Free Library of Philadelphia – Throughout the month you can learn more at all kinds of events and talks. Some of their most anticipated programs include a lecture on the Harlem Renaissance, chats with authors, and a screening of Paul Robeson. There are locations all over the city, so find out which is closest to your apartment.

National Constitution Center – Visit the National Constitution Center and see interactive exhibits made just for Black History Month. Important moments in African-American history will be highlighted in their self-guided tours. Don’t miss the rare artifacts on display like the Emancipation Proclamation and items from Barack Obama’s inauguration.

Penn Museum – Always a great place to celebrate black culture and art, the Penn Museum is a perfect place to visit this month. They offer a huge collection of African sculpture, masks, textiles, and more. On February 24th, check out their annual Celebration of African Cultures.

Martin Luther King Jr. Sculptures – All around the city you can observe inspiring sculptural art pieces of one of the most important figures in the Civil Rights Movement and black culture. There will be nine MLK sculptures on display this month. The art was created by more than 50 students.

Philadelphia History Museum – A very special moment in activism is commemorated this month at the Philadelphia History Museum. They open an exhibit specifically dedicated to Octavius vs. Cato. This legacy is honored through artifacts, documents, a film, and a memorial sculpture.

African American Museum of Philadelphia – Black Pulp! is being unveiled this month at the African American Museum of Philadelphia. This exhibit captures the black experience in American throughout the centuries. You won’t want to miss this highly anticipated unveiling.

New Freedom Theater – This beautiful theater in North Philadelphia is hosting a great new performance this Black History Month. Henry “Box” Brown is a hip-hop musical about a slave who read and wrote poetry. In the play, he mails himself from Virginia to Philadelphia.