A city of firsts, Philadelphia is also now the first World Heritage City in the United States.  As such, The Philadelphia World Heritage City Project, a partnership between Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) and the City of Philadelphia, has emerged to promote Philadelphia’s esteemed cultural and economic contribution to the world and its need for continued historical preservation. The

The PWHCP invites the world to invest, live, work, study and visit Philadelphia. Today, Philadelphians can share and celebrate the honor of being a part of a World Heritage City.

GPA also worked to create a World Heritage City Strategic Plan  —a plan that uniquely positions the many new opportunities for economic growth, international relationships, historic preservation and increased tourism. The strategic plan summarizes a series of bold aspirations that come with our new status. And as GPA continues to remind us —this plan is for all Philadelphians!

Have you seen the movie yet? The Philadelphia World Heritage City film is a 28-minute documentary written and narrated by University of Pennsylvania Professor of History of Art, David B. Brownlee, Ph.D., FSAH, and produced and directed by filmmaker Sam Katz. Created to commemorate the historic designation of Philadelphia as the First World Heritage City in the United States, the film offers an
exceptional glimpse into the formation and development of Philadelphia, illustrating the city’s leadership role in the fields of art, transportation, urban planning, medicine and more. The film spans centuries, touching upon the formation of some of Philadelphia’s unique neighborhoods and how far Philadelphia has come from the idealistic plan envisioned by William Penn in the 17th century. Now, with a World Heritage City designation by the Organization of World Heritage Cities, Philadelphia should fully embrace its rich
heritage, as Dr. Brownlee so eloquently reminds viewers.

And as part of the World Heritage Project branding, a World Heritage Seal was created and unveiled on May 26, 2016, by Mayor Kenney at a press conference to announce World Heritage Day, which will take place every fourth Thursday in May. The seal is available for use on websites, brochures, annual reports
and other promotional materials. Use is not authorized in connection with merchandise.

“I hope that all Philadelphians can share in the pride of living in a World Heritage City,” Mayor Kenney said. “Whether we were born here or we chose to make our home here, whether we live downtown or in one of our many diverse neighborhoods, this designation is a distinct honor for all of us.”