View down Benjamin Franklin Parkway toward Philadelphia Museum of Art.

In 1982, a group of Philadelphia's prominent civic and community leaders became convinced that tourism was a key to the region's economic growth, and they recognized the need for more effective marketing of the region's extraordinary cultural and historic treasures. That same year, they collaborated to create a new private nonprofit organization, initially called Hospitality PhiladelphiaStyle, and changed to Philadelphia Hospitality ten years later.

The new organization's goal was to entice cultural, corporate and professional groups to Philadelphia to introduce them to its wealth of world-class museums, historic sites horticultural attractions and performing arts.

Recognizing that they would have to offer something truly special to entice the discerning visitors they hoped to attract, the founding members hit upon the concept of offering private access as a part of each tour created. Private access remains the hallmark of Philadelphia Hospitality's programs today.

Proudly celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Philadelphia Hospitality continues to provide custom designed programs that feature behind-the-scenes tours of the region's cultural institutions, enriched by meetings with the prominent individuals who run them. And we open the doors to private Philadelphia, inviting guests into our elegant private clubs and exquisite private homes and gardens.

Since its very beginning, the organization's success has rested upon the dedication and enthusiasm of its distinguished board of directors as well as its dedicated volunteer homeowners and hosts, who provide each and every group with a warm and personal welcome and hospitality in the truest sense of that word.