Latest news with #WanamakerGrandCourtOrgan
Axios
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Philly's iconic holiday light show at the Wanamaker is back on — for now
The Wanamaker Building is being transformed into a pop-up performing arts space this fall, guaranteeing the return of one of Philly's most cherished holiday traditions for at least one more year. Why it matters: The future of the holiday lights show and Dickens Village was in doubt after Macy's closed its flagship Center City store in the spring. Driving the news: The building's new developer, New York-based TF Cornerstone, is partnering with Opera Philadelphia on a new "Pipe Up" series that'll bring a lineup of performers to the historic Wanaker Grand Court over four months in the fall, starting in September. The Wyncote Foundation has given $1 million to help fund the programming, which will center around the historic Wanamaker Grand Court Organ. Context: Considered the world's biggest functioning pipe organ, the instrument was originally built in 1904 for the St. Louis World's Fair — and found new life as a centerpiece in the Wanamaker Building. Fun fact: It took 13 freight cars to transport the organ from St. Louis and two years to assemble it here. Flashback: Played twice a day while Macy's was open, the organ was a huge draw for people flocking to Philly's annual holiday light show. What's ahead: A Sept. 7 kickoff concert, "Meet me at the Eagle," which will include appearances from BalletX, the Bearded Ladies Cabaret and Grammy-nominated composer Nathalie Joachim. In early 2026, TF Cornerstone will begin construction on a two-year project to bring 600 new loft-style apartments to the building.
Axios
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Mannequins and merch at major discount as Macy's empties Center City store
Everything must go from Macy's flagship store in Center City — including the mannequins. Why it matters: Shoppers can score deep discounts — and listen to Wanamaker Grand Court Organ performances — ahead of the department store's permanent closure in the coming weeks. Between the lines: The final date for the closure remains uncertain. But a company spokesperson told Axios in early January that sales would run through March or April. Thought bubble: I stopped by the store this week and was a little freaked out by the dozens of mannequins for sale on the first floor (starting around $100 for a full-sized model). Fun fact: The 1987 flick " Mannequin" had a filming location in Wanamaker's Department Store.
