West Philadelphia has an especially rich collection of the facilities that are devoted to culture and the arts-places of worship, museums, libraries, community centers, universities, colleges, schools, performance and entertainment venues, social clubs and gathering places. The gathering places can be informal, formal, public, private, indoors and outdoors.

West Philadelphia is home to many specific organizations and places that offer experiences related to culture and the arts, including the University of Pennsylvania, the Annenberg Center, the University Museum, the Institute for Contemporary Art, Drexel University, West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, University City Arts League, University City Historical Society, Community Education Center, International House of Philadelphia, Movement Theater International, Philadanco, Mill Creek Jazz & Cultural Center, and Bushfire Theatre for the Performing Arts.

West Philadelphia makes a major contribution to culture and the arts in this region. This valuable role should be recognized and fostered through public policy and through the decisions of those who provide financial support to cultural and arts-related organizations.