A GUIDE TO PHILLY FOR DESIGN WEEK BY DUDD HAUS
DesignPhiladelphia is right around the corner, so we asked Chris Held of Dudd Haus for a guide to the city. Few people are more plugged into Philly’s design scene, and we wanted to see the city through his eyes. Where to eat, what to see, which buildings are worth the detour, and everything happening during the week. We wanted to share it so you have something to work from while you’re in town, and we’ll be following it ourselves.
If you’re in Philly, don’t miss what Dudd Haus has going on. BARPHA, their new exhibition of over 60 studios from Philadelphia and around the world, opens Friday, October 2 at the Village of Industry & Art. That same weekend they team up with Rarify at Frank Weise’s Chadwick House, and on October 9 they open Pangea Split by Mound at their Arch Street space. Easily the highlights of the week.
See the full guide below.
How did BARPHA come together, and what’s the story behind the name?
We’re thinking of this year’s BARPHA as the first of what will hopefully become an annual exhibition—one that will be a central part of the DesignPhiladelphia Festival going forward. The name came to mind after visiting Marfa, TX and I’ve been kicking it around as a show title for a few years since. BARPHA felt right for Philly, which I think has a lot more in common with the archetype of a gritty Western town than the polished place Marfa has become.
With over 60 studios in the show, what can people expect, and are there any pieces you’re especially excited about?
I’m pretty excited about all 60 pieces. There were a lot more than 60 I was excited about in the submissions pool, but space is limited. We’re showing a heavy dose of local/regional studios alongside people working around the globe—from Oslo to Detroit.
What events should people catch during DesignPhiladelphia this year?
In addition to BARPHA, we’re partnering with Rarify and staging Frank Weise’s Chadwick House (open Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4). Dudd Haus will also have an opening reception for ‘Pangea Split’ by Mound on Friday October 9th, 6-9pm.
I’m also looking forward to the group show, 2026 EDT that 5U space is putting on in empty kiosks of Suburban Station, opening Saturday October 3. Also, I’d recommend the panel The Makers Table are hosting at Hotel Ana & Bel. They’ll be discussing what it means to retain personal vision when working with clients.
Favorite galleries, shops, or showrooms for design?
The Modern Republic, Rarify, The Museum for Art in Wood, Blah Blah Gallery
Museums or buildings worth visiting?
Philadelphia Museum of Art has an incredible design collection, The Barnes Foundation is so beautifully laid out, it’s a great viewing experience. The Curtis Building lobby is a must to see The Dream Garden mosaic mural by Maxfield Parrish and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Also be sure to check out our collab event with Rarify at Frank Weise’s Chadwick House on Saturday 10/3 through Sunday 10/4. The house is a post-modern take on iconic Philadelphia architecture. It’s very cool.
Where should people eat and drink?
Philly’s a great restaurant town. A few of my favorites are Good King Tavern, Meetinghouse, Loco Pez, Sassafras, Pietramala, and the Applebee’s in our neighborhood with a view of the action in the Wawa parking lot.
Best view or walk in the city?
Walking through the Schuylkill River Park, specifically between Boathouse Row to the art museum for a great view of the city. You can run the Rocky steps like a tourist.
Anything else that makes Philly Philly?
A few areas and places that come to mind: Italian Market (and its vibrant, narrow streets), PhilaMOCA (the highest form of low-brow art), and Reading Terminal (touristy, but still great).
Images courtesy of Dudd Haus, Charlie Schuck
