Philadelphia is known in colonial times as the "Athens of America" because of its rich cultural life. Penn's principles are very open and the freedom of expression that's allowed lets the province develop a variety of intellectual and educational interests. An academy that held its first classes in 1740 became the College of Philadelphia in 1755, and ultimately grew into the University of Pennsylvania.
Architecture
The Georgian style, identified by its symmetrical look and classical details, was the most prevalent style in the English colonies throughout the 18th century. It was the first architect-inspired style in America. The Georgian style arrived in America by British architectural manuals called pattern books around 1700. While the Georgian style was popular in England in the 17th and 18th centuries, it is based on the classical forms of the earlier Italian Renaissance period.