The upcoming Philadelphia Antiques Show will give visitors a chance to purchase unique and timeless treasures, while at the same time benefiting Penn Medicine.
Proceeds from the show, which takes place April 28 through May 1 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, will help establish the Penn Lung Transplant Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion Center.
Dr. Edward Cantu III, of Penn Medicine, spoke at a recent news conference at the Mayor’s Reception Room in City Hall. He asked those in attendance to take deep breaths without exhaling, comparing that temporary uncomfortable feeling to what people with lung issues face every day.
Cantu explained that 30 percent of people who are on waiting lists for a lung transplant die before a replacement organ becomes available.
“There simply aren’t enough donors,” he said. “It’s a big problem.”
Each year since the first Antiques Show in 1962, proceeds have benefited a specific area of patient care at Penn Medicine. The volunteer staff has raised more than $18 million in that time.
Money raised this year will, among other things, help reduce the list of individuals needing lung transplants.
Penn Medicine — which consists of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and Pennsylvania Hospital, along with outpatient centers — has an ambitious goal for lung-transplant patients.
“No one will die waiting,” Cantu said.
The 51st annual show will be taking place at the convention center for the first time. Over the years, it has had various homes, most recently the Philadelphia Navy Yard.
Melanie Johnson, the city representative, believes the show will be successful because the venue is centrally located and area hotels are offering special packages.
Gretchen Riley, the show chairwoman, said its location in Hall F will allow for the biggest floor plan ever. A preview party is set for April 27.
There will be a record 58 dealers, including some coming for the first time. On display will be a selection of antique furniture, paintings, works on paper, porcelain, folk art, jewelry and textiles, all geared to both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the hobby.
In addition, there will be free lectures and three interior-design rooms that will showcase antiques in modern American homes.
Also, the Pennsylvania Hospital Historical Collection will present the exhibit Where History Meets Medicine: Antiques From the Nation’s First Hospital. It’ll include rare books and manuscripts, fine art, furniture and artifacts.
Show hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 28 and 30; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 29; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 1.
Tickets cost $17 for advance purchases and senior citizens and $20 at the door. College students will be admitted free.
For more information, call 610–902–2109, visit www.philaantiques.com or check out the show’s page on Facebook.
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215–354–3034 or [email protected]
