So you're in Philadelphia, you want to soak up some artistic culture - but you're broke. Welcome to the club.

But fear not. There's plenty of fun to be had in this city without emptying your wallet; here are a few places to start.

• The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Sunday mornings, admission is "pay as you will." They do, of course, have a suggested donation, but you can pay only a buck or two and still enjoy a Morning with Monet.
• The Rodin Museum. Just down the parkway from the Art Museum sits this hidden treasure, which holds more than 120 originals and replicas of work by the famous sculptor. Bronze casts of "The Thinker" and "The Gates of Hell" welcome you at the outer and inner gates. And this museum is "pay as you will" every day.
• The Esther M. Klein Art Gallery. Located in the lobby of 3600 Market Street (one of the University City Science Center buildings) this gallery is always free and hosts many off-the-wall exhibits - a good example being the "Scent is Life" exhibit, in which every "piece" was a smell.
• First Fridays in Old City. On the first Friday of every month, the galleries in Old City open their doors to visitors. It's crowded and hectic, but a lot of fun. Some of the local restaurants offer specials on First Fridays, too.
• Outdoor Murals. The Philadelphia Mural Arts program, originally established as part of the Anti-Graffiti Network, employs more than 300 artists each year and is responsible for the most impressive murals in the city (and, according to many people - not just me - in the country). There are literally too many fantastic murals to mention, so visit muralarts.org to find out more.

And enjoy your culture on a budget!