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Museums for Art Lovers
Dedicated to the enjoyment of art
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Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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Location:
Philadelphia
Transportation:
Driving
Duration:
One day and evening
Philadelphia is a city for art lovers, with countless works of enduring beauty found in both permanent collections and in exciting new and changing exhibits throughout the city and its countryside.
As a major cultural center, Philadelphia has had a strong involvement in modern and contemporary art movements since the birth of modern art at the turn of the last century. It’s no wonder that art enthusiasts travel from around the world to see the artistic culture Philly has to offer.
Art lovers, enjoy! There’s something for everyone’s taste here in Philadelphia.
The Art of Philadelphia
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Philadelphia Museum of Art
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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There is perhaps no better place to begin an “art lovers” tour than at the magnificent Philadelphia Museum of Art, the country’s third largest art museum. This striking neoclassical building houses an extraordinary collection of works from Asia, Europe, and the United States. Spanning more than 2,000 years, the collection includes masterpieces of painting, sculpture, prints, drawings, and fine architectural elements. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum regularly presents special exhibitions as well as a host of activities including family programs and group tours.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, you won’t even have to leave the museum for a bite; the Museum Restaurant offers an excellent lunch menu. Afterwards, be sure to stop by the museum’s gift shop, where you will find the art-inspired jewelry, clothing, books, beautiful decorations for the home—and even great gifts for kids!
Of course, you could spend a whole day (or more!) perusing the museum’s galleries, but a half-day visit will allow you to explore wonderful collections housed in other places. So head outside and down the museum’s impressive front steps (made famous in the movie Rocky), where you can take in a superb view of the skyline and perhaps take a picture to show family and friends. Then head east on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Only four blocks from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you’ll find the Rodin Museum, home of the largest collection of August Rodin’s world-renowned sculptures outside of Paris.
Your next stop is the Museum of American Art of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Discover America’s first art museum—a magnificent Victorian building designed by Frank Furness and filled with historic and contemporary masterpieces. Here you’ll encounter works by significant American artists such as Charles Willson Peale, Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keefe, and Henry O. Tanner. Many of these artists, including Peale, Mary Cassatt, and Thomas Eakins were also teachers or students at the Pennsylvania Academy. There are changing exhibitions and guided tours are offered as part of the admission price.
Now it’s time to leave the downtown area for a sampling of artwork just beyond the city limits. On the edge of Philadelphia’s Western suburbs, know as “The Main Line,” stands The Barnes Foundation. Some of the most important works of art created in the last 100 years hang in the Barnes Foundation’s gallery. These include Matisse’s Joy of Life and The Dance, Cezanne’s Nudes in Landscape and Card Players & Girl, Renoir’s After the Concert and The Artist’s Family, and Seurat’s Models. Depending on the time of year you’re visiting, you also may be able to enjoy the colorful array of flowers that grow in the arboretum surrounding the gallery.
By now you may need a rest and perhaps a snack or beverage. A great place to find both is on nearby Main Street in Manayunk. This bustling, historical section of Philadelphia boasts over 35 restaurants and cafes. If you’re in the mood for some ice cream, water ice, or gelati—or maybe even a burger or hot dog—Chloe’s Corner certainly will satisfy you. For a coffee break, stop into Starbucks or try Le Bus, which features excellent breads and pastries. Manayunk also comprises over 70 stores and boutiques for the shopping-inclined.
After your mid-afternoon break and perhaps some browsing, it’s time to head to another charming section of Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill. A National Historic District like Manayunk, this neighborhood also features a “Main Street” (along Germantown Avenue) lined with restaurants, shops, and galleries. Not far from the shopping district you will find Woodmere Art Museum, housed in the exquisite Victorian mansion of self-made millionaire Charles Knox Smith (1845-1916). Nine galleries and salons contain more than 2,500 works of art, including works by children. Woodmere prides itself on specializing in and celebrating Philadelphia area art and artists as benefactor Knox Smith had intended. The converted carriage house on the Woodmere property serves as a studio where children and adults attend art classes throughout the year.
Following your tour of the museum, you can do some more browsing in Chestnut Hill and pick from one of its many restaurants when dinnertime rolls around. (A couple good recommendations are Campbell’s Place or the Chestnut Grill & Sidewalk Café.) Or you can head back into Center City for dinner (check out the gophila.com restaurant guide for lots of suggestions) and perhaps even a show on the Avenue of the Arts—an excellent place to finish off your “art lovers” tour!
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