Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A dazzling museum, as much for its interior design as for its collection.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: City Center West
How to get there
- Race–Vine • 4 min walk
- City Hall (Philadelphia) • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,003 within 3 miles
Attractions
656 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Sue Ellen RCollingswood, New Jersey127 contributionsAnnual June visitWe went in June to see student art exhibit. Varied media presentations, interactive exhibits, film. Such a talented group of students-most getting Master of Fine Arts degrees. Three floors of stimulating, thoughtful art in one building. The second building had alumni art work. The architecture of this building is beautiful. The exhibit detailing the Artemis story is well presented and moving.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 6, 2023
- RonL40Utica, New York3,587 contributionsSuperb Rising Sun ExhibitionWhen we booked tickets for our Philadelphia trip, we were a little disappointed that the Rising Sun Exhibit required that the Academy's standing exhibits would not be seen. We were wrong! The Rising Sun Exhibition was remarkable. Especially enjoyed the works by Sheida Soleiman, Peta Coyne and Alison Saar. When you go, be sure not to miss the sculpture exhibition of the works of John Rhoden... shown one door down in the faculty gallery. Wonderful to see his work receive the attention it deserves.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 11, 2023
- 1francophileKitchener, Canada1,995 contributionsThird visit since my relocation!My wife and I were very satisfied regular visitors when we lived in the City because of its unique offerings, accessibility to Center City and their fine staff making it highly enjoyable! There are regular exhibitions featuring Philadelphians and those from around the world spanning decades to inspire. The current special exhibit featured the fine sculptures of John Rhoden, the first celebrated Afro-American artist whose works are significant and noteworthy! There is a fine gift shop with books, calendars and clothing that is staffed by a very personable, professional individual who made my visit enjoyable. Since the museum is relatively small, one can negotiate the space in 1.5 hours or less. Make this a definite stop with you are in Philadelphia and my wife and I will become lifelong fans and loyal patrons! Very Highly Recommended!Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
413 reviews
Excellent
292
Very good
103
Average
15
Poor
2
Terrible
1
scott r
Silver Spring, MD693 contributions
Sep 2022
As title suggests they were in preparation for some installation or renovation or whatever, but a good portion of the main building was closed - and no one mentioned it at the door, nor was the relatively steep price discounted. Frankly had the (very!) disinterested person at the desk spared 10 seconds of her valuable time, I might not have parted with my (how about that) valuable money. The building itself as always is impressive, and there was just enough left on display that I managed to enjoy - and as always the art school next door provides interst and some surprises. It's more worthwhile than you think - but make sure the entire space is on view. for a first time visitor, firing on all cylinders, this is a pleasant surprise. For me as a repeat, as stated, a little irritating this particular day.
Written September 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FranMan55
Morristown, NJ108 contributions
Feb 2020
Visited with an art aficionado ( which I am not) and had a pleasant afternoon at his small museum and its annex just across the street.. The many works of Charles Willson Peale were amazing to see in person ( like the George Washington portrait on the dollar bill) The building itself (Frank Furness, 1870?) is on the National Register of Historic Places and had some amazing intricate tile work. The annex across the street had more topical and modern works.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An0nyMs
Tucson, Arizona1,516 contributions
Sep 2021
The museum is in two buildings. The larger space has works from fairly recent to hundreds of years old. The other space is connected to the school and (when I was there, at least) has mostly modern art by students... most of the second floor was closed to install a new exhibition, but fortunately the outstanding little sculpture gallery was open.
This is one of around 20 Philadelphia-area museums that give free admission to members of institutions that are part of NARM, the North American Reciprocal Museums. Buy a qualifying membership at your home museum, or a museum in some other city, that belongs to NARM... then you'll get free admission at around 1000 other institutions in North America. Bonus: Because you don't have to pay to get in, you can split your visit over more than one day without rushing to see it all at once. Check the NARM website (TA won't let me give its address) for a list.
This is one of around 20 Philadelphia-area museums that give free admission to members of institutions that are part of NARM, the North American Reciprocal Museums. Buy a qualifying membership at your home museum, or a museum in some other city, that belongs to NARM... then you'll get free admission at around 1000 other institutions in North America. Bonus: Because you don't have to pay to get in, you can split your visit over more than one day without rushing to see it all at once. Check the NARM website (TA won't let me give its address) for a list.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1francophile
Kitchener, Canada1,995 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
It’s been many years since I had the pleasure of visiting this fine quality art facility in Philadelphia and it has maintained it outstanding qualities! As a former resident, we frequented the PAFA occasionally and were impressed with the student art offerings and the special exhibits. While staying at a Hotel, only ten minutes away on foot I was eager to see Women in Motion, 150 in the making, which featured local artists and international ones with both traditions and modern works. Also, on display were paintings from many local artists. The building is unique and has a long staircase which leads to the second floor gallery. Since it is relatively small, one could see all of the many points of interest in one hour. I urge you to visit this hidden gem and support the exhibition featuring Women! They have earned and deserve our support now and in future in making personal choices with restrictions or government interference! Very Highly Recommended!
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue Ellen R
Collingswood, NJ127 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
We went in June to see student art exhibit. Varied media presentations, interactive exhibits, film. Such a talented group of students-most getting Master of Fine Arts degrees. Three floors of stimulating, thoughtful art in one building. The second building had alumni art work. The architecture of this building is beautiful. The exhibit detailing the Artemis story is well presented and moving.
Written June 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1francophile
Kitchener, Canada1,995 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
My second return visit in two years after a long absence while I was a long time resident in Philadelphia. One of the oldest museums in the US, that inspired many fine artists in the past and continues to impress and amaze patrons of the arts today. While not a large museum; one can negotiate this space in an hour to ninety minutes. There is always a featured exhibit and permanent ones to enjoy during your visit. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, which enhances your experience at this fine museum. It’s location is conveniently located near City Hall and the downtown district and is an easily accessible on foot or by vehicle. While in Philadelphia, make your visit to this outstanding museum a must and you will most certainly not be disappointed! Very Highly Recommended!
Written March 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1francophile
Kitchener, Canada1,995 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
My wife and I were very satisfied regular visitors when we lived in the City because of its unique offerings, accessibility to Center City and their fine staff making it highly enjoyable! There are regular exhibitions featuring Philadelphians and those from around the world spanning decades to inspire. The current special exhibit featured the fine sculptures of John Rhoden, the first celebrated Afro-American artist whose works are significant and noteworthy! There is a fine gift shop with books, calendars and clothing that is staffed by a very personable, professional individual who made my visit enjoyable. Since the museum is relatively small, one can negotiate the space in 1.5 hours or less. Make this a definite stop with you are in Philadelphia and my wife and I will become lifelong fans and loyal patrons! Very Highly Recommended!
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RonL40
Utica, NY3,587 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
When we booked tickets for our Philadelphia trip, we were a little disappointed that the Rising Sun Exhibit required that the Academy's standing exhibits would not be seen. We were wrong! The Rising Sun Exhibition was remarkable. Especially enjoyed the works by Sheida Soleiman, Peta Coyne and Alison Saar. When you go, be sure not to miss the sculpture exhibition of the works of John Rhoden... shown one door down in the faculty gallery. Wonderful to see his work receive the attention it deserves.
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert S
Lawrence, KS2,671 contributions
Aug 2019
The Academy has a wonderful collection from the 1700s to present.
We really like the museums layout, especially in the original building. Great art displayed expertly - a great combination.
The Bill Viola exhibit packs a punch.
PAFA is a must see.
We really like the museums layout, especially in the original building. Great art displayed expertly - a great combination.
The Bill Viola exhibit packs a punch.
PAFA is a must see.
Written April 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheetal S
Gurugram (Gurgaon), India204 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
i got a free entry on the day of visit and was just thrilled by the art offerings.Good to visit on a rainy day. See examples of American history while adapting to new skills ... Iconic collection of the 19th and 20th century paintings, sketches , drawings and more.
free wifi is good and free self coat check-in
free wifi is good and free self coat check-in
Written April 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
garymenefee
Haymarket, VA
Can I buy tickets and not do the tour?
agentbey
Philadelphia, PA50 contributions
Welcome to Philadelphia. PAFA does have tours but it is not required. You are free to review the works there at your own pace. Check the PAFA website for tickets fees.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing