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Philadelphia Map: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine ArtsPennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

Hours Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 11am-5pm
Address 118 N. Broad St
Location At Cherry St
Transportation SEPTA: Market-Frankford El, 15th St. Station. Broad Street subway, Race/Vine Station. Bus: 48
Phone 215/972-7600
Web site www.pafa.org
Prices Admission $7 adults, $6 seniors and students with ID, $5 children 5-18. Special exhibition rates may apply

Frommer's Review

Two blocks north of City Hall is the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), a wonderful museum and teaching facility that was the first art school in the country (1805) and at one time the unquestioned leader of American Beaux Arts. After a major renovation in late 1994, the academy, housed in a stunning Frank Furness building, unveiled a major reinstallation of 300 works from the past 200 years. Another 2004-05 restoration effort brightened the jewel tones of the gorgeous, hand-painted decorative ceilings and the overall look of the landmark museum and school.

The ground floor houses an excellent bookstore, a cafe, and the academy's offices. A splendid staircase, designed by Furness, shines with red, gold, and blue. Each May, the annual academy school exhibition takes over the museum. The school itself moved to 1301 Cherry St. years ago, but has renovated the factory building to its north to recentralize operations.

As is evident from the PAFA galleries, such Early American painters as Gilbert Stuart, the Peale family, and Washington Allston congregated in Philadelphia, America's capital and wealthiest city. The main galleries feature works from the museum's collection of more than 6,000 canvases. The rotunda has been the scene of cultural events ever since Walt Whitman listened to concerts here. The adjoining rooms display works from the illustrious mid-19th-century years, when PAFA enjoyed its most innovative period.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Frommer's Philadelphia and the Amish Country, 14th Edition Frommer's Philadelphia and the Amish Country, 14th Edition

Author: Lenora Dannelke
Pub Date: May 29, 2007
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Home > Destinations > North America > USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia > Attractions > Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts