Copied to Clipboard
The Philadelphia Museum of Art’s much-anticipated Frank Gehry-designed master redesign plan hits an exciting milestone this weekend when the iconic attraction debuts new and refurbished spaces, completing the “Core Project” portion of the multi-year, multimillion-dollar project.
Visitors can check out the spectacular new spaces and their exhibitions starting May 7, 2021.
Dramatic changes taking place inside the building include the opening up of spaces not seen by the public for decades and brand-new galleries to showcase the museum’s spectacular collection — all part of the attraction’s renewed commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
Among the highlights of the Core Project:
The new Robert L. McNeil Jr. Galleries dedicated to American art between 1650 and 1850 comprise 10,000 square feet arranged around a spacious corridor and mirror a space for contemporary art — together, the largest expansion of gallery space in the museum’s main building since it opened in 1928.
The galleries — American Encounters, Global Connections, Loyalty and Independence, Pennsylvania Crossroads, A Family of Artists, Splendor in the New Nation, Presidential China, Art & Ambition and Traditions on the Move — explore immigration, colonialism, trade and underrepresented narratives and allow the museum to “completely rethink” how it tells the story of early American art by making room for a a “bigger, more complicated” narrative.
In addition to the new American art galleries, the redesign unveiling also coincides with an exciting new exhibition of contemporary works: New Grit: Art & Philly Now.
Housed in the brand-new Daniel W. Dietrich II Galleries, a space that will be devoted to modern and contemporary artwork, the exhibit showcases work by 25 artists across different media representing a variety of perspectives on social and timely issues including incarceration, immigration and police brutality.
A digital rendering by Tim Portlock is just one of more than two dozen works featured in the first exhibition in the museum’s new 10,000-square-foot galleries devoted primarily to modern and contemporary art. — "Flight (From the Camden series)," 2017, by Tim Portlock. Courtesy of Locks Gallery and the artist
Look for a mural by Odili Donald Odita evoking the Black Lives Matter movement, a textile work by Jesse Krimes capturing issues of incarceration and a digital rendering by Tim Portlock that explores the surreal. All the works in New Grit were created by artists with strong connections to the City of Brotherly Love.
Among the stunning art and grand redesign, visitors to the Philadelphia Museum of Art will encounter more subtle changes that enhance their experience and underscore the museum’s renewed commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessbility.
Thoughtfully designed public spaces, wayfinding signs, updated lighting features and exposure to natural light reinforce the museum’s connection to the city and create a welcoming, approachable environment for first-time and infrequent visitors who might otherwise find the massive attraction intimidating.
Additionally, new ADA-compliant ramps make it easy for people who can’t use stairs to enter and move throughout the museum.
Tickets
The redesigned space and new galleries are included in general admission. Check out the museum’s visitor tips before planning your trip. (Advance reservations are strongly recommended.)
Bonus: The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of 19 attractions part of VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s Free Parking Saturdays deal, which includes free parking at the Auto Park at Independence Mall (41 N. 6th Street) when you buy an attraction ticket at the Independence Visitor Center every Saturday from March 20 through May 29, 2021. Plus, if you buy tickets for two or more attractions, you’ll get 20% off!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be among the first to see the fresh new spaces and exciting new exhibitions at one of Philadelphia’s most iconic attractions this spring.
This season, immerse yourself in exhibits about Crayola, dinosaurs, Puerto Rican soundscapes,...