Philadelphia is a city that is brimming with art and culture. From the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art to the unique exhibitions at institutions such as the Textile Workshop and Museum and the Museum of Wooden Art, there is something for everyone to discover. But what are some of the best art exhibitions in Philadelphia, PA?The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA) and Philadelphia African American Museum are two of the best places to experience art in Philadelphia. At PAFA, visitors can explore a variety of works from renowned artists, including a solo exhibition by textile artist Heather Ujiie.
Ujiie's work is inspired by a 1000-year-old classic Iranian epic poem, “Shahnameh”, and features magical hybrids of plants and animals in painstakingly detailed gouache paintings. At the Philadelphia African American Museum, visitors can explore the work of Horace Pippin, who made history in 1937 by being the first black artist to do a solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Today, 60 of his works are on display at the Barnes Foundation. Art in City Hall is another great exhibition program that transforms the City Hall's public corridors into a platform for the arts. This program provides an opportunity for Philadelphia's diverse cultural organizations to present their artistic expressions and use the visual arts to amplify community voices.
Visitors can also explore the work of eight former students from the NYC Crit Club independent art education program at PenGallery. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is another great place to explore art. With its 200 galleries, there is no “right” way to see what's inside. Visitors can find something that catches their attention and take a good look at it. Here's a guide to 15 essential works from the permanent collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to get you started. Finally, visitors can explore a project by the Museum of Wooden Art that pays homage to the mashrabiya, a traditional lattice partition carved in wood that separates public and private life in some Islamic architectural traditions.
The Office of Art, Culture and Creative Economy (OACCE) also invites cultural organizations in Philadelphia to submit proposals to display art in display cabinets on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors of City Hall. Philadelphia is an amazing city for art lovers of all ages. From world-renowned museums to unique exhibitions at local institutions, there is something for everyone to explore. Whether you're looking for traditional works or something more modern, you're sure to find something that will inspire you in Philadelphia.
