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Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

118-128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Description

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is the oldest art museum and art school in the USA. Founded in 1805, its collections are housed in a 1870's Victorian building (the Furness-Hewitt Building) and a former automobile factory next to it. They mostly consist of 19th-20th century paintings and sculptures; works by modern and contemporary American artists are also displayed.

Access & Transport

The museum is 200m north of Philadelphia City Hall, along N Broad St. Race Vine station (BSL) is 2mins to the north and City Hall (BSL), '15th St' (MFL), '13th St' tram station (10, 11, 13, 34, 36), 'Juniper St & Commerce St' bus stop (27, 31, 32) are all located around City Hall, about 3mins' walk. Buses 4, 16, 27 stop verry close to the building on N Broad St. Directions info: https://www.pafa.org/museum/visit/directions-parking

Instructions & Recommendations

It is highly recommended to reserve a ticket online in advance.

Meta review

Not the most popular and best ranked museum in the city according to travel guides and online review portals but feedback from visitors is consistently quite good. For a reasonable price you effectively get two small museums in one: a classic in a beautiful building with highlights including well-known portraits of G. Washington, and a modern & contemporary one with a variety of medium and themes. Some positive comments about the curation.

Environmental & Social

Some environment impact to run the museum (mostly electricity). Positive from a social perspective as it helps spread culture and the arts

Conclusion

PAFA is a very good art museum, not on par with the most famous internationally of course but you won't be surrounded by thousands of tourists, and it is reasonably priced. A great cultural option when in downtown Philly.

Key positive

Nice building and curation

Centrally located with several public transport options

Key negative

No internationally famous masterpieces

Only open 4 days per week

Suitability

Accessible

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on most federal public holidays

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday -

Tuesday -

Wednesday -

Thursday10:00 - 16:00

Friday10:00 - 16:00

Saturday11:00 - 17:00

Sunday11:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
55 - 99
US$15
Adult
18 - 54
US$18
Teen & Young
13 - 17
US$10
Child
3 - 12
US$0
Infant
0 - 2
US$0
Price for students is $15

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