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Philadelphia Museum of Art
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Museums Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Museums, Art Galleries
26th St and the Benjamin Franklin PkwyPhiladelphia, PA 19130
(215) 763-8100
- Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
Fri 10 am - 9 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Validated
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
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236 reviews for Philadelphia Museum of Art
Review Highlights
"Everyone loves to run up the steps and pose as Rocky."
(in 12 reviews)
"Come for the Rocky Statue, stay for the other stuff."
(in 24 reviews)
"I'm a member enjoy going to all the special exhibits."
(in 20 reviews)
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236 reviews in English
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Review from David G.
Few places make me happier than the PMA does.
Is it the biggest art museum around? Well no -- the Met is bigger.
Is it the most accessible? Not really. The wings with medieval and Renaissance art are baffling to me most of the time.
But -- is it my favorite art museum in the world? YES.
I have so many wonderful memories here.
I started coming to the PMA when I moved to Philly to go to school, at the not-so-ripe age of 18. Whenever life would stress me out, I'd take a weekend afternoon and come to the PMA to wander through the galleries and forget about the outside world. I had a museum membership at the time, so I never worried about whether I could afford to go as often as I would like. The highlight of my day would be racing up the Rocky steps, taking in the breathtaking view of the Philly skyline, wandering in to receive my little admission pin, and enjoying the spectacle of the massive statue of Artemis welcoming me into my home away from home.
I don't care how touristy they are -- the Rocky steps are amazing and worth the kitsch.
There's just so much to wander through. You have ancient art... Renaissance art... contemporary art... Western art... Eastern art... permanent exhibitions... rotating exhibitions... in a sprawling and gorgeous space. Each of the wings had little hidden rooms, which were easy to miss if you weren't in the know. Ever wanted to know what it was like to live in a Baroque French parlor? The PMA provides. Ever wanted to see Monet's Japanese Footbridge in the flesh? The PMA has that too.
--- Flash forward 10 years ---
I no longer live within walking distance of the PMA, so I make a point of revisiting it every time I come to town.
Some things have changed. The front-door security seems to have gotten stricter, for example. Paradoxically, they've gotten laxer when it comes to photography inside the museum. They used to forbid it, but I suppose they've taken a "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" attitude in this era of iPhone cameras.
(Absolutely no flash, of course.)
The gorgeous interior and serene vibe of the place haven't changed a bit, however.
The highlight of my most recent visit was the special exhibit of Zoe Strauss photography. Quite a powerful collection of everyman photos that the artist plastered onto billboards all over the tri-state area. This exhibit is definitely worth seeing if you have an opportunity. I'm usually not big into souvenirs, but I ultimately succumbed to my temptation to take a a postcard home with me.
Few cities in this hemisphere have as much cultural richness as Philly. And the PMA is the proverbial crème de la crème. It doesn't manner whether you're a local or a tourist -- the PMA is not to be missed. Get up off the couch and GO!Listed in: Fillerdelphia
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Review from Lauren M.
Philadelphia, PA
1/24/2012
This review is specifically for Art After 5, but how can you not love the museum all of the time? Okay, so it is really a damn shame that I have lived in Fairmount for the better part of 3 years, and it has taken that long for me to attend this magical event.
If somebody can show me something cooler than a diverse population of people drinking wine while looking at art and dancing their crazy asses off to oldies music in the main vestibule of a museum, then I will smack them because they are lying! Art after 5 is one of those events that just makes you feel lucky to live in Philly. It really is a beautiful thing to gather so many people for one common interest, art (and drinking).
p.s- Last week the Zoe Strauss photography exhibit was featured, and it was haunting but beautiful. She truly can capture the eye of the downtrodden. -
Review from John R.
Spring House, PA
1/2/2012
What more can be said of this truly magnificent place?
I will say that you will probably need more than a day to go through it all. Lol each times visit, I usually get lost and find something I never saw before.
Next visit I make will be in February when the new Van Gogh exhibit opens! EXCITED!!! -
Review from Linda W.
Bowie, MD
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Van Gogh up close exhibit is amazing.
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Review from John B.
Little Rock, AR
2/6/2012
Outstanding collection of American, European, and Asian art from modern to contemporary to abstract to impressionist. The American wings are especially at the top. An extensive collection of Thomas Eakins' works (among many others) are on permanent display. Not nearly as large (or as crowded) as the MMA in NYC, but that actually adds to the charm. The arms (knights, swords, old guns) collection is really interesting as is the renaissance section with Dutch masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, Titian, et al.
The statue of Rocky Balboa stands in front of the museum, and a really nice view of the main street leading downtown can be had at the top of the stairs.
Definitely one of the high points of any visit to Philly would be to take in this museum. -
Review from Ben C.
Elmhurst, NY
1/30/2012
i love museums and this is everyone's fan favorite if you watched rocky. I tried running up those stairs and i was tired. the statue of rocky is no long at top of stairs. its still there but on the street right side of the stairs. I noticed that this museum has a vast collection of religious artifacts such as those that indiana jones would've found. if your photogenic you will have fun here.
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Review from Dana Z.
12/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
For Philly, the art museum is truly something special. Not only is it an iconic symbol of the city, the museum itself always have some spectacular exhibit happening.
My most recent visit was only for wedding pictures (which I highly suggest by the way!! Beautiful scenery from all sides of the museum)
I suppose the biggest tip I have is to make sure you plan a big chunk of time if you really want to experience the museum. It's huge, and takes a while to really enjoy the whole thing.Listed in: Museums
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Review from Ed M.
Updated - 12/5/2011 ROTD 12/19/2011
It's easy to get bitter and more than a little jaded living in Philadelphia. In many ways, surliness and a bad attitude are as Philly as cheesesteaks and Rocky. We are conditioned to complain about everything and critique whatever we encounter with an acidic wit and merciless mockery.
We often forget the truly amazing things that make our city so special that are immune to the transitory nature of city development, the migratory evolution of the Scene and the general bullshit that goes along with living here...
The Art Museum is one of the places that defines us beyond the Eagles and the crime and the corruption and the eternal waiting of the younger generation for the city to "blow up"...
Every Friday, after 5PM the Art Museum hosts a different cultural event that will satisfy even the most cynical Philly soul. This past week they hosted something that will always remain imprinted in my memory as one of the coolest things to ever happen in this town in a very, very long time.
As the sun went down, a flock of yogis descended upon the main gallery, mats in hand, as waiters and security and staff prepared for what they thought would be just another Friday After Five at the museum...They were mistaken.
Yoga at the Art Museum!!! No, not the thing on the steps that happens every year. This was different. It was like the scene in Caddyshack when the caddies got to use the pool for 15 minutes...We came, we saw, we practiced...
The organizers of the event expected about thirty people for it to be considered a success. Almost TWO HUNDRED heads showed up...The entire first floor gallery was filled to capacity, the second floor landing was packed to the brim, and the third floor balcony overlooking everything was mobbed as well...
No one knew what to do with so many yogis...It was beautiful. The energy resonating off the marble and echoing through the air, the security guards staring in awe, amusement, and shock at so many people in workout gear amongst the finer mannered regulars at the Museum.
I found a little nook right off the second floor landing and enjoyed one of the most intense practices of my life (Cool pic on my profile!).
There's no way to describe floating, flying, and handstanding at the epicenter of so much Philadelphia. The paintings, sculptures, and history augmented by the living art of two hundred yogis breathing and moving as one.
John Vitarelli from Dhyana Yoga led the flow, DJ HiFi spun the tunes, and the Art Museum provided the ambiance. Afterwards, enjoyed a martini and stroll through the current galleries of American, Dutch, and East Asian exhibits.
As I left was greeted with the most stunning view of the CIty; the crisp, clean autumn air, the Parkway's lights glistening like a million dreams waiting to come true...
Sometimes it feels good to a Philadelphian. And this native Philly head is guilty of dissing the bad and forgetting the good too much...
It felt good to remember the good.Listed in: efm's Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy…, Follow The Leader
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Review from John C.
Anchorage, AK
12/30/2011
Didn't go inside, just came to run up and down the "Rocky Steps."
Glad I came here in the evening. Weren't too many people taking pictures. Once you get to the top, you get an awesome view of downtown Philly. -
Review from Colleen M.
Philadelphia, PA
11/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a number of times since moving to the area. Having moved from a NYC suburb I admit this review is likely biased.
The museum is beautiful; a real Philadelphia icon. The collection is extensive and I love when they have traveling exhibits such as Renior Landscapes and Rembrandt's religious paintings. The only reason I don't give it an extra star is that I prefer that my art be presented more like the Metroplitan Museum of Art. There isn't enough architectural interest in the building or creativity in presentation of the art itself - I do like the zen garden though.
This is a nice way to spend an afternoon - as others have mentioned Sunday you "Name your Own Price" so it's definitely worth it, especially on a chilly weekend.
I recommend coming if you've never been before... and yes, I ran up the Rocky steps, twice. :) -
Review from Eli O.
San Jose, CA
11/7/2011
Yo, don't let the stinkin natives make you feel weird about running up the Rocky steps. Just do it. Once you get there, you realize it's weird if you're NOT running.
Didn't actually get to go inside. I wanted to check out the Jesus exhibit, but I got there too late.
Anyway, enjoy the steps and the view. -
Review from Wade G.
Philadelphia, PA
1/27/2012
Always a great time at the art museum. Can not wait for Van Gogh exhibit next month!
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Review from Michael F.
Phoenix, AZ
This is my 400th review, and I have been saving the spot for the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
I love museums, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art tops my list.
My favorite were the European and the Contemporary Modern Art rooms.
They were showing the Rembrandt Exhibit, but I only had 2 hours to spare, so I skipped it.
I usually try to plan my trips when I could be in town on free museum days. That is $25 savings you know!
I went two weeks ago to see the museum, and I absolutely enjoyed my visit. My admission was complimentary because I carry a Bank of America card, and they provide the "museum on us" benefit. It is free the first week of every month.Listed in: Independent Traveler, Culture Vultures, Guide to Museums
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Review from Ben F.
Philadelphia, PA
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I appreciate going to the Art Museum for its eclectic variety of works. Contemporary meets Ancient.
The Western European art section from 1100-1500 caught my eye in particular on my most recent trip, in addition to the surrealists of the first half of the 20th century. I enjoyed reading the analysis, which shows pensive intention, of paintings from the last century and I hope that the Museum may apply their analysis to more works of art throughout the museum. The grandeur greco architecture of the museum imposes over the surrounding area of Fairmount and ameliorates, as best as it can, the grayness of the railroad tracks on the river. Don't be put off by the current restoration being done on the side of the museum facing West Philly, the main steps up from the front on the Center City side leave an outstanding impression. The main hall inside has stairs leading up to a 10-15 foot statue of Artemis and her bow, humbling visitors.
The special exhibits are worth their price, I did not get to go to the now open Rembrandt's face of Jesus showcase, however I did see the Frida Kahlo collection, which was fantastic.
As you leave the building ask the front desk for a parking validation otherwise you may pay 3 times as much for their garage service. If you're a student bring your I.D., you get a small portion off of your admission cost.
N.B. The footprints of Rocky are from Converse All Stars. -
Review from joseluis a.
Miami Beach, FL
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
this museum is phily. its the picture of phily. the postcard. the building is beautiful. a piece of art on its own. the art collection is massive. i love their asian stuff and also the weapons. i would recommend this museum especially to european art lovers.
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Review from Daniel W.
Houston, TX
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was recently in Baltimore for work and decided to take a trip up to Philly to visit a friend. She suggested we go to the Rembrandt Faces of Jesus exhibit currently on display in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The exhibit was excellently curated and the free recorded narration was a beneficial addition to the overall experience.
I enjoyed the exhibit, though crowd control could have been a little better. I guess it was partly my fault for going on a Sunday afternoon. -
Review from Jill T.
9/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I forgot how enormous this place is!
I really enjoyed the recreated rooms. Japanese Tea House, Parisian Hotel from the 1700's, Fifth Ave NY Townhouse in the 1920's, etc. I don't recall that being there years ago.
They have a great Monet collection as well as Picasso.
One gripe- In the modern art section - really with the one room dedicated to the man who took a white canvas and quite literally scribbled onto it- is that necessary? I realize everyone has different taste, and I'd like to think of myself as very open to artistic license, but this was laughable. -
Review from Joy Y.
Princeton, NJ
12/10/2011
Came here for the roberto capucci exhibition and it was heavenly for the fashion followers.
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Review from Adrienne g.
San Francisco, CA
6/21/2011
Sure, sure, the Rocky Steps & his statue greeting you, tempting you to mimic him & tackle this feat - which many cheesy tourists were certainly doing....the Philadelphia Museum of Art has so much more to offer
( we did not tackle the stairs as it was 90+ degrees & we had just walked forever to get there )
Pricey for sure but nice collection of Impressionists paintings & etchings... who knew Degas, Renoir & Pissarro did etchings??
Mary Cassatt, Degas, Renoir, Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Van Gogh.....WOW!
Wished we had had more time to check out the Chagall works...ah, next time
$16 to get in; $22 for special exhibit
Pictures ARE allowed...just make sure the flash is turned offListed in: Museums - Get Your Dose of…
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Review from Christine R.
Princeton, NJ
9/29/2011
One of my favorite places to visit. It was the first time that SO and I went together, so we spent our day there. We decided to go all in and get the special exhibit along with the regular admission- $25.00.
They are running the Rembrandt and the Faces of Jesus exhibit. It was good, and I learned a bit. I think with all their special exhibits, you can get a free audio tour, but for the rest of the museum it is $5.00.
There are so many little galleries and nooks and crannies to get lost in. My favorite wings are the Modern /Contemporary Art with Duchamp, and the European Art up to 1900- where my favorite painting, Rousseau's Carnival Night lives (in the night rotunda with the fountain, Van Goghs, and Cezannes).
They have a lot of notable pieces and the great hall with its statue of Diana and giant mobile is such a great display of the old and new. Their armor hall isn't as impressive as the Met's, but if you bring children with you they will get a kick out of it.
I also love their galleries with the full transplanted rooms from the UK and NYC. Makes you wonder how they got them in there!
They have a nice restaurant to dine in as well as a cafeteria for a quick bite to eat. Their gift shop is soooo good and they have a lot of print available for sale.
It's also nice to sit outside- feel free to run up the stairs and recreate Rocky (there is also the statue tucked off to the side you can take your picture at) and take in the view of the Ben Franklin parkway, fountains, and the view of City Hall.
Parking is $10.00 for the first 4 hours, but only if you get it validated. It's $2.00 afterward. If you visit the museum in the afternoon, I find that parking opens up in the free spots (4 hour time limit) in the neighborhoods around the museum. Definitely worth a visit (the smaller annex building- the Perelman building is also included in your visit) if you're an art fan or not. -
Review from Stephen T.
Long Beach, CA
8/17/2011 18 photos
I am not a history buff, nor am I that into art, but seeing a lot of this work was really interesting. Knowing that I have seen a real Van Gogh, ya, that makes me cooler then you!
Anyway, I think the exhibits change throughout the years, but what we saw I would say was worth the trip. My favorite things: Old paintings, tapestries, sculptures, armor (both for men and horses), and much much more.
Of course, there was the good old famous Rocky movie steps, but, I can't believe I am about to say this, seeing the inside of the museum was more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Philly is filled with art and history, and this place is well worth the visit... -
Review from Caroline C.
Birmingham, AL
9/15/2011
Magnificent structure, fantastic collections and great dining. Gift shop is not the best... In town for the Rembrandt exhibit by chance. Amazing.
Not to be missed if visiting the wonderful city of Philadelphia! -
Review from Jennifer W.
San Jose, CA
7/15/2011
Love the architecture and art of this building. Absolutely stunning...
run up the stairs like Rocky (I did, and so did a lot of others..LOL) and gaze in amazement of the art pieces of Seurat, Duchamp, Picasso, Rothko, Monet, and Kandinsky, Warhol when you enter. Gosh, love the collections that Philadelphia Museum of Art has put together. :)Listed in: Theatre, Arts, Museums
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Review from Mandi F.
Glenolden, PA
9/4/2011
I lived in NYC and I lived very close to the Frick, Met, and only one block away from the Whitney.
The Philadelphia Museum is so lovely. My only wish is that it would do more and better costume exhibits. The most memorable was the Schiapparelli.
It is just big enough to truly enjoy your entire day without getting too overwhelmed by all the expansiveness of the layout.
Just wondering if anyone has had a good meal here since they have a few locations in the museum but I've always haven't had the best luck. -
Review from Bill L.
Huntingdon Valley, PA
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
As a native Philadelphian, you might expect me to just rave about the Art Museum - but I have experienced the Art Institute in Chicago, The Beaux Art Museum in Montreal, LACMA, the Louvre, the Tate Gallery and a number of others - all of that being said the Philadelphia Art Museum is as wonderful as any of them .
If I were going to give a tip it would be that there is fine dining in the Museum - but you need to make a reservation to take advantage of it! -
Review from Ben B.
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
A solid collection of art spanning the centuries.
Start by running up the "Rocky" steps and jumping around like an idiot.
Get a load of the modern art wing with Picasso's "Three Musicians."
Check out large layouts of a Japanese tea house or a European courtyard. (Be sure to look up in the Asian art areas, some of the ceilings are breathtaking.)
You can spend hours here while getting a good representation of the art world at large. And also, all the "Rocky" role-playing you could ever want. Highly recommended.
* Before you leave, swing around to the back of the museum and take a short walk to the Fairmount Water Works. Especially beautiful around sunset! -
Review from Stephanie P.
7/9/2011 1 photo
#159 Back in April, during the Capucci exhibit, we decided it was high time for us to make it over to the Philly Museum. We decided to go on a Sunday, expecting a huge crowd, but it wasn't actually that bad. We paid for general admission, as well as entrance into the Capucci exhibit, so the total cost $16 per person. We made a point of going into the Capucci exhibit first, which turned out to be pretty awesome. Though, to be honest, his dresses look much better in pictures than in person. Up until this point, all of the employees were super polite and helpful.
However, by the time we made it through the Capucci exhibit and into the American art exhibit, the attitude declined drastically. We were looking at a particularly detailed work of art when one of them walked by (after talking LOUDLY on her cellphone for the past 15 minutes in the hallway) and started scolding us like children, "No no no, you're too close. Back away. Too close! Too close!" What the HUH? You couldn't politely address us and tell us that you'd appreciate it if we didn't stand too close to the artwork? No? Really? Then what on earth are you doing in a position of service?
The interaction definitely put a damper on the beginning of our experience at the museum. But, we didn't have any other scuffles throughout the rest of our visit. Though, we did witness more rude exchanges between employees and other patrons. Seriously, where's the training for these guys? They act as if they walked in straight off the streets and threw on a blue suit for 8 hours. Not a fan of THAT.
Nevertheless, their collections are amazing. They have a series of awesome European art from 1100-1500 A.D. Plus, we were impressed with their Arms and Armour exhibit. It was a great experience overall, so long as we discount the interaction with the rude employee. -
Review from Nicey J.
8/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love this museum, I'm here at the very least once a month.. it's definitely one of philadelphias many gems.
The rocky stairs annoy me, but that's probably more to do with the fact that tourists are always running up them and videoing it and it annoys the crap out of me :D
They have this free family program in the summers .. where children can learn about art by recreating it. Great endeavor.
The lines can be crazy, especially on the first sunday of the month ( pay as you wish) so be prepared. -
Review from bob m.
Merced, CA
8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
great museum. They have some dirty stuff. Some big golden penis called princess x, a picture that one of the security ladies will show you is a million of penii and boobs, and something called water and candle or something similar where you look into a hole in a wall and it is a naked ladies.....
well there is much more stuff, it is huge. Anything from Armor, to Shaker furniture, to classical stuff. There are even Van Gogh's.
Expensive parking but they validate
in summer they have a concert series that is very nice and people swing dance...
Fancy Schmancy restaurant and a great deli downstairs.
Just a GREAT PLACE. Come for the Rocky Statue, stay for the other stuff. -
Review from kathleen d.
Philadelphia, PA
5/11/2011
A glorious place.
Today is Salvador Dali's birthday. This made me immediately think of two things. Firstly I thought, as always, of a film that we watched in Spanish class where Dali and Gala hatch from a giant egg on a lonely beach and there's this eerie music...Oh man. Secondly I reminded myself that I owe The Philadelphia Museum of Art a praise yelp.
You see, the first time I ever visited this magnificent place was during the special Dali retrospective, about six years ago. It was incredible. I loved this exhibition; there were literally hundreds of his works. Surreal for real. I fell in love with the exhibit and the museum that day. I left with a fantastic art-buzz that had my head racing with creative inspirations. Freakin exhilarating.
If you are in an unbrilliant-rut, this beautiful place might bust you out of it...or you know, further send you spiraling into a feeling-ungifted abyss.
Ohhh I love an art museum and I do adore the Philadelphia Museum of Art so much. I make it my business to return several times a year...and NOT only because it provides me ample opportunity to remind people, "As you know, I minored in Art History in college..." Being insufferable is a full-time job.
Most recently (in the Perleman building) we checked out the Chagall exhibit, or as I call it, "Chagall's Pals." I guess this could be a reason that no one calls me to curate. I guess that "Paris Through the Window: Marc Chagall and His Circle," really does sound better. Enjoyed very much..
I love art. I love works medieval through modern...and there are truly collections for everyone here.
Dig armor and cloisters and the Indian Temple Walk...or focus on the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists...19th Century Europeans or have a Modern/Contemporary time for yourself (Oh but I really, really love modern and contemporary art)...or try to do it ALL. Take it all in.
Every first Sunday of the month is "pay what you wish," which makes for a packed museum, but that's cool too. Go to the museum! It's ahhhhmazing. It's an eye feast. Hit up the gift shop cause gift shops are great. Resist the urge to trip a Rocky-stairs-runner. Today you are cultured, genteel.Listed in: Washing the dust of daily life…
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Review from Melissa G.
King of Prussia, PA
6/23/2011
Went here with Justin the first time he ever flew into Philadelphia. He paid, and I remember thinking it was really expensive.
We both enjoyed the exhibits immensely though, especially the Asian and ancient medieval rooms. We took some pictures and were informed that there were no cameras allowed, so I took video instead.
We did do the touristy-Rocky thing...even though I'm from the area. Also, the area outside is great for sitting and talking once the place closes. 4 stars because it was hard to get to but gorgeous. -
Review from Kathryn M.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2011
Architecture, architecture, architecture. Yes, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has some amazing pieces in their collection. Yes, the visiting exhibits offer a rare opportunity to see some amazing works you would normally have to travel far to see. Yes, the view of the city from the museum steps is fantastic. And yes, there is a rocky statue out front where you can pose like a tourist. But why do I go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art? The architecture.
Next time you visit the Museum, walk into each room and then ignore the art in frames. Just look up! -
Review from Alex Z.
Lancaster, PA
5/30/2011
My 3-star rating may strike some as unduly harsh. I want to emphasize, from the perspective of the art, this is one of the best art museums in the country. It's huge; you could easily spend a whole day here and only see a portion of what the Museum has to offer. And the building itself is beautiful, a bold and massive building.
What do I think are the two things that are lacking in this museum? Accessibility, and accessibility: accessibility in terms of transportation, and accessibility in terms of cost and truly being open to all people.
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(1) Transportation / Location. The location is EXTREMELY unfriendly towards pedestrians, one of the most pedestrian-unfriendly areas close to center city. In order to walk to the museum from center city or other nearby neighborhoods, people must cross numerous multi-lane streets of fast-moving traffic. The lights for the crosswalks are unintuitive and poorly marked, and in one case there is a major crosswalk where people must cross two separate roads on two separate signals that do not line up. Not only does it take a lot of time with waiting, but it is confusing and unsafe.
There are not great options in terms of public transportation, either. No subway or rail lines go close to the museum. There are several SEPTA buses which do, but, especially on holidays and weekends when people are most likely to want to visit the museum, these buses do not run frequently.
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(2) Cost. This museum is expensive ($16 for adults), and unlike many famous art museums (both NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cleveland Museum of Art come to mind) has a mandatory admission fee, in contrast to a recommended donation.
This makes the Philadelphia Museum of Art inaccessible to the majority of Philadelphia's residents, who cannot easily afford to visit this museum on a regular basis.
I would feel better about this museum if the museum had a free-with-strongly-suggested-donation policy. -
Review from Mich L.
7/6/2011 1 photo
I just hit 50 reviews so I wanted to dedicate a 5-star review to the Philadelphia Museum of Art because it's one of the best art museums in the country and an impressive landmark of Philly.
Everyone loves to run up the steps and pose as Rocky. The best impression I saw was a serious little boy swinging his arms around and tossing punches in the air with intensity and focus, almost angry at his dad filming. Too cute.
I was expecting to pay a fortune for admissions but I got away with a student discount even though I'm over-age so it was only $12! It would have been $16 for adult, non-special exhibit price. I thought this was a great deal considering how movie tickets can go anywhere from $8-15 these days. The staff is incredibly accommodating; they even ask you what collections you're interested in seeing so they can direct you how to get there. (they know you're going to get lost because you forgot to take the map at the front desk.)
My favorites in the museum include: the Impressionism collection, including works by Monet, Pissarro, Renoir and the japanese tea garden room.
I always like to take a break through serious collections of art by going to the modern art section on the first floor. Cracks me up every time.
Great museum! -
Review from Sam E.
Philadelphia, PA
8/9/2011
Not really my favorite museum in the city. I actually enjoy going to PAFA more than this well-regarded institution.
But I love exercising on the steps, especially at night after dusk. It's a great place to do lunges, push-ups, one-leg hops, lateral moves, etc. - and you get a great view of the city at the top of the steps. -
Review from Arvee E.
Brooklyn, NY
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Go Rocky! Ran up the stairs just like Rocky Balboa and did the raising of the hands on the top of the stairs (ok i missed the last flight but so what! hehe).
Got to see the Rocky Balboa statue on the side of the steps and got the traditional tourist picture. I couldn't be happier... I LOVE BOXING! -
Review from John N.
Manhattan, NY
4/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Before leaving Philly, we stopped by here to meet our ride home. Once I saw the stairway then I knew it was from Rocky. I was excited to go walked up the staire and before that we took a picture of the
Rocky statue. We were just about to enter the museum but they say they were closing in 20min so I was just happy sitting outside. The best thing on sunday is that you can pay for what you want so maybe next time I try and get in earlier so i can really see how much art work they have inside. Overall I enjoy being at this museum even i didn't go inside. Remind me alittle of Europe! -
Review from Paul L.
4/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like art. I don't know if art likes me but I think it does because it doesn't run away when I get real close to it. It also doesn't run away when I touch it. Shhh! Don't tell anyone I do that! It's a secret thing that art and I have together. I mean, can you blame me? How can you walk by something so beautiful and not want to just molest the crap out of it? Art is so nice here.
There's art here that I haven't seen before in other museums. Yes, yes, all the NYC museums are nice and have these expensively expansive collections, but you're not in New York when you're in Philadelphia. You're in Philadelphia when you're in Philadelphia, and this museum really sates the appetite.
I think it's a little pricey however. I think I paid something like $15 or $20. That's probably standard but I'm just used to going to museums for free because of my employer's corporate membership. Too bad they don't have a membership here. Bastards.
There's this Japanese tea room exhibit that's really nice. It's really big and you can walk around in a small reconstructed area of Japan that allows you to feel like you are actually in Japan. I say this as a non-Japanese person so I could be way off on this. But as an ignorant American, it feels pretty authentic! Us ign'nt Americans are easy to trick.
I like art. It lets me molest it. -
Review from Samantha H.
Swarthmore, PA
6/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I go to the PMA I get angry. I see people posing with the Rocky Statue, running up the steps, showing their biceps, and then promptly going back down them. "Turn around!" I want to yell "The biggest Duchamp collection in the country is right through those doors!" This is also why I primarily use the side entrances.
When I enter the museum, I become less angry and more entranced, amazed, and giddy. Of course the collection of Duchamps, Monets, and Dalis is impressive but my favorite spot is the contemporary art galleries. I remember when they had Bruce Nauman's "Days" installed and I went between solemnly pacing the room, listening carefully, and running back and forth between the speakers laughing gleefully. (Sorry, I'm an art student.) The PMA also has pretty consistently great temporary exhibits for all kinds of people. The recent Roberto Capucci show could draw in fashion and art appreciators alike with its sculptural dresses. Other shows range from new looks at household names like Picasso and Renoir to retrospectives on more contemporary artists like last year's impressive Michelangelo Pistoletto show.
If there are two things I love in life, it might just be art and the city of Philadelphia. The PMA is not as huge, crowded, and full of art history staples as museums like the MoMA or the Met in New York City but if you explore it a little you'll find your own favorites. -
Review from Micah P.
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
So I've only been outside of the museum to admire the steps, fountain, Rocky Statue, and architecture of the building. Then I've only been inside the museum to use the restroom and catch a glimpse of what leads to the restroom..
I know it would be cooler if I could see it all, but I don't think I needed to!
The steps - there's a lot, but it doesn't take much physical fitness to run up them.
Fountain - beautiful. Also, if you take a picture facing away from the museum, you get a great view of Philadelphia.
Rocky Statue - cause it's cool and you can say "I did it!"
Architecture - Elegant and simple.
