Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Read American art across two buildings and a remarkable Furness-designed landmark.
Artwork inspired by Henry Ossawa Tanner
Founded in 1805, PAFA is both an art school and a museum, and that combination changes how to look at its collection. Work by alumni and other American artists sits in dialogue with a long history of teaching, drawing, and debates about who belongs in the national story. The Frank Furness and George Hewitt Historic Landmark Building is itself an work of polychrome architecture.
Start by noticing the Gothic interior and its material detail, then follow the exhibitions across the Historic Landmark and Hamilton buildings. Seek connections between older painting and newer work rather than treating American art as a single style. Check the current exhibition program before choosing a visit. The admission ticket covers both buildings; Friday evening hours offer a different, shorter option.
- Founded
- 1805
- Buildings
- Historic Landmark + Hamilton
- Friday
- Open until 8 p.m.
Quick guide
- Enter the landmark
- Study Furness's polychrome stone, arches, and starry interior before the galleries.
- Cross the campus
- Compare older and contemporary American art in both museum buildings.
Know before you go
- Look at the architecture
- The school and museum's historic building is a work of art in its own right.
- Track an artist
- Follow a PAFA student or teacher through the exhibitions.
- Compare eras
- Ask whose work enters and changes the American art story.
- Check what's on
- Exhibition rotation determines the strongest route today.
Good to know
The accessible entrance for the Historic Landmark Building is on Lenfest Plaza, not the Broad Street steps. Exhibition access can shift between the two buildings.
Notice these
- Furness landmark
- American art collection
- Two-building campus