Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is an art museum and school in Center City Philadelphia that occupies two buildings. The collections span from the early 19th century to the present and include paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.

Charles Willson Peale and William Rush founded the institution in 1805 as the first art museum and art school in the United States. The main building designed by Frank Furness was built between 1871 and 1876 and combines Second Empire elements with Renaissance Revival.

The museum regularly presents exhibitions that combine historical American art with contemporary works, maintaining educational programs focused on traditional artistic techniques.

The galleries are spread across both buildings and connected by an underground passage. A visit typically takes between one and two hours depending on interest in the rotating exhibitions.

The facade of the Furness-Hewitt building features a mix of patterned brick, colored sandstone, and ornamental metalwork. The architecture is considered one of the most distinctive examples of Second Empire style in Philadelphia.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1805

Architects: Frank Furness

Architectural style: Second Empire architecture in the United States and Canada, Renaissance Revival architecture

Industry: higher education

Address: 118-128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00-17:00; Saturday-Sunday 11:00-17:00

Phone: +12159727600

Website: http://pafa.org

GPS coordinates: 39.95568,-75.16322

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:21