Below is a list of the top and leading Art Galleries in Philadelphia. To help you find the best Art Galleries located near you in Philadelphia, we put together our own list based on this rating points list.
Philadelphia’s Best Art Galleries:
The top rated Art Galleries in Philadelphia are:
- The Center For Art In Wood – has been widely recognized by artists, collectors, scholars, and the public
- Philadelphia Museum of Art – is dedicated to inviting visitors to perceive the world and themselves
- Barnes Foundation – advocates the development of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture
- Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – is a captivating mixed media art atmosphere that is absolutely coated with mosaics
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – PAFA – was founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is America’s first school and museum of fine arts
The Center For Art In Wood
The Center For Art In Wood interprets, nurtures, and champions creative involvement and expansion of art, craft, and design in wood to improve the public’s understanding and appreciation of it. The Center for Art in Wood contains the Gerry Lenfest Gallery for varying exhibitions, the constant collection, The Fleur & Charles Bresler Research Library, the Len Scherock Museum Store, and The Earl Powell Artist Research Files.
It also arranges arts residencies, which are held on an annual basis, and The Wood Shed, an online site for accessing programs, talks, activities, and information. Since its inception in 1986, the Center for Art in Wood has been widely recognized by artists, collectors, scholars, and the public as a critical resource for the study of art, craft, and design in the material of wood.
In its location in Old City, the Center gives free admission to its changing exhibitions and access to its permanent collection, which now numbers some 1,200 objects and includes turned objects, studio furniture, sculpture, works on paper, video, and more.
Products/Services:
Collection, Exhibitions, Collaborative Residencies, Education, Programming & Events, Research Library & Documentation
LOCATION:
Address: 141 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 923-8000
Website: www.centerforartinwood.org
REVIEWS:
“Definitely worth a visit. Contains Historical pieces and current work of very talented Craftsmen. Informative displays of the local business. Some beautiful items for sale at a range of prices. Many would make perfect gifts.” – Candy D.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art is dedicated to inviting visitors to perceive the world and themselves, once again through the beauty and eloquent power of the arts. They are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. They bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors, through scholarly study and creative play, to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone.
They unite people with the arts in rich and various ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always unforgettable. The world’s biggest and most significant collection of works by Marcel Duchamp. Extraordinary American painting, sculpture, silver, furniture, and ceramics including the remarkable creations of the Shakers and Pennsylvania Germans that reflect Philadelphia’s central role in American history.
Products/Services:
Visit, Exhibitions, Collection, Learn, Shop
LOCATION:
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 763-8100
Website: www.philamuseum.org
REVIEWS:
“I can appreciate the effort put into decorating each room for the theme they were going for. It was impressive. I’m not a big art museum fan, but this was a good experience.” – Rachel R.
Barnes Foundation
Barnes Foundation advocates the development of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture. Their founder, Dr. Albert C. Barnes, considered that art had the influence to improve minds and change lives. Their various educational programs are derived from his teachings and one-of-a-kind collections.
Philadelphia art collector Albert C. Barnes (1872–1951) authorized the Barnes Foundation in 1922 to educate people from all levels of society on how to look at art. Over three decades, he gathered some of the world’s most essential impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings, including works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso.
He displayed them beside African masks, Greek antiquities, Native American jewelry, and decorative metalwork. Dr. Barnes was a strong patron of progressive education and social justice, and he operates closely with black society in the belief that people, like art, should not be segregated.
Products/Services:
Plan Your Visit, Collection, Take A-Class, Shop, Host An Event
LOCATION:
Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 278-7000
Website: www.barnesfoundation.org
REVIEWS:
“This is a great museum. I enjoyed the Elijah Pierce exhibit and the Barnes collection, in general. All of the Impressionist artwork was great. I also liked the other artifacts that he collected (African, Native American, Ancient Egypt, and other cultures). Very impressive and interesting.” – Raymond E.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a captivating mixed media art atmosphere that is absolutely coated with mosaics. The creator, Isaiah Zagar, used handcrafted tiles, bottles, mirrors, bicycle wheels, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. Space is fabricated of two indoor galleries and a two-level outdoor sculpture garden.
As a nonprofit museum, they celebrate art in its many forms through community outreach, public programs, hands-on activities, exhibitions, and tours. They welcome everyone to explore the space and embrace the possibility of self-expression.
Products/Services:
Visit, Exhibitions, Events, Shop
LOCATION:
Address: 1020 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 733-0390
Website: www.phillymagicgardens.org
REVIEWS:
“This was one of the best places in Philadelphia. Beautifully built. Don’t forget to grab scavenger hunt paper and start your interesting hunt for images. The best part was staff especially a lady named Riley.” – Sonam S.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – PAFA
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts – PAFA founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is America’s first school and museum of fine arts. A beneficiary of the National Medal of Arts, PAFA provides undergraduate and graduate programs in the fine arts, innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and a world-class collection of American art.
PAFA’s esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Thomas Eakins, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.
Products/Services:
Visit, Exhibitions, Collection, Education, Events, Store
LOCATION:
Address: 118-128 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 972-7600
Website: www.pafa.org
REVIEWS:
“This is a wonderful museum that has modern art as well as more traditional paintings and sculptures. The older building is such an architectural treasure that it’s with visiting the museum.” – Arthur G.
Shera Elliott graduated from the New Mexico State University with a major in biology and a minor in Biological Basis of Behavior & Health Care Management. Shera grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to Las Cruces for college. Shera has written for several major publications including the Albuquerque Journal and NPR. Shera is a community reporter and also covers stories important important to all Americans.