This special membership category was formed in memory of Vivian and Meyer (Pat) Potamkin, who were Academy benefactors and distinguished collectors of art. Its mission is to educate collectors—both seasoned and emerging—about American art, the art of collecting, and the great works of art owned by PAFA.
A portion of all Potamkin Collectors Society membership dues is dedicated to purchasing artwork for the museum’s permanent collection.
In addition to Benefactor-level benefits, members are invited to participate in three major events each year, which can include:
- lectures by experts in the fields of curating and collecting
- tours of other museums and private collections
- workshops and seminars on American art and collecting
- private receptions.
Please read more about the benefits for each level of the Potamkin Collectors Society:
Potamkin Collectors Society Members
Potamkin Society Young Collectors (under 40 years of age)
Potamkin Collectors Society Connoisseur Members
Potamkin Collectors Society Members: $650 (Reduced from $750)
A percentage of the membership fees will be directed toward the purchase and acquisition of exceptional works of art for the Pennsylvania Academy's permanent collection.
This membership also includes:
- Invitations to three major, exclusive events per year, including private receptions, workshops and study seminars, education forums, and visits to other museums, private collections, galleries, and auction houses.
- Educational opportunities that are of special interest to emerging collectors
- Access to the Academy's staff and faculty, including curators, registrars, archivist, and conservator, for information and advice
- Access to the PAFA Arcadia Fine Arts Library located in the new Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building
- Invitations to exclusive events, tours, and activities throughout the year exclusively for Potamkin Collectors Society members
- All of the benefits of General Membership, including unlimited free admission; discounts in the Academy's store, Portfolio at the Pennsylvania Academy, and the Academy Cafe; and invitations to all membership special programming events
Potamkin Society Young Collectors (under 40 years of age): $350
Enjoy all of the benefits listed above. A percentage of the membership fee will be directed toward the purchase and acquisition of exceptional works of art for the Pennsylvania Academy's permanent collection.
Potamkin Collectors Society Connoisseur Members: $5,000
In addition to all of the benefits listed above, this special category of membership means that 50% of your membership fee will be directed toward the purchase and acquisition of exceptional works of art for PAFA's permanent collection. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in the final selection process.