Family Art Day: "Firstival" — Celebrating 220 Years of American Art at PAFA
Advance registration is required.
Bring the whole family for a fun, creative afternoon at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA). Family Art Day is a completely free, all-ages event designed to get everyone making art together.
Enjoy our monthly make & take art activity—perfect for budding artists of all ages. Explore the Museum, try out new materials, and take home your very own creation.
✂️ Artmaking starts at 1 PM
🎟️ Pre-registration is required
🖼️ Free Museum admission included
Come make something special with us!
Admission to the museum is included with this free program; advance registration is required.
52 Weeks of Firsts
As part of Philadelphia’s citywide 52 Weeks of Firsts celebration, PAFA invites families and visitors of all ages to celebrate 220 years of American art, creativity, and innovation with an afternoon of community celebration.
A key feature of the celebration is the #1 Sculpture—a series of artist-designed “1” installations placed throughout the city as public symbols of Philadelphia’s legacy of innovation and its role as the birthplace of American milestones.
Here’s PAFA’s #1 sculpture created by Jon Laidacker:
In 2026, Philadelphia hosts a year-long citywide celebration honoring the people, places, and ideas that shaped the nation during America’s 250 birthday. As part of 52 Weeks of Firsts, PAFA proudly highlights its role as a cultural trailblazer through art, programs, and joyful community experiences.
Each week, the city comes alive with Saturday Firstivals featuring live performances, pop-ups, and family-friendly activities. Look for PAFA’s very own #1 Statue, created especially for this moment by PAFA alum Jon Laidacker, on view year-round.
For more than two decades Jon has shaped the visual landscape of Philadelphia. He is known for his strikingly realistic murals and has created the 2 largest murals in Philadelphia including one of the Philadelphia Eagles. His work connects people, place, and history—making him the perfect artist to help PAFA mark this milestone year.
We're so excited you're planning to visit PAFA!
Make time for art — visit us Thursday to Sunday.
Before reserving your tickets, please review helpful information about museum hours, accessibility, building access, and special admission programs.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at visitorservices@pafa.org — we’d love to help!