Special Events

Philadelphia Open Studio Tours

Event Information
Studio floors - 4th, 6th, 7th, and 9th
Printmaking Shop, 6th floor 
Papermaking Shop, 6th floor 
Sculpture Shop, 7th floor 
Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building
Attendees of PAFA Open Studio Night 2020

PAFA will be participating in the 2025 Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST), presented by the Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA), Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19, 2025, 12-6 PM.

As the largest self-guided tour of artist studios and creative workspaces in the region—and one of the premier events of its kind in the country—POST offers a unique opportunity to connect with Philadelphia’s vibrant artistic community.

Join us for a weekend of discovery and inspiration as PAFA opens its studios, shops, and the Brodsky Center to the public.

Location:

 

  • Studio floors - 4th, 6th, 7th, and 9th
  • Printmaking Shop, 6th floor 
  • Papermaking Shop, 6th floor 
  • Sculpture Shop, 7th floor 

 

Workshops:

  • Monotype Workshop - Print Shop
    Saturday, October 18, from 12 to 6pm
  • Bronze Pouring - Sculpture Shop
    Sunday, October 19, at 2pm

What to Expect:

Visitors will have the rare chance to:

  • Meet professional artists and view their work in active studio spaces across all studio floors
  • Explore PAFA’s specialized facilities
  • Watch live demonstrations in various fine art disciplines
  • Learn about our Continuing Education programs, offering studio art classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels
  • Discover our Shop Memberships, which provide access to professional-grade tools and workspaces for printmakers, sculptors, and papermakers
  • Experience the Brodsky Center, a renowned residency program where artists collaborate with master printmakers and papermakers to create new work in lithography, screen printing, handmade paper, and more!

Founded in 1805, PAFA is the first school and museum of fine arts in the United States. Today, it continues to support aspiring, emerging, and established artists through a rich array of exhibitions, programs, and educational opportunities.

The Brodsky Center at PAFA has produced nearly 700 editions with over 400 artists, including Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Gilliam, Faith Ringgold, William Kentridge, Mickalene Thomas, and many others. With a mission to amplify underrepresented voices and engage diverse communities, the Brodsky Center plays a vital role in advancing contemporary print and paper-based art.

Event is free to the public. Registration not required. For more details about POST and participating locations, visit CFEVA’s website.
 

More Information
 

Explore Our Working Studios

The Julie Jensen Bryan and Robert Bryan Printmaking Studio​
Try your hand at monotype printmaking through this free hands-on activity in PAFA's Print Shop! Guided by a teaching artist, you'll have the chance to experiment with subtle textures and simple line work, creating one-of-a-kind prints inspired by the style of Paul Gauguin. Whether you're an experienced artist or just curious to try something new, this drop-in session is perfect for all skill levels.

—Not interested in mark-making? Explore our state-of-the-art printmaking studios and discover the tools and techniques behind the craft!

The Richard C. von Hess Papermaking Studio
POST visitors will be able to access the PAFA Papermaking Shop. Rented by artists through the PAFA Shop Membership program and led by professional papermakers, the Papermaking Shop features specialized traditional hand-papermaking equipment, which will be on view for visitors, along with current handmade paper works still in progress.

The Brodsky Center at PAFA
You will be invited to familiarize yourself with the prestigious Brodsky Center at PAFA, a residency program that commissions new work in print and paper by professional artists. A special selection from the collection of commissioned works by the Brodsky Center since 1986 will be on view exclusively for this event, and Brodsky Center staff will be on site to provide an introduction to the works and answer questions. 

The Sculpture Shop
Join us for a special public bronze pour. In preparation for the reopening of the Historic Landmark Building, PAFA’s sculpture team will be casting replacement rosettes for the entrance lanterns. This live demonstration offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at traditional bronze casting techniques in action—an exciting opportunity to witness the intersection of art, craft, and restoration.


 

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

BUY TICKETS  BECOME A MEMBER

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at visitorservices@pafa.org — we’d love to help!

 

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