HLB Offline
The Historic Landmark Building (HLB) at PAFA will be unavailable to the public as of July 8, 2024 and temporarily offline for planned renovations to its HVAC system starting August 10, 2024, to Fall of 2025. The renovation work, generously supported by a matching gift from an anonymous donor, focuses on upgrading the HVAC system to ensure better climate control within the building. The HLB is anticipated to reopen to the public in 2025, in advance of the building’s 150th anniversary in 2026, symbolizing a revitalization of the building and renewed dedication to preserving its artistic legacy.
This improvement is vital for safeguarding PAFA's invaluable collection for future generations. During the renovations, hundreds of PAFA’s greatest artworks will be on view with the traveling exhibition Making American Artists: Stories from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 1776–1976. PAFA’s digital guide Bloomberg Connects offers 24/7 online access to the permanent collection. Additionally, PAFA has an exciting slate of exhibitions and public programs planned for our Hamilton building.
HLB Progress Bar
Architectural Highlights
In the News
"Key to the institutional retooling are repairs to one of the crown jewels in the relatively small inventory of surviving Frank Furness-designed structures — PAFA’s historic landmark building just north of City Hall. The Academy has about $5.5 million in hand for a $10 million project to replace the venting, piping, and air handlers of an HVAC system that is not only inefficient, but has occasionally sprung leaks, causing damage to the building.
The museum and school has requests out to get the Academy to the $10 million finish line — including a proposal with the state’s redevelopment capital assistance program for $5 million — and leaders are hopeful that the money will materialize.
But they are stumping for more. And if they get more, a longer list of building improvements awaits."