Visiting the Museum
Exciting News for HLB | The Historic Landmark Building (HLB) at PAFA will be temporarily offline as of July 8, 2024 for a planned HVAC system renovation project starting August 10, 2024 to be completed in Spring of 2026. However, in the meantime, please enjoy our exhibitions next door, in the Samuel Hamilton Building.
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. This improvement is vital for safeguarding PAFA's invaluable collection for future generations. The Historic Landmark Building is anticipated to reopen to the public in advance of the building’s 150th anniversary in 2026, symbolizing a revitalization of the building and renewed dedication to preserving its artistic legacy.
During the renovations, hundreds of PAFA’s greatest artworks will be on view through traveling exhibitions. PAFA’s Digital Guide on 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.
Updates will be posted on our website.
Welcome to the Museum of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts!
Plan your visit to PAFA by reviewing our most frequently asked questions, including information about holiday closures, museum discounts and family programs.
As a thank you for purchasing tickets in advance, ticket confirmations include a 15% discount at PAFA’s Museum Store.
Special tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please inquire about tour timing at the front desk upon check-in.
Please Note: From April 7 through May 9, our galleries will be temporarily inaccessible as we prepare for the Annual Student Exhibition (ASE). We look forward to welcoming you back once the installation is complete.
Due to high interests in our permanent collection, it is currently traveling across the country in the exhibition, 'Making American Artists'. Consider following the traveling collection on tour while we await its return in January of 2026.
Admission Prices
| Adults (18+) | $15.00 |
| Seniors (55+) | $12.00 |
| Students | $12.00 |
| Youth (13-17) | $7.00 |
| Children (12 & under) | Free |
| PAFA Members | Free |
Museum Hours
| Thursday–Friday | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Saturday–Sunday | 11:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Monday–Wednesday | Closed |
| *Holiday closures may affect these hours. | Please check and see if PAFA is open if you plan to visit on or around a holiday. |
Locations
Throughout the year, PAFA presents special exhibitions, an outstanding permanent collection, and work by the region's most talented artists. Visit our galleries in the Historic Landmark Building, the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, as well as Maxfield Parrish's The Dream Garden at the Curtis Center.
Historic Landmark Building
PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building (HLB) is considered one of the finest surviving examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in America. Built by the Philadelphia firm of Frank Furness and George Hewitt, the HLB rises 70 feet above street level, and opened to the public on April 22, 1876. The HLB houses exhibition space, as well as classroom space for the School of Fine Arts, in addition to historic Cast Hall.
Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building
Built in 1916, the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building (Hamilton) was originally home to the Hudson Motor Company. PAFA acquired the building in the early 2000s and formally renamed it in honor of board member Samuel “Sam” Hamilton (1924-1997). The Hamilton Building is home to the School of Fine Arts, as well as special exhibition spaces on the first, second, and basement floors.
Lenfest Plaza
Located between PAFA's Historic Landmark and Samuel M.V. Hamilton buildings, the plaza was constructed in 2011 and is open year-round. It features a three-part serpentine bench, mosaic pavers, plantings, and rotating works of emerging and established artists in an urban setting. Claes Oldenberg's Paint Torch (2011) is situated at its eastern end overlooking Broad Street.
Dream Garden at the Curtis Building
Curtis Building lobby (interior), 6th and Walnut Streets, entrance on 6th Street
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM until 6:00 PM
Designated as the City’s first “historic object” by the Philadelphia Historical Commission, artist Maxfield Parrish's (1870–1966) landmark mural The Dream Garden (1914–1915), is a breathtaking mural not to be missed. Composed of hundreds of thousands of irreplaceable glass tesserae in more than 260 color tones, Dream Garden was the only collaboration between Maxfield Parrish and glass master Louis Comfort Tiffany, and commissioned by Cyrus Curtis to adorn the lobby of the Curtis Publishing Company.