Press Release

PAFA Reopens Popular Retail Store in Chestnut Hill

PAFA Reopens Popular Retail Store in Chestnut Hill

PAFA Northwest opens in a new location, launches partnership with Phaidon

PHILADELPHIA (October 16, 2017) -- The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) reopened its pop-up retail store last week in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood. Located at 8335 Germantown Avenue, PAFA Northwest offers a wide variety of products handmade jewelry, unique artisan gifts, educational toys and books, as well as grab-and-go items.  Throughout the season PAFA Northwest will offer a limited number of artist lectures and art-making activities for adults, children and families. Author events will also be scheduled in conjunction with Phaidon.

Since PAFA Northwest opened its doors last fall, customers have been frequent and enthusiastic visitors, enjoying the opportunity to purchase handcrafted items, as well as connect with PAFA’s art museum and school, the first in the nation, located in Center City. Paintings and prints made by PAFA's talented student artists are for sale again with 60 percent of the purchase price going to the students.

“We were overwhelmed with the welcome we received from the Chestnut Hill community and business leaders last year,” says James Gaddy, PAFA’s Executive Vice President of Administration who developed the project. “We are excited to return this year with hope that shopping at PAFA becomes an annual holiday tradition for folks from the area.

New this year is a partnership with publisher Phaidon, adding a book section to the store offerings. “Chestnut Hill is one of Philadelphia’s hottest spots for creative, dynamic retail – and the community’s support of its local businesses during the holiday season is truly special. Partnering with PAFA to be part of that scene, and to bring a bookstore back to Chestnut Hill – especially one focused on the arts, along with our cookbooks, children’s books and general gift books - was a natural ‘yes’ for Phaidon,” says Amy Hordes, Phaidon Sales Director, North America.

Proceeds from the pop-up will fund PAFA programs and scholarship.


About PAFA Northwest
Store hours are Wednesday through Sunday,10:00 am – 6:00 pm.  The store is located at 8335 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood (in the space formerly occupied by O’Doodles Toy Store). Phone:     267- 335-3702.

About Phaidon
Phaidon is the premier global publisher of the creative arts with over 1,500 titles in print. They work with the world’s most influential artists, chefs, writers, and thinkers to produce innovative books on art, photography, design, architecture, fashion, food and travel, and illustrated books for children. Phaidon is headquartered in London and New York City. 

Last Updated
March 26, 2018 - 2:42 PM

About PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is America's first school and museum of fine arts. A recipient of the National Medal of Arts, PAFA offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the fine arts, innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and a world-class collection of American art. PAFA’s esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.