News

making community installation view
The Philadelphia Inquirer highlights PAFA's spring exhibitions, Making Community, At One Stroke, "Awakened in You", and Invisible City—for its roundup of Spring 2020 programming.
In the News
Brodsky Center Director Paola Morsiani guides visitors through a print portfolio
PAFA's Brodsky Center is pleased to announce the participants in its upcoming traveling seminar on contemporary prints for early- to mid-career curators. The seminar is made possible by a grant from the Getty Foundation and will take place April 5–10 across multiple venues in Philadelphia and New…
Press Release
Lonnie Holley Installation View
PAFA is pleased to present "Lost Child", a new outdoor projection installation by the acclaimed American artist Lonnie Holley. On view February 1–April 12, 2020, "Lost Child" is projected onto the north-facing wall of PAFA's Historic Landmark Building as part of a new initiative supported by PNC…
Press Release
making community installation view
Philly Influencer reviews PAFA's newest exhibitions: "The world-renowned institution has flawlessly assembled an astounding group of artists in these new showcases, which collectively feature more than one hundred pieces of art."
In the News
laura wheeler waring
February is Black History Month and Philadelphia Magazine's Pat Rapa named our forthcoming exhibition, "Awakened In You": The Collection of Dr. Constance E. Clayton, as one of its top picks for the month.
In the News
Henry O. Tanner, "Pomp at Philadelphia Zoo" (ca. 1880-86). Oil on artist's board, 12 x 10 inches. Museum Purchase (2019.47).
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Stephan Salisbury takes a closer look at PAFA's recent acquisitions to the permanent collection. PAFA acquired alumnus Henry Ossawa Tanner's portrait of Pomp the lion, completed in the 1880s.
In the News
John Grieg in shop
As the shop manager for PAFA’s sculpture department, John Grieg '02 sees opportunities to create in materials students leave behind. He teaches a “Found Materials” class at PAFA with fellow graduates Steven Dufala ‘00 and Billy Blaise Dufala ‘03, teaching students the value of raw materials. Making…
Alumni News
artwork detail

WHYY's Peter Crimmins reviews the multi-sited exhibition, organized by University of the Arts’ Sid Sachs. Invisible City is on view at University of the Arts, the Philadelphia Art Alliance, and PAFA.

In the News
hlb peale gallery
Condé Nast Traveler selects PAFA as a top museum to visit in Philadelphia: "PAFA isn't on the typical tourist track, instead drawing true art aficionados and intellectuals. Since it's also a highly regarded art school, the museum feels very alive—you get the feeling that many of your fellow perusers…
In the News
AHDF installation view
KYW 1060 AM interviews curator Jodi Throckmorton about her latest exhibit, Ancient History of the Distant Future, now on view through February 2.
In the News
wharton esherick desk and chair
Step into the exhibition "Wharton Esherick: An Artistic Legacy Through Necessity," in PAFA's Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, and you'll be greeted by an object that you might not expect to see in a fine art gallery. Esherick studied painting at PAFA in the early 20th century, but he is best known for…
Perspectives
joan semmel
PAFA is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. This grant will support PAFA's upcoming retrospective exhibition of work by the pioneering American painter Joan Semmel. This is PAFA's second $100,000 grant from the…
Press Release

About PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is the United States’ first school and museum of fine arts. A recipient of the National Medal of Arts, PAFA offers a world-class collection of American art, innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and educational opportunities in the fine arts. The PAFA Museum aims to tell America's diverse story through art, expanding who has been included in the canon of art history through its collections, exhibitions, and public programs, while classes educate artists and appreciators with a deep understanding of traditions and the ability to challenge conventions. 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.