Frequently Asked Questions
We're so excited you're planning to visit PAFA! Reserve Tickets after reviewing the information below.
What are the Museum hours?
MUSEUM HOURS
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 PM
If you have additional questions about how to navigate your visit that are not answered here, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at visitorservices@pafa.org with specific questions. We'd love to answer them!
Is the museum open on Holidays?
| Open | Day after Thanksgiving New Year's Eve |
| Closed | New Year’s Day Juneteenth |
Which PAFA buildings and galleries are open to visitors, and what do they feature?
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 (temporarily closed until Spring 2026), 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 Lenfest 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.
Find Your Way Around the Museum
Hamilton Building
Use this map to navigate PAFA’s galleries and amenities during your visit. From the Broad Street entrance, you’ll find the Fisher Brooks Gallery, Museum Store, and more. Elevators and restrooms are marked for your convenience.
Elevators are available on all levels for accessibility. Restrooms are located near gallery entrances. For assistance, visit the Information Desk in the West Lobby.
Where can I see works from PAFA's permanent collection?
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.
Is PAFA Accessible?
Yes! Please learn more about physical access to our buildings on the Accessibility page.
Do I qualify for a discounted admission?
Lifetime Free Admission for PAFA Alumni
PAFA School of Fine Arts alumni enjoy free lifetime admission to the museum.
Free Admission for PA Access & EBT Cardholders
Receive free admission for 4 adults when you present a valid PA ACCESS or EBT card with a valid photo ID.
Local College Students
Students from certain participating colleges and universities receive free admission with a valid student ID. View participating institutions. Don't see your institution? Learn about how your school can be part of PAFA's University Membership Program.
Military Families
As a part of the Blue Star Museums program, PAFA offers free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and up to 5 family members.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military, which includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. The military ID holder can be either active duty service member or other dependent family members with the appropriate ID card. The active duty member does not have to be present for family members to use the program.
Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
View full program details at arts.gov
$5 Off Admission for Mural Arts Program Tours Attendees
Take a tour with the Mural Arts Program and receive $5 off any regular museum by presenting the discounted ticket provided to you during your tour.
Bank of America Cardholders
Active Bank of America®, Merrill Lynch® or U.S. Trust® credit or debit cardholders enjoy free admission on the first full weekend of every month.
Simply present your active Bank of America®, Merrill Lynch® or U.S. Trust® credit or debit card along with a valid photo ID to gain one free Adult admission to PAFA.
Please note this discount program does not include special events or ticketed programs. Guests accompanying the cardholder must purchase a separate ticket. View the Museums On Us program details at bankofamerica.com
Reciprocal Museum Memberships & American Alliance of Museums (AAM)
AAM members and members of select reciprocal museums receive two (2) free admissions passes. To redeem free admission, guests must present current AAM or museum membership card along with a valid photo ID.
PAFA participates in the following reciprocal programs:
Before visiting, we ask reciprocal members to please contact PAFA Visitor Services to understand the benefits they will receive. Please note that reciprocal privileges exclude live events and are subject to change without notice.
How do I get to you?
Check out our Directions and Parking page with maps, public transportation advice and driving directions.
Can I bring a group?
Yes. PAFA can welcome groups of up to 20 people at one time for private guided experiences with professional staff, both when the museum is open and when it is not. Additional fees apply for these special experiences. Groups larger than 20 may also choose to visit, but with evolving safety protocols, large groups will likely need to separate into smaller groups for the safety and comfort of other visitors. Email info@pafa.org to book your tour experience.
Is there a Coat Check?
Yes, both of our museum buildings have self-check coat rooms for your use.
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.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at visitorservices@pafa.org — we’d love to help!