PHILADELPHIA, PA — After two years behind closed doors, one of Philadelphia’s most iconic art spaces is ready to welcome visitors back—and it’s doing so in a big way.
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is celebrating its 220th anniversary with the reopening of its Historic Landmark Building and the debut of A Nation of Artists, a sweeping exhibition that explores American creativity across more than three centuries.
Opening to the public on Sunday, April 12, the moment marks both a return and a reinvention, as the historic building reopens following a major renovation while hosting one of the most ambitious exhibitions in the institution’s history.
“For 220 years, PAFA has been a place where American art is created, studied and shared with the public,” said PAFA President and CEO Kristen Shepherd. “The reopening of our Historic Landmark Building marks an important new chapter for the institution.”
A Landmark Reimagined
Originally opened in 1876 during the nation’s Centennial, the Historic Landmark Building was designed by Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt as a bold, forward-looking space that blended multiple architectural styles.
Now, nearly 150 years later, the building has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, including a new HVAC system, restored historic details, and improved accessibility throughout the galleries.
The result is a refreshed space that preserves its historic character while enhancing the visitor experience.
A Nation of Artists Takes Center Stage
Coinciding with both PAFA’s anniversary and America’s 250th, A Nation of Artists offers a wide-ranging look at the evolution of American art from the 1700s to today.
Presented in partnership with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the exhibition spans two venues and features more than 1,000 works, including over 120 rarely seen pieces from the Middleton Family Collection.
At PAFA, the exhibition includes a full reinstallation of the museum’s permanent collection, bringing together historic and contemporary works to explore themes like identity, inequality, and the American experience.
Visitors will encounter works by artists including Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jacob Lawrence, Andy Warhol, and Wangechi Mutu, alongside many others whose work reflects the changing story of the nation.
A Living Institution With Deep Roots
Founded in 1805, PAFA holds a unique place in American history as the nation’s first museum and school of fine arts. Over the years, it has played a pivotal role in expanding access to the arts, including early exhibitions of Black artists and opportunities for women in formal art education.
Today, the institution continues to bridge past and present—offering a space where historic collections and contemporary voices meet.
Event Details
- What: Reopening of PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building & A Nation of Artists Exhibition
- When: Opens Sunday, April 12, 2026 (on view through September 5, 2027)
- Where: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118–128 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Admission varies; tickets available through PAFA
- More Info: https://www.pafa.org/
For those looking to experience art, history, and Philadelphia’s cultural legacy all in one place, PAFA’s reopening offers a chance to step into a newly revitalized space—and see the story of American art unfold across generations.
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