Philadelphia Museum of Art

About

The Philadelphia Museum of Art stands as one of the largest and most important art museums in the United States. Perched at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum's grand neoclassical building is instantly recognizable, and yes, those are the famous "Rocky steps" out front. But what waits inside is even more impressive.

The collection spans over 2,000 years and includes more than 240,000 works of art. You'll find everything from medieval armor and Japanese tea houses to Impressionist masterpieces and contemporary installations. The museum is particularly celebrated for its holdings of European and American paintings, with works by Renoir, Cezanne, Picasso, Duchamp, and many others.

One of the museum's most distinctive features is its collection of architectural installations, entire rooms transplanted from historic buildings around the world. Walk through a stone cloister from medieval France, a drawing room from an English country house, or a pillared temple hall from India. These immersive spaces bring art and history to life in a way few museums can match.

The main building connects to the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Building across the street, which houses additional galleries, a restaurant, and rotating exhibitions. Together, the two buildings offer enough to fill an entire day, though even a few focused hours can be deeply rewarding.

Practical details worth knowing: the museum is closed on Mondays and select holidays. Friday evenings often feature special programming and a more relaxed atmosphere. A cafe and dining options are available on-site. The museum sits within Fairmount Park, so you can easily pair your visit with time outdoors along the Schuylkill River Trail.

Accessibility

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is fully wheelchair accessible. The west entrance provides step-free access to the building, and elevators connect all floors throughout the museum. Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge at the information desks on a first-come, first-served basis.

The museum offers assistive listening devices for guided tours and programs. Specially adapted guided tours are available for visitors with different accessibility needs, including verbal description tours for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Contact the museum's access department in advance to arrange these services.

Accessible restrooms are located on multiple floors of both the main building and the Perelman Building. Accessible parking is available in the museum's parking garage, with designated spaces near the entrance. For those arriving by public transit, the closest stops have varying levels of accessibility, so plan your route accordingly.

Service animals are welcome throughout the museum. Seating is available in many galleries for visitors who need to rest during their visit. The museum's staff is trained to assist visitors with disabilities and can help with wayfinding or other needs.

For the most current information on accessibility features, programs, and any temporary changes due to construction or renovation, visit www.visitpham.org or call the museum directly. The access team can help arrange accommodations for individual or group visits.

More accessible places in Pennsylvania

• The Franklin Institute (Philadelphia)
• Barnes Foundation (Philadelphia)
• Eastern State Penitentiary (Philadelphia)
• Independence National Historical Park (Philadelphia)
• Mütter Museum (Philadelphia)
• Independence Hall (Philadelphia)