26th Street and Benjamin
Franklin Parkway
(215)763-8100
(215)684-7500 for taped, 24-hour-a-day message
Hours:
Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm, special programs
Wednesday evenings until 8:45
Admission:
$7.00; free Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm
Located in Philadelphia’s museum
district, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the top art
museums in the country and has several collections on hand which
immediately distinguish it from the rest of the pack. It was
constructed in 1928 and fashioned after the temples of Greece.
It spans nearly ten acres with almost two hundred galleries and
over two hundred and fifty thousand pieces of artwork. It’s
quite easily spotted, even at a distance, beckoning to you from
the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The front entrance
immediately calls to mind the movie "Rocky," because
these are the steps that Stallone made famous; there’s also an
entrance in the rear of the structure.
Inside, you’ll find collections
featuring such artists as Picasso, Matisse, van Gogh, and Ingres,
to name a few. Outside near the front entrance, sculptures such
as "Prometheus Strangling the Vulture" are positioned
for your enjoyment. In addition to the artwork, the museum also
possesses entire rooms that were relocated from their original
sites. For example, there is a Buddist temple and a Japanese
teahouse, completely intact, right inside; it’s truly
awe-inspiring. The featured artist of the entire museum would
probably have to be Marcel Duchamp, as you will find the largest
collection of his portfolio, including the famous "Nude
Descending A Staircase."
Rounding out the attractions are displays
of ceremonial costumes, Colonial furniture, an amazing
collection of armor and medieval weaponry, as well as a
restaurant. It should go without saying that no art lover should
be deprived of an afternoon at the Philadelphia Museum of Art,
and with ample parking, an easy-to-find location, and beautiful
presentation, this attraction should be at the top of your
Philadelphia list.
