The Iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia’s art scene has a heart, and it beats at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This iconic museum is more than a place to see paintings—it’s a symbol of the city. Perched at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, it’s also home to the world-famous Rocky Steps, where visitors reenact the famous movie scene every day. But the museum is just the beginning. In this article, we’ll explore the museum and many attractions nearby in the Fairmount neighborhood. These will include; Logan Square, The Franklin Institute, the Barnes Foundation and Lloyd Hall Recreation Center.
A Centennial Spark for Philadelphia Museum of Art
In 1876, Philadelphia celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the Centennial Exposition. This grand event brought together innovation, culture, and pride. One of its lasting legacies was Memorial Hall. Designed to outlive the Exposition, it housed an art gallery that laid the groundwork for a future museum.
From Exposition to Institution
Just a year later, on May 10, 1877, the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art opened its doors. The museum followed the model of London’s South Kensington Museum. Its mission? To showcase applied arts and train craftsmen in practical skills like drawing and design. The school later became independent in 1964 and is now part of the University of the Arts.
Early collections included items from the Exposition and donations inspired by its themes of good design and craftsmanship. Generous individuals gifted European and Japanese art, decorative objects, and books. Still, the museum’s location—far from the city center—meant it struggled to attract large crowds. Admission was first charged, then dropped in 1881, only to be reinstated in 1962.
The Rise of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
In 1882, Clara Jessup Moore began donating a stunning collection of decorative and fine art. A lace collection came in 1894, courtesy of the Countess de Brazza. Then in 1892, Anna H. Wilstach gave a significant bequest that included many American paintings and funds for future acquisitions. Her gift enabled purchases of works by Whistler and Inness, as well as Tanner’s The Annunciation in 1899.
The idea for a new building gained traction in 1895, when the city council funded a design competition. Though momentum was slow, plans finally emerged in 1907. The location? Fairmount Hill, crowned by a major city reservoir. The grand Fairmount Parkway—later renamed Benjamin Franklin Parkway—was crafted to lead directly to this spot.
Design Takes Shape
Architectural firms Horace Trumbauer and Zantzinger, Borie & Medary worked together on the plans. Much of the design credit goes to Howell Lewis Shay and Julian Abele. Abele, the first Black graduate from the University of Pennsylvania’s architecture program, played a pivotal role. He introduced classical elements, such as Greek temple columns, and selected the stone and colors used in the building’s facade.
A Monumental Construction
Construction began in 1919 under Mayor Thomas B. Smith. Despite post-war delays, the building wasn’t completed until 1928. It was built with dolomite from Minnesota. To maintain funding, the wings were completed first. The Philadelphia Museum of Art officially opened twenty galleries to the public on March 26, 1928, even though interior work continued.
Eight pediments were planned for sculptures. Only one—Western Civilization by C. Paul Jennewein—was completed in 1933. Painted terra-cotta figures depicted Greek mythology. The work earned the Medal of Honor from the Architectural League of New York. The museum also features bronze griffins, which became its symbol in the 1970s.
Early on, the Philadelphia Museum of Art launched public education and membership programs. Under director Fiske Kimball, it saw rapid growth. In 1928, one million people visited. That same year, Charles M. Lea donated 5,000 Old Master prints and drawings, expanding the print collection significantly.
Decades of Expansion from Gifts and Acquisitions
The 1930s brought blockbuster exhibitions. Later, the 1940s saw major donations in sculpture, carpets, and photography. The 1950s leaned into modern art, with collections from the Arensbergs and Gallatin. A highlight from that era was the gift of Grace Kelly’s wedding dress.
From the 1960s through 1976, the building underwent major renovations. The Philadelphia Museum of Art celebrated its centennial alongside the nation’s bicentennial in 1976. Major acquisitions included surrealist works by Marcel Duchamp and fashion pieces by Elsa Schiaparelli. In recent decades, iconic works by Degas and Cy Twombly joined the collection.
Gehry’s Modern Vision for the Museum
In 2006, architect Frank Gehry was selected for a bold new expansion. His plan called for 80,000 square feet of underground gallery space. Importantly, this would leave the historic exterior untouched. The project, estimated to cost $500 million, aimed to increase display space by 60%.
Following the sudden death of director Anne d’Harnoncourt in 2008, Timothy Rub took the reins. He pushed forward with the expansion. By 2010, construction on a new art handling facility began. This allowed the reopening of a long-closed entrance and a historic 640-foot walkway.
The “core project,” announced in 2017, focused on renovating interior spaces. It aimed to add 90,000 square feet of public space, including galleries for American and contemporary art. Gehry also designed a central “forum,” along with new dining and retail areas. He promised an interior that would “knock their socks off.”
Navigating Uncertainty
Despite setbacks—including the COVID-19 closure in 2020—the museum adapted and reopened later that year. As of 2028, the full Gehry expansion remains on track, although aspects like the proposed amphitheater have sparked debate. Whether bold or conservative, the redesign reflects the museum’s mission: preserving the past while embracing the future.
Inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Must-See Exhibits and Features
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest and most visited art museums in the country. It holds over 240,000 objects, spread across more than 200 galleries. These collections span over 2,000 years of global art. From ancient sculptures to cutting-edge contemporary works, the museum offers something for every visitor.
Highlights of the Asian Collections
The museum’s Asian art galleries are some of the most immersive and detailed in the country. They include paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and textiles from China, Japan, Korea, and India. One standout is the authentic Chinese palace hall, which brings the architecture and detail of ancient China to life. Nearby, a Japanese teahouse offers a quiet, reflective space designed with traditional craftsmanship. The Indian temple hall, dating back to the 16th century, is another architectural highlight. Persian and Turkish carpets, known for their color and complexity, round out the collection. These galleries reflect the deep cultural traditions of Asia through both fine and decorative arts.
Treasures of European Art
The European collections cover everything from medieval altarpieces to modern European masters. Visitors can view early Italian and Flemish Renaissance paintings, including works by well-known artists from those periods. The galleries also feature French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, showcasing artists like Monet and Van Gogh. Sculptures by Auguste Rodin hold a special place here, including pieces that highlight his influence on modern sculpture. The museum also includes historic rooms and furniture, like an English drawing room designed by Robert Adam and the front of a medieval church from Burgundy. Another major draw is the arms and armor collection, the second largest in the U.S.
American Art and the Eakins Collection
American art is a core strength of the museum. The collection spans more than three centuries and includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative works. There’s a strong focus on Philadelphia craftsmanship, especially 18th- and 19th-century furniture and silver. Pennsylvania German folk art and rural ceramics add to the local character. The museum also holds the world’s largest collection of works by Philadelphia-born painter Thomas Eakins. His paintings offer a close look at American life in the late 19th century.
Modern and Contemporary Art
Modern art lovers will find no shortage of iconic pieces. The collection includes works by Picasso, Duchamp, Dalí, and Brâncuși. It also features early 20th-century modernists like Jean Metzinger and Albert Gleizes. The museum continues to expand its contemporary collection. Visitors will see pieces by Agnes Martin, Jasper Johns, Cy Twombly, and Sol LeWitt. These artists represent major movements in abstract and conceptual art.
Arms, Armor, and the Von Kienbusch Collection
One of the museum’s most unique holdings is its extensive arms and armor collection. Much of it comes from Carl Otto Kretzschmar von Kienbusch, a collector who donated his pieces in 1976. His gift included European and Southwest Asian armor that spans centuries of craftsmanship. The collection is both artistic and historic, showing how armor functioned and evolved over time. In 2000, the museum returned five stolen armor pieces to Dresden, Germany, after they were identified from Von Kienbusch’s published catalogs.
Prints, Textiles, and Rotating Exhibits
The Philadelphia Museum of Art also houses large collections of prints, photographs, costumes, and textiles. Because of their fragile nature, these works rotate in and out of public view. This means there’s often something new to see, even for frequent visitors. The costume and textile collection features clothing from many cultures and time periods, offering insight into global fashion history.
Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions bring major artists and themes to the spotlight each year. Past shows have included Salvador Dalí, Cézanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso. In recent years, exhibitions have focused on John James Audubon, Andy Warhol, Winslow Homer, and Marcel Duchamp and his siblings. The museum also made an international impact with Bruce Nauman: Topological Gardens, which earned the Golden Lion at the 2009 Venice Biennale.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art continues to grow and change, offering new reasons to visit while preserving the world’s artistic legacy.
The Rocky Steps: From Movie Scene to City Landmark
At the front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, visitors are greeted by one of the most famous staircases in the world. Known as the Rocky Steps, this flight of 72 steps became legendary after appearing in the 1976 film Rocky. In the movie, Sylvester Stallone’s character, Rocky Balboa, runs up the steps during his training montage. At the top, he raises his arms in victory—a moment that has inspired millions ever since.
The Rocky Statue at Philadelphia Museum of Art East Entrance
Not far from the steps stands the Rocky Statue. Artist A. Thomas Schomberg created the bronze sculpture in 1980 for a scene in Rocky III. After filming wrapped, Stallone gave the statue to the City of Philadelphia. For a time, it stood at the top of the steps, but in 2006, it was moved to its current home at the bottom. Today, the statue is one of the most visited spots in the city. People come from all over to take a photo with Rocky, striking the same victorious pose.
A Climb with a View
But the real attraction is the climb itself. The 72 steps leading to the museum’s east entrance have become a challenge that visitors love to take on. Whether you jog like Rocky or walk at your own pace, the top rewards you with one of the best views in Philadelphia. The Benjamin Franklin Parkway stretches out below, with the city skyline in the distance. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a moment of pride for anyone who makes the climb.
A Philly Experience
Running the Rocky Steps has become more than a movie reference—it’s part of the city’s identity. Tens of thousands of people do it every year. For many, it’s a fun way to connect with a story of hard work and determination. Others just want to say they did it. Either way, it’s a unique and memorable part of any visit to the museum.
After your climb, you can continue the Rocky experience with a bite to eat. Head down to South Philadelphia and grab a cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks, a spot Rocky himself visited in the original film. It’s the perfect way to end your own training montage, Philly-style.
Other Key Stops Along Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The Benjamin Franklin Parkway is more than just a road leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s a cultural corridor filled with museums, public spaces, and local landmarks. As you walk or drive along the parkway, there are several important places worth stopping. Each offers a different experience, from science and learning to fitness and relaxation.
The Franklin Institute
One of the most popular destinations along the Parkway is The Franklin Institute. This hands-on science museum has something for all ages. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits that make science fun and easy to understand. From space exploration to physics, the museum covers a wide range of topics. A favorite feature is the giant walk-through heart, which has been thrilling visitors for generations. The planetarium and IMAX theater add to the excitement, offering shows that bring science to life in a big way.
The museum is named after Benjamin Franklin, one of the most well-known inventors and thinkers in American history. His legacy is on full display throughout the building. The Franklin Institute doesn’t just teach science—it lets you experience it. Whether you’re exploring electricity, building structures, or watching a live experiment, there’s always something to discover.
Lloyd Hall Recreation Center
Lloyd Hall Recreation Center is a hidden gem located along Boathouse Row, right by the Schuylkill River. While many visitors head straight for the museums, locals know that Lloyd Hall is the place to go for fitness, recreation, and outdoor fun. It offers basketball courts, a fitness center, and multi-use spaces for events and classes. The building is open to the public and used by people of all ages and skill levels.
What makes Lloyd Hall even more special is its location. It sits right on the Schuylkill River Trail, a scenic path used for walking, running, and biking. It’s also a great spot to watch rowers glide across the water. Whether you want to break a sweat or just take in the view, Lloyd Hall is a great place to stop. It’s more than just a rec center—it’s a community hub with a strong connection to the city’s riverfront.
Logan Square
At the other end of the Parkway, you’ll find Logan Square, one of Philadelphia’s most beautiful public spaces. At its center is the Swann Memorial Fountain, designed in the early 20th century. The fountain features figures representing the city’s major waterways and provides a cool splash of water during warmer months. It’s a favorite spot for photos, rest, and quiet moments in the middle of the city.
Logan Square is surrounded by trees, benches, and wide sidewalks, making it an easy place to relax. It’s also surrounded by key institutions like The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and the Free Library of Philadelphia. This makes it a perfect starting or resting point during a day of sightseeing. Whether you’re walking through on your way to the museum or spending a quiet moment near the fountain, Logan Square offers a peaceful break from the busy city streets. It blends beauty, history, and accessibility—all in one simple space.
