The Philadelphia Museum of Art: come for the tourists imitating Sylvester Stallone, stay for the world-class art collection. The Philadelphia Museum of Art has been immortalized by Rocky--you can even pose with a nearby Rocky statue--but the museum earns its reputation as an world-class cultural destination. Home to over 25,000 pieces of art spanning time and form, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of America's largest art museums.
How to get to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Museum, perched on a hill overlooking Center City Philadelphia, can be accessed via I-676 which cuts across Philadelphia. If you're coming from downtown, you can catch various tour buses or the PHLASH trolley up to the museum. By foot, Benjamin Franklin Parkway provides a direct walk from City Hall to the museum--you can't miss it.
Best and worst time to go to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Best and worst depends on your intention: if you're looking to save some money, attend Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. to close, or the first Sunday of every month, when admission is pay-what-you-will. Of course, this makes the place a bit crowded, if accessible. If you're looking for a more peaceful experience, you should consider the first and last few hours of operating hours, particularly on weekdays.
Admission to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Adults are $20, seniors 65 and older are $18 and students and youth (13-18) are $14. Children 12 and under are free. The museum also offers memberships. As stated above, if you're on a budget, take advantage of the pay-what-you-wish options offered at different times of the month. Note that admission to the main museum also gets you same-day admission to the nearby Rodin Museum and the Perelman Building, home to additional exhibits.
Must see/do at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The ceremonial Japanese teahouse is a fan favorite. Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase is arguably the most recognizable piece on display, though the museum also hosts a commendable collection of pieces by Degas, Monet and others. The medieval armor collection is also an impressive surprise.
Other places to visit near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is on one end of the city's dense collection of museums and educational institutes. For the dinosaur or butterfly lover in your life, head to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. For interactive and educational science-related experiences, check out the Franklin Institute.
Insider tips for visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Check out the Art After 5 offerings every Friday night, where you can enjoy a cocktail, hors d'ouevres and live entertainment while you pursue the galleries.
About the author: Jeff Birou is an education administrator by day, travel and freelance writer by night. Check him out on Twitter at @lanceandjeff or his blog Lance+Jeff.
