This out of the way art museum and school is a gem of a find. Years ago, I worked across the street and would while away the lunch hour at the PAFA. Within walking distance of the gorgeous Wanamaker's Dept Store (now Macy's) and the world's tallest masonry bldg, Philadelphia City Hall, this is a must see for art enthusiasts!

I cannot believe it took me this long to visit such a quaint museum. The older building contains the most beautiful architecture with such attention to detail, inside and outside! There is a small collection with some very popular artists. I don't think this would be appealing to young children, unless they absolutely love art. The standout experience was the... More

Time to slow down, art lovers. With PAFA, you can enjoy a terrific exhibition of its permanent collection without the crowds you inevitably find at the Barnes and PMA. Enjoy significant paintings and sculpture from the dawn of the country (appropriate for the town where the founders gathered to make history) to contemporary works. Many famous American painters are represented... More

A group of about 35 members of the Directors Circle of the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum visited the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts for an in-depth view of Samuel F.B. Morse's painting of masterpieces from the Louvre as a backdrop to portraits of his friends and of the iconic painting of Thomas Eakins depicting surgery upon the thigh of... More

While most art lovers coming to Philadelphia see the Philadelphia Museum of Art, they are missing a fabulous collection of art at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Their American collection is of national interest and loaded with rare gems. The museum is spacious, well designed for viewing, and very reasonable.

I used to be a member...No Longer. The building itself is worth seeing. It is absolutely magnificent. Huge Marble Staircase, Marble Walls, Fountains...Just beautiful. Smaller than Art Museum but worth seeing.

Close to Center City , building is an art work in own rights. Museum is well lit, signage good and some lovely pieces selected from collection on walls. Staff were not very friendly however to adults and certainly not to kids- could do with improvement ! Would recommend museum for anyone with art interest.

Prepare to spend a few hours if you love art. We were there for 3.5 hours. Turkey sandwich and pasta salad very good in the cafe.

The Academy is located in a stunning turn of the (last) century Moorish palace on North Broad St., just north of Market. The building is worth going to see for itself, but they also happen to have a fantastic collection of paintings and sculpture mostly by Philadelphia articts, many of whom attended and/or taught at the Academy. A must see... More