Philadelphia Museum of Art Tours and Activities

Philadelphia Museum of Art which includes art
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art


One of the country’s largest museums, with hundreds of thousands of objects, a Rodin Museum, renowned impressionist art and a sculpture garden.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a neoclassical building set on a hill overlooking the city. This huge museum displays more than 227,000 objects in 200-plus galleries. From textiles and tools to paintings and photos, the exhibits include art from America, Europe and Asia. The museum complex includes the Rodin Museum, the Anne d’Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden and the nearby Perelman Building.

In the movie Rocky III the fictional boxer played by Sylvester Stallone unveils a bronze statue of himself in front of the museum. Strike a triumphant pose next to this statue, or show you are a winner and run up “The Rocky Steps” to the entrance of the museum, which was built in 1876. The left wing houses Special Exhibitions and American Art, including a tribute to local painter Thomas Eakins. On the second story, you’ll find European art from medieval times to the 1850s. View the objects in life-sized replicas of century-old rooms to appreciate them in their original setting. Military enthusiasts should seek out the extensive armoury collection.

The museum showcases many famous masterworks, such as Rubens’ Prometheus Bound, Monet’s The Japanese Footbridge and the Water Lily Pool, Giverny, and Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase. For art deco and textile galleries head to the Perelman Building.

Take the free Introduction to the Collection tour, which provides an overview of the museum galleries. There are also free downloadable audio podcasts on specific topics. Two-day tickets are available for art and history enthusiasts who want to take their time to explore all galleries. The museum also offers tours of some of the preserved colonial houses in Fairmount Park. Visit the bistro or cafeterias to recharge in between browsing.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is in Fairmount Park on the hill at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Main and Perelman Building are open Tuesday to Sunday, and the Rodin Museum is open from Wednesday to Monday.

Plan a trip to see Philadelphia Museum of Art

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Chateau Renault
Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia
Guild House Hotel

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Best Lodging Options Near Philadelphia Museum of Art

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

4 out of 5
1628 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Club Quarters Hotel Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

4 out of 5
1800 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square

3.5 out of 5
31 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA
Motto by Hilton Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square
Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City

Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City

3 out of 5
1100 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center

3 out of 5
1301 Race St, Philadelphia, PA
Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square

4.5 out of 5
120 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
One Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA
The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Maj Hotel

The Maj Hotel

3 out of 5
2225 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA
The Maj Hotel
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District

3.5 out of 5
400 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers a rich array of activities, including photo tours that allow you to capture its stunning architecture and art collections. Immerse yourself in the local culture with vibrant theatre experiences, live music, and performing arts. Additionally, take advantage of free tours to explore the museum's treasures and learn about its history. With such diverse offerings, there's something for everyone to enjoy during your visit.

Shopping

The Philadelphia Museum of Art offers a vibrant shopping experience nearby. Reading Terminal Market, just 1.6km away, is perfect for local goods. Rittenhouse Row, also 1.6km away, features chic boutiques. If you're up for a drive, Cherry Hill Mall, located 12.9km away, offers family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

Explore Fairmount Park for serene walks and relaxation amidst nature, only 3.2km from the museum. Enjoy vibrant performances at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, also 3.2km away, or take the family to Francisville Playground, located 0.12.9km from the museum for outdoor fun.

Adventure

Experience the excitement of Boathouse Row, located 644m from the museum, where you can enjoy water sports amidst a vibrant atmosphere. For a scenic hike, explore the Schuylkill River Trail, situated 966m away, offering beautiful outdoor views and adventure vibes. For climbing enthusiasts, Go Vertical, 4.8km away, provides thrilling climbing experiences.

Nightlife

Experience Philadelphia's vibrant nightlife near the Museum of Art! Enjoy a captivating performance at the Walnut Street Theatre or the Miller Theater, both offering cultural and romantic vibes. For a fun family adventure, head to Lucky Strike Lanes, just 1.6km away, for arcade excitement and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Philadelphia Museum of Art

When visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you'll find a wealth of attractions including modern universities, historic civic buildings, and additional museums nearby. This vibrant area caters to culture enthusiasts, families, and those seeking a rich city experience. Don't miss the chance to explore the art museums and other points of interest around the museum, enhancing your visit to this iconic destination.

  • Pennsylvania Convention Center: This vibrant event venue is perfect for business travellers and conference attendees. With its modern architecture and spacious interiors, it hosts a variety of events and exhibitions, making it a bustling hub of activity just 1.6km away from the museum.
  • University of Pennsylvania: A prestigious Ivy League institution, this university boasts a beautiful campus with a mix of historic and contemporary buildings. The lively atmosphere is enriched by its diverse student body and various cultural events, all located a mile from the museum.
  • Rittenhouse Square: This charming neighbourhood features a picturesque park surrounded by upscale shops and restaurants. Enjoy leisurely strolls, people-watching, and vibrant street life, all just 1.6km from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Best time to go to Philadelphia Museum of Art

Visitor numbers around Philadelphia Museum of Art is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Philadelphia Museum of Art is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February35.4°F (1.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April53.6°F (12.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Philadelphia Museum of Art

When planning your visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, consider taking advantage of free nearby attractions like Rittenhouse Square, the Liberty Bell Center, and Reading Terminal Market. For budget accommodation, the cheapest months are January to March, with Mondays offering the lowest rates. To find the best deals, use Expedia to compare prices, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities. Prioritize flexible booking options and special offers to maximize savings on your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Philadelphia Museum of Art are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Philadelphia Museum of Art is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Philadelphia Museum of Art is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Take advantage of Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation for the Philadelphia Museum of Art with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.