Super Bowl LIX Kicks Off #MuseumBowl25

Philadelphia Museum of Art and Nelson-Atkins Once Again Wager Master Works on Game’s Outcome

Feb 5, 2025 - There’s a feeling of déjà vu as Super Bowl LIX approaches. As in the 2023 match-up, the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 9 for the big game. This means the directors of The Philadelphia Museum of Art and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City will each put a master work from their respective collections on the line for loan.

“I cannot wait to host our friends and colleagues at the Nelson-Atkins here in Philadelphia,” said Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “We will offer a proper Philly welcome as the city celebrates our Eagles’ win on the Rocky Steps.  There’s no doubt that we are eyeing up their world-class collection and thinking about what would look best on our walls.”

“Our friends in Philadelphia so enjoyed their last visit to the Nelson-Atkins two years ago that we expect to see them again this year, as we are confident our team will once again be victorious,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, Director & CEO of the Nelson-Atkins. “Philadelphia’s art museum has so many amazing works that would look beautiful in our galleries.”

Leading up to the big game, the PMA  will have the building lighted up in Eagles green in support of the Birds.

#MuseumBowl25 is on. Expect playful collaboration between the two museums on social media. Join the fun by following #MuseumBowl25 on Instagram and Facebook.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art have incredible collections, each filled with enviable works of art that would make especially choice loans. The shortlist of the contending MuseumBowl25 masterworks will be revealed after the curators huddle at their respective museums to consider the potential spoils of victory.

For media interested in receiving further information, please contact:

Maggie Fairs
VP, Communications
Philadelphia Museum of Art
E: pressroom@philamuseum.org
M: 267-768-1163

Kathleen Leighton, Manager, Media Relations & Production 
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art 
816.751.1321 
kleighton@nelson-atkins.org

To stay up-to-date, follow the Nelson-Atkins on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About the Philadelphia Museum of Art:
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a national and international destination for art, but first, we are Philadelphia’s Museum of Art—for all the many diverse communities of the city. Through our collections, exhibitions, events, educational activities, celebrations, and more, the PMA is a storyteller, and we welcome everyone to be part of the story—our doors are wide open. To learn more, visit www.philamuseum.org.

Social Media 
Instagram/Facebook/X/Threads/YouTube: @philamuseum; TikTok: @philaartmuseum

About The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City is recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums. The museum opens its doors free of charge to people of all backgrounds.

The Nelson-Atkins serves the community by providing access to its renowned collection of more than 42,000 art objects and is best known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, modern sculpture, and Native American and Egyptian galleries. Housing a major art research library and the Ford Learning Center, the museum is a key educational resource for the region.

The Nelson-Atkins is located at 45^th and Oak Street, Kansas City, MO. Hours are 10 am–5 pm Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10 am–9 pm Thursday and Friday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. For museum information, phone 816.751.1ART (1278) or visit nelson-atkins.org.

Image courtesy of Yong Kim / The Philadelphia Inquirer
 

Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, has wagered a master painting on the Birds’ success. Julián Zugazagoitia, Menefee D. and Mary Louise Blackwell CEO & Director of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, has eagerly taken up the challenge on behalf of the Kansas City Chiefs. In the wager, the winning city’s museum will receive the other’s painting on loan.

A Chiefs victory would bring a future delegation from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to the Nelson-Atkins, with a Philadelphia master work in hand. An Eagles triumph would bring a future delegation from the Nelson-Atkins along with a master work to Philadelphia.

Sasha Suda stated: “When the Eagles soar to victory, we will warmly greet our friends from the Nelson-Atkins and treat them to unforgettable cheesesteaks here in Philadelphia. They have such a remarkable collection, and we will be thrilled to share a piece of it with our visitors, in a very special Point After Touchdown (PAT). We’ll make it feel right at home in our galleries and display it with Philly pride.”

Julián Zugazagoitia said: “We expect to offer our Philadelphia friends something they’ll long remember after the Chiefs make short work of the Eagles. Philadelphia’s museum has so many amazing works, and they will see how wonderful the PMA loan will appear in our beautiful galleries. We won’t let them leave, of course, before they can taste the best of our Kansas City barbeque.”

#MuseumBowl23 is on. Let the games begin. Join in the fun by following #MuseumBowl23 on Instagram and Facebook. Philadelphia Museum of Art is @philamuseum and Nelson-Atkins Museum is @nelsonatkins.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art have storied art collections, each filled with enviable works of art that would make especially choice loans. The names of the contending #MuseumBowl23 masterworks will be revealed after curators at the respective museums huddle to consider the potential spoils of victory. 

About the Philadelphia Museum of Art

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Norman Keyes at 215-460-9568/Laura Coogan at 610-996-0493 or pressroom@philamuseum.org.

Social Media
Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/Tumblr/YouTube: @philamuseum; TikTok: @philaartmuseum

About The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City is recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums. The museum opens its doors free of charge to people of all backgrounds.

The Nelson-Atkins serves the community by providing access to its renowned collection of more than 42,000 art objects and is best known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, modern sculpture, and Native American and Egyptian galleries. Housing a major art research library and the Ford Learning Center, the Museum is a key educational resource for the region. In 2017, the Nelson-Atkins celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Bloch Building, a critically acclaimed addition to the original 1933 Nelson-Atkins Building.

The Nelson-Atkins is located at 45^th and Oak Streets, Kansas City, MO. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Friday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission to the museum is free to everyone. For museum information, phone 816.751.1ART (1278) or visit nelson-atkins.org.

For media interested in receiving further information, please contact:

Kathleen Leighton, Manager, Media Relations and Video Production

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

816.751.1321

kleighton@nelson-atkins.org
 

Social Media @philamuseum;  TikTok: @philaartmuseum

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

Sasha Suda, the museum’s George D. Widener Director and CEO stated: “With a rich, joyful celebration of Black History Month, the Philadelphia Museum of Art opens its doors ever more widely, to create a warm welcome together with community partners. The PMA is an integral part of the cultural fabric of Philadelphia – to honor and elevate these essential relationships, we’ll be placing the museum’s current African Diasporic collections in the spotlight, discussing our commitment to equity, our milestones, Equity Agenda, and future plans, and offering refreshments and fun.  With this first open house, I would like to offer my personal welcome to the Black communities of Philadelphia – the PMA is your museum.”

Partners in this first celebration will include the African-American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware; Alumni Association of Lincoln University­ Philadelphia Chapter; Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Phila-Montco Branch; Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity; Black Muslim Men United for a Better Philadelphia; Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church; Father’s Day Rally Committee; NAACP Philadelphia Branch; National Action Network, Philadelphia Chapter; National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Philadelphia Chapter; Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus; Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes; Philadelphia Sunday Sun; Temple University; Universal Companies; Urban League Philadelphia.

Remarks will take place at 12 p.m. in the Great Stair Hall, with museum leadership, select elected officials, and community leaders. The Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Choir will perform. Awards will be announced to recognize community organizations making significant contributions of service to the Black community and to advancing Black excellence in art.

"Given the contributions the Black church has consistently made to Black history, it is extremely important for us to be a part of this celebration and support the Philadelphia Museum of Art's work on its Equity Agenda," said Rev. Robert Collier, Sr., pastor of Galilee Baptist Church and president of Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity. 

"As a leading civil rights advocacy organization, the NAACP fights to open doors for the Black community and is proud to join forces with similarly-minded organizations," said NAACP Philadelphia Branch President Catherine Hicks. "I am pleased the Philadelphia Museum of Art is launching its Equity Agenda with an annual Black History event and commitment to open doors for more diverse groups to have greater access to business, local engagement, jobs, and art that reflects them."

The museum collections contain more than 1400 works by 250 Black artists in its collections of American art, European art, and modern and contemporary art.

The following activities for visitors will take place in the Main Building on February 25:

• Art Kids Studio and Gallery Tours focused on the art of the Black modernist painter Aaron Douglas
   
• Self-guided tours highlighting works by Black artists
   
• Public Highlights tours that spotlight works by Black artists
   
• In the galleries, an interactive performance/engagement by storyteller Thembi Palmer will focus on the contributions of the American painter William Henry Johnson
   
• Our community partner organizations will feature their work at information tables

Alphonso Atkins Jr., the museum’s Miller Worley Deputy Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access, said: “This year’s Black History Month Celebration is a wonderful way to celebrate Black culture and Black excellence throughout PMA’s collection as well as this iconic building, made real by the contributions of the museum’s Black architect, Julian Abele. The February 25^th event is the first in our new series of stakeholder engagements designed to bring together the many diverse communities of Philadelphia, to experience the museum as a place of inspiration, reflection, and joy.”
 

Social Media @philamuseum;  TikTok: @philaartmuseum

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art by phone at 215-684-7860 or by e-mail at pressroom@philamuseum.org. The museum is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call 215-763-8100.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend and dress in blue, in honor of Henri Matisse’s star painting Woman in Blue, which is prominently displayed in the exhibition.  Enjoy creative Matisse-inspired blue cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by Constellation Culinary Group.  Blue-inspired music and activities will create a whimsical, Instagram-worthy atmosphere in one of the Philadelphia’s most iconic settings.  Enjoy a stroll through the Matisse exhibition, which includes about 140 choice works gathered from around the world, and many other beautiful galleries around the museum. 

To round out the immersive experience, the retail shop adjacent to the Matisse exhibition features locally designed Matisse-inspired items including a custom satin handmade blue ruffle bag with Cluny lace trim made by Room Shop.

In addition to the Blue Dress Soirée, art aficionados can delve deeper into great French art and the world of Matisse at two virtual events, one hosted by the French Embassy and another by the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  See below for details and RSVP links.

Live Virtual Event

Museum Series #12: Philadelphia Museum of Art and Matisse in the 1930s
November 16, 2022, 6:00 p.m.

The Museum Series is a program of curatorial talks organized by the Villa Albertine in Washington D.C. in collaboration with museums.

Villa Albertine DC is honored to host Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Jennifer A. Thompson, the Gloria and Jack Drosdick Curator of European Painting and Sculpture and Curator of the John G. Johnson Collection, and Matthew Affron, the Muriel and Philip Berman Curator of Modern Art, in a discussion about the European collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the new exhibition Matisse in the 1930s.

This conversation is moderated by Faya Causey, former head of academic programs at the National Gallery of Art, and is followed by a Q&A session with the audience

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/museum-series-12-philadelphia-museum-of-art-tickets-457247388247

Live Virtual Event 

Matisse, the Model & the Studio
The Irma and Herbert Barness Endowed Lecture, Philadelphia Museum of Art
November 17, 2022, 12:00 p.m.

A panel of scholars and curators, including Claudine Grammont and Ellen McBreen, discuss the life and work of Lydia Delectorskaya, Matisse’s studio assistant, manager, and model. She is the woman represented in Matisse’s The Blue Dress and numerous other works. This talk shines a light on the importance of this often-overlooked figure, providing a deeper understanding of her role in Matisse’s studio practice.

Moderated by curator Matthew Affron.

REGISTER: https://philamuseum.org/calendar/event/matisse-the-model-the-studio?d=2022-11-17&s=12:00

Blue Dress Soirée
November 18, 2022, 5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to dress in blue, taking a cue from Woman in Blue. Enjoy blue cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, blue-inspired music and activities in one of the city’s most iconic settings.  Experience the Matisse exhibition and many other beautiful galleries throughout the museum. Philadelphia is the first and only U.S. venue for Matisse in the 1930s.

The Blue Dress Soirée is open to the public (Pay What You Wish). Tickets to the Matisse exhibition on Friday evenings are offered at a reduced rate of $15 for adults and students.  Admission for Members is always free. 

About Matisse in the 1930s

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, in collaboration with the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris and the Musée Matisse Nice, is presenting the first major exhibition ever dedicated to the pivotal decade of the 1930s in the art of Henri Matisse (1869–1954), one of the giants of twentieth-century art. Opening first in Philadelphia, the only United States venue, Matisse in the 1930s contains about 140 works from public and private collections in the United States and Europe, ranging from both renowned and rarely seen paintings and sculptures, to drawings and prints, to illustrated books. It also features documentary photographs and films. The exhibition is accompanied by a lavishly illustrated scholarly catalogue. Matthew Affron, Muriel and Philip Berman Curator of Modern Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; Cécile Debray, President of the Musée National Picasso-Paris; and Claudine Grammont, Director of the Musée Matisse Nice, comprise the curatorial team. 

Organization
Matisse in the 1930s is co-organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, and the Musée Matisse Nice. Each of these three institutions has an important connection to Matisse’s art and contains rich holdings in his art of this period, making them natural partners for this first-of-its-kind exhibition. In France, the topic will be considered in terms of the promotion of Matisse’s work by the Parisian art journal Cahiers d’art, while the Philadelphia Museum of Art will present a comprehensive survey of Matisse’s work in that decade. 

Support
In Philadelphia, the exhibition is made possible by the Annenberg Foundation Fund for Major Exhibitions, The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, The Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Gloria and Jack Drosdick Fund for Special Exhibitions, the Harriet and Ronald Lassin Fund for Special Exhibitions, the Jill and Sheldon Bonovitz Fund for Exhibitions, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Buck, Mr. and Mrs. Christopher H. Gadsden, Mrs. Henry F. Harris, Independence Blue Cross, the Robert Lehman Foundation, The Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation, Barbara A. Podell and Mark G. Singer, Katie and Tony Schaeffer, Robbi and Bruce Toll, Constance and Sankey Williams, and other generous donors. 

 Support for the accompanying publication was provided by The Davenport Family Foundation and The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation. Promotional support has been provided by PHLCVB and Visit Philadelphia.  

Matisse in the 1930s is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.  

Promotional support has been provided by PHL CVB and Visit Philly.

Itinerary 
Philadelphia Museum of Art, October 19, 2022–January 29, 2023 
Paris, Musée de l’Orangerie, February 27, 2023–May 29, 2023 
Musée Matisse Nice, June 23, 2023–September 24, 2023

Guests will enjoy light snacks, an open bar, a dessert spread featuring locally sourced sweet treats, plus a whiskey and rum tasting with Strivers’ Row Distillery, Philadelphia’s first Latin-owned distillery. They will also learn about Black-owned wine labels during a special tasting with Zachary Harris of Ikavina Wine and Spirits. Live art demonstrations are planned throughout the evening, ranging from graphic design to photography and jewelry making, and there will be dancing until midnight. Art-ish will support the museum and its efforts to expand outreach to younger and more diverse audiences.

“It has been some time since we’ve gathered Young Friends at the museum, and we’re excited to celebrate the new spaces and the exhibitions on view,” said Robert Marsch, Vice President of Accounting and Finance at Valley Forge Investment Corporation, who is co-chairing the Young Friends Development Committee with Norman Lawrence, Development Associate, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals. “This year’s ‘friend-raiser’ is unique in that we’re spotlighting a range of local talents and performing artists in the context of the stunning new architectural spaces made possible by Frank Gehry’s Core Project. It will be unlike any other Young Friends event we’ve held before.”

Lawrence added: “As volunteers for the museum, it’s important for us to offer unique experiences for young people to engage with the museum so that we can continue to drive support and build appreciation for the arts in our city.” 

Live music will take place on the main stage in the Williams Forum, with DJ Caution spinning tracks to uplift the soul from 9:00 to 9:45 p.m. “To be able to create vibes inside of the art museum is major,” said DJ Caution. “I have seen this iconic building my whole life and never thought I would have the opportunity to showcase my talent inside of it. This is a big deal for me.”  

DJ AMH takes the stage from 9:50 to 10:35 p.m. This globetrotting DJ and producer fuses the latest hits with nostalgic sounds and Caribbean-influenced beats. “I have DJ’d all around Philly in some of the coolest venues we have here, but to DJ inside of the art museum is on a whole other level,” said DJ AMH. 

Seraiah Nicole is on deck from 10:40 to 11:10 p.m. Ms. Nicole is a national performer, activist, and founder of Seraiah Nicole Creations, LLC. Her debut album is The Truth Is, a combination of poetry, hip-hop, and soulful vocals.

Beano French will play from 11:15 p.m. until midnight. He garnered major success with his first extended play album, Just Beano, and is gearing up to release his next project later this year. He promises to bring his rare blend of vintage R&B and hip-hop. “I have seen so many big artists perform with the art museum as their backdrop, like John Legend, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and it has always given me the best Philly vibes, so to be performing inside of the art museum is an honor for me as an up-and-coming Philly artist,” says Beano French.

Eat & Drink 
Throughout the evening Constellation Culinary Group will provide snacks and sweet treats alongside our local partners Cloud Cups and Porco’s Porchetteria & Small Oven Pastry Shop. In the lounge, located on the second floor, Francisco Garcia will share the ins and outs of the Strivers’ Row handcrafted whiskey and rum-making process. In our Balcony Café, Zachary Harris of Ikavina Wine and Spirits will provide a special wine tasting and talk about Black-owned wine labels.

Art Activations
From 8:00 to 10:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a 360˚ view photobooth for selfies, and experience Tiny Room for Elephants with artist Justin Tyner. Tyner’s kaleidoscopic light installations resemble colorful stained-glass windows and inspire dance and movement.

Dream Poet Marshall James Kavanaugh will offer personalized, on-the-spot, typewritten poetry. Guests can pick any topic and receive a bespoke poem in return.

Philly Tarot Card Creator James Boyle will be stationed outside of the Main Store in the North Vaulted Walkway to demonstrate how he creates his detailed illustrations of popular Philly scenes.

Guests will create their own buttons with Stephanie Harvey, exit343 design, a graphic artist who will bring her screenprinted cards with bright colors, fun patterns, and a hint of humor.

Local jeweler Devin McNutt will demonstrate how she creates jewelry from upcycled vintage tin materials.

Visual artist Kristen Buck will demonstrate how she creates hand painted ceramics with a mystical vibe.

Olivia Paige will be onsite to do a live plaster casting of models’ breasts as part of a sculpture of various women to honor a “body positivity” mindset.

Current Exhibitions on View
On the first floor, guests can wander through three new exhibitions including Elegy: Lament in the 20^th Century (on view through July 24); Waiting for Tear Gas; and Pictures in Pictures (both on view through July 17), which explore salient themes of grief, protest, artistic mediation, and remembrance. The majority of the works are drawn from the museum’s vast collection of paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs from the 1970s until today.

Tickets
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting this link. Admission $55 for Young Friend and Artist members; $75 for other partygoers.

Safety protocols
To ensure everyone’s safety the museum will follow approved COVID protocols during the event. For more information, please visit the visitor tips and policies on our website.

Sponsors
The Young Friends Art-ish event has been generously supported by in-kind donations by many individuals and local businesses including: Cloud Cups, FliksnFlashing Photobooth, Porco's Porchetteria & Small Oven Pastry Shop, Wider Awake Screen Printing and Design, Two Robbers Hard Seltzer, Ikavina Wine and Spirits, and New Liberty Distillery.

Credits as of February 25, 2022.

Social Media @philamuseum

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art by phone at 215-684-7860, by fax at 215-235-0050, or by e-mail at pressroom@philamuseum.org. The Museum is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call 215-763-8100.

Barbara Bassett, Interim Head of Education, said: “Our free family day for the Philadelphia School District community is the museum’s holiday gift to our public schools, including our charter schools. We have missed the students being in the building during this challenging time, and although we have continuously offered educational experiences online during the pandemic, there is nothing like having our K-12 students in the museum to engage with the art in person. The art museum is a place for endless discovery and creative inspiration, and we are here to be a resource for our community. We hope the kids will enjoy making art together with their school friends and family.”

The museum is offering a variety of creative art-making experiences, inspired by the critically acclaimed current exhibition Emma Amos: Color Odyssey. In the Artist Connect corner, visitors can meet locally based printmaker Lisa Jungmin Lee, whose innovative printmaking techniques are inspired by Emma Amos. Families can join Lisa in the Williams Forum from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The Art Kids Studio is where visitors of all ages can try their hands at making a hanging art piece, much like Amos’s beautifully woven textiles. Drop into the studio, in the South Vaulted Walkway, any time between 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Families can also embark on the museum’s playful Art Kids Tours, in which visitors are invited to look, discover, and talk about what they see together. Meet in the South Vaulted Walkway at 11 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. for this experience.

Families will discover more activities on the museum’s third floor. In Art-Making: Circle Space, teaching artist Susan Lideke will lead a collaborative project in the medieval cloister (Knight Foundation Gallery 304) from 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. No experience is necessary. And in Arms and Armor (Gallery 347), the Knight-time Sketch program offers metallic drawing materials for kids and adults to draw what they see gleaming in the collections, including armored horses. Visitors can also enjoy the experience of actually handling real pieces of armor with museum educators. It all takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Fusing together multiple musical genres, Jello Vibes—also known as Angelo Outlaw Jr.—will perform on vibraphone from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Great Stair Hall. Jello Vibes has performed and taught in worldwide championship percussion ensembles such as The Blue Coats and Music City Mystique.

Visitors can also enjoy the four special exhibitions currently on view in the Main Building including: Jasper Johns: Mind/Mirror through February 13, 2022; Emma Amos: Color Odyssey through January 17, 2022; Richard Benson: The World is Smarter Than You Are through January 23, 2022; and Circus: Bouroullec Designs through May 30, 2022.

Visiting the Museum

Walk-up registration is available. To register in advance, interested families should check with their school for details.

Health and Safety Guidelines

Help us keep the museum safe and enjoyable for everyone. In accordance with the City of Philadelphia guidelines, every visitor is required to wear a mask while visiting the museum. Before visiting, review our health and safety guidelines: visitor tips and policies.

Special Holiday Hours and Offer

The museum is open to all visitors on December 29. From Sunday, December 26, through Sunday, January 2, the museum is open every day, and visitors from anywhere can enjoy one-of-a-kind art, food, and shopping experiences, with the museum aglow in seasonal décor. Admission is Pay-What-You-Wish on Sunday, January 2, and people ages 18 and under are admitted free at all times. Check our website for more information.

At the museum, visitors can enjoy self-guided gallery tours, shop for gifts in the stores (including distinctive items made by more than 75 local artisans), and also consider making the gift of Membership, which never goes out of style and lasts an entire year. (Gift memberships can be redeemed easily online; just use promo code MGIFTWFB to save 10% through December 31.)

Visitors can also enjoy family friendly fare at the museum, with festive holiday treats provided by Constellation Culinary Group.

Social Media @philamuseum

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art by phone at 215-684-7860, by fax at 215-235-0050, or by e-mail at pressroom@philamuseum.org. The Museum is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call 215-763-8100.

On Saturday, August 14, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will host a rousing all-day community Block Party that will extend from the museum galleries to the East Terrace and morph into a performance night headlined by major talents with Philly roots. Visitors during the day can enjoy a life-sized board game on the terrace with Philadelphia Chalk Festival, snap art selfies, and take in live DJ music. Indoors, the museum will offer art-making explorations for families, self-guided activities in the galleries, live demos by local artists, and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences during the day. And beginning at 6:00 p.m., a lively house party will kick off in the striking new Williams Forum and the reimagined Lenfest Hall, as well as the galleries and balconies of the museum. Outdoor activities will be free and eats and drinks will be available for purchase via a variety of food trucks. A pop-up beer garden will be provided by Constellation Culinary Group. Admission into the museum will be Pay What You Wish during the day. For the nighttime action, visitors are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. They are now on sale ($15.00 per person admission and $12.00 for museum members.)

Timothy Rub, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the museum, said: “A few months ago, as we prepared to unveil the newly revitalized public spaces of the museum, our fervent hope was to host a big community celebration to mark the completion of Frank Gehry’s ‘Core Project.’ We had to save the fanfare, however, until the city made the call that it was safe to lift various restrictions on public events. And so, we are now delighted to make this happen on August 14, and eager to invite all those who care about the arts, from every corner of the city, to see the museum as, first and foremost, a community resource. After all, the museum was founded to serve all Philadelphians and that’s what this is all about.”

Justina Barrett, Interim Head of Public Programs, who is coordinating the effort, said: “We’re excited to create a day devoted to Philly artists, musicians, and performers, and to underscore our commitment to make our museum not only beautiful and inspiring but also as inclusive as it can be. The Art Museum Block Party and House Party has been organized by many community partners and collaborators as a special moment to invite Philadelphia in to share in the new and newly revitalized public spaces. We hope that people will enjoy this day, but even more that they will see it as an open invitation to return again and again.”

The Art Museum Block Party
Outside on the East Terrace at the top of the Rocky Steps

Next Stop: The Chalkverse
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The popular Philadelphia Chalk Festival and artist Rushawn Stanley will turn the East Terrace into a big family-friendly life-size board game. “This is my first time collaborating with the museum and it’s such an honor to bring the Philadelphia Chalk Festival to the terrace,” said Stanley. “I’m most looking forward to seeing all the people get a chance to interact with one another and to see how they approach the game.”

Art Selfies with Lauren Cat West Illustrations
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
East Terrace
Inspired by the environment surrounding the museum, the accomplished Philadelphia illustrator, Lauren Cat West, has created a dynamic photo backdrop and selfie station for visitors. With her bold and colorful forms, this designer of buoyant and exuberant environments promises a bold outdoor display.

Eat & Drink

Food Trucks will be on the East Terrace from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A pop-up beer garden will open at noon and close at 4:00 p.m. All food and drink will be available for purchase.

All Main Stage Performances take place between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the East Terrace. Free.

DJ Elvin T
11:00 a.m.
DJ Elvin spins old-school disco and funk boogie with some new and no wave classics.

Black Storytellers Tribute
1:00 p.m.
“Through storytelling, we try to contribute to the growth of our youth and families in a positive way,” says poet, drummer, and storyteller Ron Carter about the spoken word event that he and other members of Keepers of the Culture have in store for visitors. They will pay tribute to the late artist-activist, storyteller, and museum collaborator Denise Valentine, who used the power of story to transcend differences between people and inspire hope. 

DJ Oluwafemi
2:00 p.m.
A DJ and visual artist, Oluwafemi has an African-inspired musical style that includes an electric blend of soul, funk, and global beats. Nigerian artists such as Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade and Fela Kuti continue to inspire Oluwafemi to bring high energy music to the international club scene and soon to the museum.

DJ Yolo Ono
3:30 p.m.
Marissa Le – DJ Yolo Ono – plays a versatile arsenal of genres with up-and-coming artists in club and dance music, which stems from her initial love for indie dance and EDM. She has performed with musical acts such as James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, Venus X, Maluca, Princess Nokia, Anna Lunoe, Uniique, VanJess, Masego, and Jess Jubilee in the nightlife and music scene. Le said: “Music is a wonderful common language for people. My hope is to co-create spaces where people can feel celebrated.”

Inside the Art Museum, drop in for art making experiences all day. Explore our new spaces with self-guided activities on the ground and in the first level galleries. Pay What You Wish Admission.
 

Make your own Art

Spiral Q
12:00–4:00 p.m.
Great Stair Hall, Main Building
Participate in hands-on art making with recycled materials with Spiral Q, who releases the power of art to connect people, actions, and neighborhoods in a creative force for change.

Space 1026
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Great Stair Hall, Main Building
Philly based arts collective Space 1026 will bring a curious set up for all ages to participate in a collaborative still-life drawing.

Meet the Makers
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Main Building
Watch hourly demos from over a dozen Philly area artisans working in ceramics, wood, metal and more. Then browse their designs in our museum stores.

Fabric Workshop
11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Great Stair Hall Balcony, Main Building
Create your own screen print with artists from the Fabric Workshop and Museum.

The Art Museum House Party 
Saturday, August 14, 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Lenfest Hall, Williams Forum, and select galleries on second and third floors
Enjoy live music at the museum with the R&B sounds of West Philly’s Beano French, DJ Caution, and DJ AMH, and explore the city’s vibrant art scene in our new galleries, and sample local flavors and signature cocktails. All ages welcome.

Mix & Mingle

Speakeasy: Hosted by the Young Friends
6:00–9:30 p.m.
Balcony Café, Members’ Lounge & West Portico, 2nd floor
Add “The Spicy Young Friend” to your friend group with this signature cocktail featuring handcrafted whiskey from Strivers’ Row, Philly’s first Latino-owned distillery, owned and operated by Francisco Garcia. Strivers' Row was named 'Best Distillery' in Philadelphia Magazine's Best of Philly 2021. 

Also from 6:00 until 9:00 p.m., visitors can sample food and drink stations throughout the museum that will serve locally sourced bar bites and drinks—including vegan and nonalcoholic options—by Constellation Culinary Group. Available for purchase.

Art Activation
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Great Stair Hall Balcony, 3rd floor
Artists from the nearby Fabric Workshop and Museum demo screen printing inspired by works of art at the museum. Visitors will be able to create their own print to take.
 

Performances

DJ Caution
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Lenfest Hall, 1st floor
DJ Caution gets the night started with tracks to uplift the soul and he’s planning to go all out. Says DJ Caution: “To be able to create vibes inside of the art museum is major, I have seen this iconic building my whole life and never thought I would have the opportunity to showcase my talent inside of it. This is a big deal for me.” 

DJ AMH
7:00–7:30 p.m., 8:15–8:30 p.m. & 9:15–9:45 p.m.
Main Stage, Williams Forum, ground floor
This globetrotting DJ and producer fuses the latest hits with nostalgic sounds and Caribbean-influenced beats. When asked about DJing at the museum, DJ AMH said: “I have DJ’d all around Philly in some of the coolest venues we have here, but to DJ inside of the art museum is on a whole other level.” 

Beano French
7:30–8:15 p.m.
Main Stage, Williams Forum, ground floor
The Philly native garnered major success with his first extended play album, Just Beano, and is gearing up to release his next project later this year and he’s bringing his rare blend of vintage R&B and hip-hop to the Williams Forum. “I have seen so many big artists perform with the art museum as their backdrop, like John Legend, Beyonce, Jay-Z, and it has always given me the best Philly vibes, so to be performing inside of the art museum is a big deal for me as an up-and-coming Philly artist.”  

Special Headliner

Ant Clemons
8:30–9:15 p.m.
Main Stage, Williams Forum, ground floor
Born in nearby Willingboro, New Jersey, the Grammy nominated R&B music artist has collaborated with Kanye West, Beyoncé, Camila Cabello, and other luminaries of the music world. His Happy 2 Be Here extended play album received a nomination at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards for Best R&B Album. Most recently, Clemons, along with Justin Timberlake, Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, and Bon Jovi, performed at the inauguration of Joe Biden. Call it a very good warm up for the Williams Forum at the museum.

Sponsors

The Art Museum Block Party is a Dina Wind Power of Art Program sponsored by the Wind Foundation.

Social Media @philamuseum

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A world-renowned collection. A landmark building. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art by phone at 215-684-7860, by fax at 215-235-0050, or by e-mail at pressroom@philamuseum.org. The Museum is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call 215-763-8100.

For three days this spring, Philadelphians and visitors can explore exceptional works of art and design spanning four centuries at the 56th Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show. Tickets are now on sale for the show, which will be held from Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22, at The Navy Yard, with a Preview Party on Thursday, April 19, and an Emerging Collectors Night on Saturday, April 21. Sixty-one of the nation’s most distinguished dealers will showcase some of the finest examples of 17th century through 20th century furniture, paintings, jewelry, crafts, silver, textiles, porcelain, and other works. The dealers, as well as guides and longtime show volunteers, will share stories of the objects through lectures, panel discussions and tours, enhancing the show experience for all guests. Proceeds from the event jointly benefit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Penn Medicine.

New this year, the work of Philadelphia furniture makers and fine and decorative artists, as well as porcelain and silver items, will take center stage in a special loan exhibit, “Philadelphia Collects Philadelphia,” featuring works from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection. The special exhibit promises to offer a stimulating dialogue between historical and contemporary perspectives.

Businesswoman and collector Martha Stewart, along with Kevin Sharkey, co-authors of the book, Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying, will present a guest lecture discussing when to plant, nurture, and cut from your garden. The program, “Martha’s Flowers,” which is a separately-ticketed event, takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 20, and includes show admission.

Three additional lectures share insight into Philadelphia’s antiques and art history, and are included with show admission:

“Collecting Philadelphia: A Legacy of Art”
2:00 p.m., Friday, April 20

Alexandra Kirtley, the Montgomery-Garvan Curator of American Decorative Arts at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Elisabeth Agro, the Museum’s Nancy M. McNeil Curator of American Modern and Contemporary Crafts and Decorative Arts, focus on form, material, and ornament as they discuss collecting the art, antiques, and craft of Philadelphia.

Sponsored by Flather & Perkins

“Buying and Selling Philadelphia: The Story of the Legendary 1929 Reifsnyder Sale”
2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 21

Emelie Gevalt, Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Delaware, explores the market forces, personalities, and mystique behind the sale of Howard Reifsnyder’s Philadelphia furniture collection.

Presented by the Decorative Arts Trust

“The Pennsylvania Hospital and Its Historic Collection: Living History”
2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22

Stacey C. Peeples, curator and lead archivist at Pennsylvania Hospital, talks about the hospital’s history, and tours, preservation, and restoration of the collections.

Presented by the Decorative Arts Trust

“The Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show has long been regarded as one of the best of its kind in the country, and we are expanding the offerings in 2018 to accommodate new and broadening audiences,” said Anne Hamilton, 2018 Co-Chair. “Our guests can expect to see more 20^th century furniture and pottery and contemporary art, as well as many objects exhibited in public for the first time,” she said.

“Through the show and the loan exhibit, visitors will experience timeless great design,” said Karen DiSaia, show manager. “Colonial-era pieces will be presented alongside mid-century ones, and you will be able to see the connections between the two,” she said.

“We want people to come and enjoy the journey through time that the show offers,” DiSaia added. “As they interact with some of the most informed art and antiques experts in the nation, they can expect it to be engaging, informative and fun.”

The Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show is open to the public:

Friday, April 20 – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 21 – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 22 – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

General admission is $20/person online or at the door and includes access to the regular programming, with discounts available for students, seniors and groups. Tickets for the “Martha’s Flowers” guest lecture are $50, and are available by reservation at www.philadelphiaantiquesandartshow.com.

The Preview Party will be held from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 19. Tickets are $300 ($150 tax deductible), or $150 for young collectors. A 5:00 p.m. entrance ticket is $600 ($450 tax deductible).

Tickets to the Emerging Collectors’ Night, 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, are $50 for one ticket, $90 for two, and $150 for four.

The Philadelphia Antiques Show was founded in 1966 to support the work of Penn Medicine, and this year’s association with the Philadelphia Museum of Art marks the beginning of a new era for an historic tradition. The two institutions are joint beneficiaries of the Show in 2018 and through this partnership the Museum will gradually assume full responsibility for the Show’s organization and management in the following years.

Following is an alphabetical list of 2018 show dealers:

Mark and Marjorie Allen

Arader Galleries

Avery Galleries

Diana H. Bittel Antiques

Philip H. Bradley Co.

Marcy Burns American Indian Arts LLC

Ralph M. Chait Galleries

H.L. Chalfant American Fine Art & Antiques

John Chaski

Charles Clark

Clarke Gallery

The Cooley Gallery

Paul J. DeCoste

Dolan/Maxwell

Peter H. Eaton

M. Finkel & Daughter

Gemini Antiques Ltd.

James and Nancy Glazer

Gleason Fine Art

Hill Stone Incorporated

Stephen & Carol Huber

Hyde Park Antiques Ltd.

Barbara Israel

Johanna Antiques

Christopher H. Jones

Kentshire

James M. Kilvington, Inc.

Kelly Kinzle

Greg K. Kramer & Co.

Betty Krulik

Polly Latham Asian Art

Bernard & S. Dean Levy, Inc.

Nathan Liverant and Son, LLC

Mellin’s Antiques

Moderne Gallery

Lillian Nassau LLC

Olde Hope Antiques, Inc.

Peter Pap Oriental Rugs, Inc.

Janice Paull

The Philadelphia Print Shop, Ltd.

Steven S. Powers

James L. Price

Sumpter Priddy III, Inc.

Frances J. Purcell Antiques

Christopher T. Rebollo Antiques

James Robinson, Inc.

David Schorsch and Ellen Smiles

Schwarz Gallery

S. J. Shrubsole Corp.

Elle Shushan

Elliott & Grace Snyder

Somerville Manning Gallery

Spencer Marks

Philip Suval, Inc.

Thistlethwaite Americana

Jayne Thompson Antiques

Jeffrey Tillou Antiques

Earle D. Vandekar of Knightsbridge Inc.

William Vareika Fine Arts

Whitman Antiques

Bette & Melvyn Wolf, Inc.

Support
The 2018 Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show is supported by AIG (the premier presenting sponsor), Freeman’s (the premier sponsor), and The Haverford Trust Company (the Preview sponsor). The Loan Exhibit is presented by Sotheby’s. Additional support is provided by many generous donors.

About the Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show
Traditionally presented to raise funds to support Penn Medicine, and now for the Philadelphia Museum of Art as well, the new Show will feature more fine art galleries and offer the opportunity to see a wider spectrum of art represented. A growing list of dealers specialize in a mix of periods and styles, including American, English, Asian and Continental furniture, fine and decorative arts, silver, jewelry, ceramics, prints and Americana. For a schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit PhiladelphiaAntiquesandArtShow.com or call 215-763-8100.

Social Media @philamuseum

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A landmark building. A world-renowned collection. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art phone at 215-684-7860, by fax at 215-235-0050, or by e-mail at pressroom@philamuseum.org. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call (215) 763-8100.

Image: View of the Waterworks at Fairmount, 1835-1836, by Nicolino Calyo, American (born Italy), 1799 - 1884. Opaque watercolor on wove paper, mounted on board. Sheet (irregular): 26 7/8 × 36 9/16 inches. Mount: 26 11/16 × 36 11/16 inches. 125th Anniversary Acquisition. Gift of the McNeil Americana Collection, 2009.

The Philadelphia Antiques Show was founded in 1966 to support the work of Penn Medicine, and this year’s association with the Philadelphia Museum of Art marks the beginning of a new era for an historic tradition. The two institutions will become joint beneficiaries of the Show in 2018 and through this partnership the Museum will gradually assume full responsibility for the Show’s organization and management in the following years.

Anne Hamilton, 2018 Show Co-Chair, stated: “The Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show is thrilled to join two great institutions within Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Penn Medicine. This is a wonderful and exciting collaboration of these two important institutions. We are expanding the offerings of the Show to accommodate our new and broadening audience.”

The Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show brings to Philadelphia a wide assortment of pieces, gathered together under one expansive tent by many of the most distinguished dealers in the field nationwide. It has long been regarded as one of the best shows of its kind in the United States. It features works presented by 60 dealers specializing in a wide range of periods and styles – offering a selection of furniture, fine and decorative arts, silver, textiles, porcelain and jewelry from the 17th through the mid-20th centuries. In recent years, contemporary art has been introduced among the mix of antiques as well. Many of the objects on view at the Show are exhibited publicly for the first time.

The Show also presents illuminating programs, including lectures, panel discussions as well as loan exhibitions. Works from the Museum’s collection will be featured at the Show this year in Philadelphia Collects Philadelphia. The loan installation will include a selection of works of art made in Philadelphia—from past centuries to the present—including recent acquisitions.

The Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show is open to the public

Friday, April 20 – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 21 – 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 22 – 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

General admission is $20/person and includes access to the regular programming, with discounts available for students, seniors and groups. Tickets go on sale in January.

Support
AIG is the Premier Sponsor of the 2018 Philadelphia Antiques and Art Show. Freeman’s is the Presenting Sponsor. Additional support is provided by The Haverford Trust Company and many generous donors.

About the Philadelphia Antiques & Art Show
Traditionally presented to raise funds to support Penn Medicine, and now for the Philadelphia Museum of Art as well, the new Show will feature more fine art galleries and offer the opportunity to see a wider spectrum of art represented. A growing list of dealers specialize in a mix of periods up to mid-Century and styles, including American, English, and Continental furniture, fine and decorative arts, silver, jewelry, ceramics, prints and Americana. For a schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit PhiladelphiaAntiquesandArtShow.com or call 215-763-8100.

Social Media @philamuseum

We are Philadelphia’s art museum. A landmark building. A world-renowned collection. A place that welcomes everyone. We bring the arts to life, inspiring visitors—through scholarly study and creative play—to discover the spirit of imagination that lies in everyone. We connect people with the arts in rich and varied ways, making the experience of the Museum surprising, lively, and always memorable. We are committed to inviting visitors to see the world—and themselves—anew through the beauty and expressive power of the arts.

For additional information, contact the Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art phone at 215-684-7860, by fax at 215-235-0050, or by e-mail at pressroom@philamuseum.org. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call (215) 763-8100.

Image: Aki by Toshiko Takaezu (1922 - 2011), is among a selection of contemporary artworks that will be featured in the Museum’s planned loan exhibition, Philadelphia Collects Philadelphia, at this year's Show. c.1968. Polychrome glazed porcelain.10 1/2 x 1 x 10 1/2 inches. Bequest of Melvin Richman, 2002.