Philadelphia Museum of Art
4.7(23K)google
4.6(960)yelp
Art
Overview
Dominating the western end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a world-renowned cultural titan housed inside a majestic, Greek-revival temple masterpiece. The museum curates an astonishingly vast collection of over 240,000 architectural relics and works of fine art, spanning millenniums of human creativity including priceless Renaissance masterpieces, impressionist paintings, and radical modern galleries. Outside, visitors can ascend the iconic monumental stone steps made famous by the legendary sports film 'Rocky', rewarding themselves with a sweeping panoramic view of the city skyline. It remains an essential, deeply enriching sanctuary for global art lovers and history enthusiasts.
Practical Info
Tue–Sun10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed, Fri10:00 AM – 8:45 PM
MonClosed
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeHighly recommend visiting on Friday evenings between 5:00 PM and 8:45 PM for their special 'Friday Nights' program featuring live music and events. Otherwise, 10:00 AM morning arrival is best: you can run the famous 'Rocky Steps' outside first before exploring the world-class galleries inside.
Getting ThereSituated at the western end of Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Accessible via SEPTA bus routes 7, 32, 38, and 48, which drop off directly near the museum entrances. From 30th Street Train Station, it is a scenic 15 to 20-minute walk or a quick 5-minute rideshare drive.
Travel Tips
- The museum observes absolute weekly closures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; coordinate schedules accordingly. The gallery maintains a strict baggage ban where any backpack, tote, or umbrella exceeding 11x15 inches must be checked at the complimentary coat check counters before crossing security perimeters.
- The official parking garage directly behind the museum enforces high hourly tariffs, but standard ticket holders can secure validation processing discounts at visitor services desks; if saturated on peak weekends, cross-route to local meters along Waterworks Drive and avoid illegal idling on Kelly Drive lanes.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Photography using handheld rigs with flash fully disabled is authorized within main galleries, while temporary loan exhibitions and all tripods remain banned; to capture the definitive vista overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway axis toward City Hall, deploy cameras from the upper East Portal steps after 4:00 PM.
Reviews
Positive
- A world-class art institution! The collection is immense, ranging from European Impressionist masterpieces to reconstructed historical temples.
- The iconic Rocky Steps and statue are legendary; running up them like Balboa and looking out over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is amazing.
- The museum galleries are vast and beautifully lit; even on weekends, it rarely feels congested, allowing for a peaceful, immersive experience.
- Tickets are valid for two consecutive days and include admission to the nearby Rodin Museum, offering phenomenal value for art lovers.
Heads up
- Because the layout is so sprawling, the directional signs can be confusing, making it easy to get lost or miss iconic paintings.
- The museum's parking garage is quite pricey, and surrounding street parking is virtually non-existent or restricted to strict time limits.
- Dining venues inside are premium-priced with average quality food, and top-tier special exhibitions frequently require an extra premium ticket.
- Elevator access locations are slightly tucked away, making navigating between different wings frustrating for strollers or wheelchairs.