Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

About Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

As the first art museum and school in the United States, PAFA celebrates the transformative power of art and art-making. PAFA inspires the public by expanding the stories of American art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. Through its world-class museum and school, PAFA nurtures and recognizes artists at every stage in their careers.

Founded in 1805 and located in center city Philadelphia, PAFA is intimate in scale with a strong sense of community. The PAFA museum inspires the public by expanding the stories of American art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. The Museum regularly produces rich and rewarding exhibitions seeking to amplify a wide range of artistic voices. Its archives, conservation, educational programs, and publications contribute to scholarly knowledge and community dialogue.

Our permanent collection ranges from 18th- and 19th-century masters such as Benjamin West, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and Mary Cassatt, to twentieth and twenty-first century artists including Robert Henri, Jacob Lawrence, Alice Neel, Richard Diebenkorn, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley to name just a few. This diverse collection aims to recognize artists at every turn in their careers and thus tell the sweeping story of American art, inspiring and intriguing our visitors.