The most well-known and largest art museum in the entire Philadelphia region, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, features some of the best collections and most interesting special exhibits in the world. Be sure to review the current events, shows, and exhibits before you arrive. Of particular note, the "Art After 5" event features live jazz music, wine and spirits, fine cuisine, and special tours. There was a "Parisian" tour a few weeks ago that was absolutely outstanding! It was a wonderful way to learn about and better understand how the history of French art and architechure has evolved.

For the largest collection of Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) figurative sculptures you can find and see, without traveling to France, the Rodin Museum features many of his most prominent and renowned works. The Thinker is one of his works that you will surely see! Also, while there, meander through the museum's garden and wonder at the beauty of the Rodin Gardens.

For learning about and viewing eclectic ways to create art with fabric and other materials, the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia is a great choice. For a playful, creative-inspiring day at an "art museum", try this one! There, you will see commissioned works of art, artist boxes, and photography. What's really cool is that at the end of your day at the museum, the museum shop sells functional objects created by the artists-in-residence! Pick out a canvas bag, scarf, napkin, tie, pillow, umbrella, or t-shirt for yourself!

The Woodmere Art Museum focuses on American paintings and decorative arts. Charles Demuth in the City of Lights, Violet Oakley and the Women Artists of Paris, and Sam Maitin Prints and Places are current special exhibitions. For your children, there is the Millard Children's Exhibitions, perfect for introducing your kids to wonders and beauty of fine art.

The James A. Michener Art Museum is a culturally-based endeavor that is focused upon preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting the art and culture created in and by Bucks County artists. Although Doylestown is off-the-beaten-path from center city Philadelphia, this is a regional art museum that displays an impressive collection of works. Be sure to visit the Patricia D. Pfundt Sculpture Garden. Call or visit the website to learn about the current and upcoming special exhibitions. This is an excellent museum for lovers of Impressionism and other types of art from local or regional artists.

As one of the nation's best small college art museums, The Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College houses over 4,000 paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, decorative, and cultural objects. Nearly all art genres are represented at this museum. The permanent collections include contemporary, folk art, landscapes and genres, outdoor sculpture, and Pennsylvania German artifacts. A quaint museum with unusual off-the-beaten path art exhibits. Also, there's a collection of sculptures throughout the campus grounds.

Chadds Ford is a breathtaking area for its foliage and pasture. This is also the case with art based in scenic landscapes. The Brandywine River Museum is a museum in a 19th-century grist mill and features regional and American art. The three-generation Wyeth family of artists is profiled at the museum. N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth are known throughout the world for their American illustrations, still life paintings, and landscape paintings.

Masterpieces by Renior, Cezanne, and Matisse are all part of the permanent collection at The Barnes Foundation, an educational institution that welcomes visitors and student year-round. The Barnes Foundation is a wonderful learning tool for the young and old with an interest in French impressionist and post-impressionist drawings and paintings.

Philadelphia Museum of Art ~ (215) 763-8100
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA
Fairmount / Art Museum Area

Rodin Museum ~ (215) 763-8100
Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Fairmount / Art Museum Area

The Fabric Workshop and Museum ~ (215) 561-8888
1214 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
Center City East Area

Woodmere Art Museum ~ (215) 247-0476
9201 Germantown Avenue (at Bells Mill Road), Philadelphia, PA
Chestnut Hill Area

James A. Michener Art Museum ~ (215) 340-9800
138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, PA

Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College ~ (610) 409-3500
601 E. Main Street, Collegeville,

Brandywine River Museum ~ (610) 388-2700
100 Creek Rd U.S. Route 1 and PA 100, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

The Barnes Foundation ~ (610) 667-0290
300 N. Latches Lane, Merion, PA 19066