Editing Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
| image =
| image_caption = PAFA's Frank Furness building
| type = Art museum, art school
| address = 118-128 North Broad Street
| neighborhood = Center City
| coordinates = 39.9558,-75.1632
| phone = (215) 972-7600
| website = https://www.pafa.org
| established = 1805
| founder = Charles Willson Peale, William Rush, and others
| owner = Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
| employees =
| hours = Wed-Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
| products = Art museum, art education
| status = Active
}}

'''The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts''' (PAFA) is the oldest art museum and art school in the United States, founded in 1805 and located on North Broad Street in [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City]]. The institution occupies two buildings: the stunning '''Frank Furness Building''' (1876), a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture, and the modern '''Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building''' (2006). Together, they house one of the world's finest collections of American art and the nation's oldest fine arts training program.<ref name="pafa">{{cite web |url=https://www.pafa.org/about |title=About PAFA |publisher=Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

PAFA's collection includes over 12,000 works spanning American art from the colonial period to the present, with particular strengths in 18th and 19th-century American painting and sculpture. Notable alumni include Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Cecilia Beaux, and countless other significant American artists. The museum is designated a National Historic Landmark for both its artistic and architectural significance.<ref name="nhl">{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/places/pennsylvania-academy-of-the-fine-arts.htm |title=Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding ===

PAFA was founded in '''1805''' by a group of artists, businessmen, and civic leaders including:
* '''Charles Willson Peale:''' Painter and naturalist
* '''William Rush:''' Sculptor (considered the first American-born sculptor)
* 70 other founding subscribers

The Academy's mission was to "promote the cultivation of the Fine Arts in the United States" through exhibitions, instruction, and the development of collections.

=== Early Years ===

The Academy opened its first building in 1806 on Chestnut Street. The institution offered drawing classes and annual exhibitions that became important events in American cultural life.

=== The Furness Building (1876) ===

Architect '''Frank Furness''' designed the Academy's current historic building, which opened in 1876 to coincide with the Centennial Exposition. The building is considered Furness's masterpiece and one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in America.

=== Expansion ===

In 2006, PAFA opened the '''Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building''' across the street, designed by Gehry Partners. The contemporary structure provides additional gallery space and educational facilities.

== Architecture ==

=== The Furness Building ===

Frank Furness's 1876 building is an architectural landmark:

==== Exterior ====
* '''Style:''' Victorian Gothic with Moorish and Renaissance influences
* '''Materials:''' Brick, sandstone, and granite in polychrome patterns
* '''Features:''' Dramatic pointed arches, decorative ironwork, and sculptural ornament

==== Interior ====
* '''Grand Staircase:''' Monumental stair hall with ironwork and tile
* '''Gothic Gallery:''' Second-floor gallery with Gothic arched ceiling
* '''Natural light:''' Skylights designed to illuminate artwork
* '''Original finishes:''' Much of Furness's decorative work survives

=== The Hamilton Building ===

The contemporary Hamilton Building (2006) was designed by Gehry Partners:
* Modern galleries with flexible configurations
* Alumni Gallery featuring student and graduate work
* Sculpture garden
* Café and museum shop

== Collection ==

=== Highlights ===

PAFA's collection includes American masterpieces:

{| class="wikitable"
! Work !! Artist !! Period
|-
| ''The Gross Clinic'' || Thomas Eakins || 1875
|-
| ''The Fox Hunt'' || Winslow Homer || 1893
|-
| ''Portrait of Mrs. Thomas Eakins'' || Thomas Eakins || 1899
|-
| ''Nymph and Satyr'' || William Rush || 1808
|-
| ''Portrait of Benjamin Franklin'' || Charles Willson Peale || 1785
|}

=== Thomas Eakins ===

'''Thomas Eakins''' (1844-1916) was both a student and longtime professor at PAFA. His masterpiece, ''The Gross Clinic'' (1875), depicting a surgical demonstration, is one of the most important American paintings of the 19th century and a centerpiece of the collection.

=== Collection Strengths ===

* 18th and 19th-century American painting
* Philadelphia school artists
* American sculpture
* Works on paper
* Contemporary American art

== Art School ==

=== Curriculum ===

PAFA offers rigorous training in traditional and contemporary art practices:
* Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
* Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
* Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
* Continuing Education

=== Notable Alumni ===

* '''Mary Cassatt''' (1844-1926): Impressionist painter
* '''Thomas Eakins''' (1844-1916): Realist painter
* '''Henry Ossawa Tanner''' (1859-1937): First internationally acclaimed African American artist
* '''Cecilia Beaux''' (1855-1942): Portrait painter
* '''Maxfield Parrish''' (1870-1966): Illustrator
* '''David Lynch''' (b. 1946): Filmmaker

== Visiting PAFA ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Wednesday-Sunday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday, Tuesday, and major holidays

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $18 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounts available
* '''Free:''' First Sunday of the month

=== What to See ===

* '''The Gross Clinic''' - PAFA's most famous work
* '''Frank Furness architecture''' - The building itself is art
* '''American Art Survey''' - Colonial to contemporary
* '''Current exhibitions''' - Rotating special shows

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Race-Vine Station
* '''SEPTA Regional Rail:''' Suburban Station (3 blocks)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 4, 16, 27, 32

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Reading Terminal Market]] (2 blocks)
* [[Philadelphia City Hall]] (3 blocks)
* [[Masonic Temple]] (1 block)

== See Also ==

* [[Thomas Eakins]]
* [[Frank Furness]]
* [[Art in Philadelphia]]
* [[Center City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.pafa.org Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/pennsylvania-academy-of-the-fine-arts/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
* [https://www.nps.gov/places/pennsylvania-academy-of-the-fine-arts.htm National Park Service]

{{#seo:
|title=Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) - Oldest Art Museum in America
|description=Visit PAFA, America's oldest art museum and art school, founded in 1805. The Gross Clinic, Frank Furness architecture, and 12,000+ works of American art in Center City Philadelphia.
|keywords=PAFA Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, oldest art museum America, The Gross Clinic, Thomas Eakins, Frank Furness building, American art museum, art school Philadelphia
|type=Article
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[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Historic Buildings]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Art Institutions]]