Editing Woodmere Art Museum

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Woodmere Art Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill
| type = Art museum
| address = 9201 Germantown Avenue
| neighborhood = Chestnut Hill
| coordinates = 40.0789,-75.2084
| phone = (215) 247-0476
| website = https://www.woodmereartmuseum.org
| established = 1940
| founder = Charles Knox Smith
| director = William Valerio
| collections = Philadelphia regional art
| visitors = 30,000+ annually
| hours = Tue-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM
}}

'''The Woodmere Art Museum''' is dedicated to the art and artists of Philadelphia and its surrounding region. Located in a Victorian mansion on Germantown Avenue in [[Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia|Chestnut Hill]], Woodmere houses over 8,000 works spanning three centuries of Philadelphia art, from colonial portraiture to contemporary paintings. The museum's intimate galleries, beautiful grounds, and focus on regional art make it one of Philadelphia's most distinctive art institutions.<ref name="woodmere">{{cite web |url=https://www.woodmereartmuseum.org/about |title=About Woodmere |publisher=Woodmere Art Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The museum was established in '''1940''' when oil magnate Charles Knox Smith bequeathed his Victorian home and art collection to the public. Today, Woodmere celebrates Philadelphia's artistic heritage through exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and community programs, offering an alternative to larger downtown museums with its focus on local and regional artists.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/woodmere-art-museum/ |title=Woodmere Art Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Charles Knox Smith ===

'''Charles Knox Smith''' (1845-1916) was a Philadelphia oil company executive who lived in the Victorian mansion that now houses the museum. Smith collected art throughout his life, focusing on works by Philadelphia artists.

In his will, Smith left his home and collection to the community, establishing the Woodmere Art Gallery (later Museum) "for the use and enjoyment of the public."

=== The Building ===

The museum occupies Smith's '''Victorian stone mansion''', built in 1898:
* Distinctive stone architecture
* Beautiful garden grounds
* Period details preserved
* Expanded with modern gallery addition

=== Growth ===

Under successive directors, Woodmere has:
* Expanded its collection to over 8,000 works
* Added exhibition galleries
* Developed robust programming
* Become a cultural center for Northwest Philadelphia

== Collection ==

=== Philadelphia Focus ===

Woodmere's collection emphasizes artists with connections to Philadelphia and the region:

{| class="wikitable"
! Era !! Artists
|-
| '''Colonial/Early Republic''' || Benjamin West, Charles Willson Peale
|-
| '''19th Century''' || Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, Thomas Moran
|-
| '''Philadelphia Ten''' || Women Impressionists active 1917-1945
|-
| '''African American Artists''' || Henry Ossawa Tanner, Horace Pippin
|-
| '''Contemporary''' || Living Philadelphia artists
|}

=== Highlights ===

Notable works include:
* Paintings by '''Thomas Eakins'''
* Works by the '''Philadelphia Ten''' (women artists)
* '''Violet Oakley''' murals and paintings
* '''Horace Pippin''' folk art
* Contemporary Philadelphia art

=== The Philadelphia Ten ===

Woodmere has a particular strength in work by the '''Philadelphia Ten''', a group of women artists who exhibited together from 1917-1945:
* Fern Coppedge
* M. Elizabeth Price
* Harriet Sartain
* And others

== Exhibitions ==

=== Permanent Collection ===

Rotating displays from the collection include:
* Philadelphia landscapes
* Portraits and figure studies
* Regional Impressionism
* Contemporary art

=== Temporary Exhibitions ===

4-6 temporary exhibitions annually explore:
* Individual Philadelphia artists
* Thematic shows
* Contemporary commissions
* Historical topics

=== Outdoor Sculpture ===

The museum grounds feature:
* Sculpture installations
* Beautiful gardens
* Seasonal plantings
* Sculpture garden

== Visiting Woodmere ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Tuesday-Saturday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Sunday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $15 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Children (6-18):''' Approximately $7
* '''Members:''' Free
* Free on select days

=== Tips ===

* Allow 1-2 hours for a visit
* Combine with exploring Chestnut Hill shops and restaurants
* The building and grounds are as interesting as the art
* Check for Sunday concerts and special programs
* Good for those interested in regional art history

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Regional Rail:''' Chestnut Hill West Line to Chestnut Hill West Station
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 23, L
* '''By Car:''' On Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill
* '''Parking:''' Free on-site parking lot

=== Location ===

Located in Chestnut Hill, a picturesque neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia about 20 minutes from Center City.

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia]] (surrounding neighborhood)
* [[Morris Arboretum]] (5-minute drive)
* [[Wissahickon Valley Park]] (nearby)
* Chestnut Hill shopping and restaurants

== Programs ==

=== Sunday Concerts ===

Regular Sunday afternoon concerts featuring:
* Classical music
* Jazz
* Chamber ensembles
* Solo recitals

=== Lectures and Events ===

* Artist talks
* Art history lectures
* Film screenings
* Family programs

=== Education ===

* School programs
* Art classes
* Summer camps
* Studio programs

== See Also ==

* [[Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia]]
* [[Art in Philadelphia]]
* [[Morris Arboretum]]
* [[Thomas Eakins]]
* [[Mary Cassatt]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.woodmereartmuseum.org Woodmere Art Museum Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/woodmere-art-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Woodmere Art Museum - Philadelphia Regional Art in Chestnut Hill
|description=Visit Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, dedicated to Philadelphia regional art. 8,000+ works by Thomas Eakins, Mary Cassatt, the Philadelphia Ten, and contemporary artists in a Victorian mansion.
|keywords=Woodmere Art Museum, Chestnut Hill museum, Philadelphia art, regional art museum, Thomas Eakins, Philadelphia Ten, Victorian mansion museum, Northwest Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Art Institutions]]
[[Category:Chestnut Hill]]
[[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]]