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{{Infobox Museum
| name = Fabric Workshop and Museum
| type = Contemporary art museum
| address = 1214 Arch Street
| neighborhood = Chinatown
| phone = (215) 561-8888
| website = https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org
| established = 1977
| founder = Marion Boulton Stroud
| admission = $8 suggested donation
| hours = Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm
| public_transit = City Hall Station (BSL/MFL)
}}

The '''Fabric Workshop and Museum''' is a contemporary art institution in [[Chinatown]], Philadelphia, dedicated to creating new work in new materials. Founded in 1977, it is the only museum in America devoted to collaboration between artists and the creative exploration of materials.<ref name="fwm">{{cite web |url=https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org |title=Fabric Workshop and Museum |publisher=FWM |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>

== Mission ==

Unlike traditional museums that exhibit existing work, the Fabric Workshop commissions artists to create new pieces, often experimenting with materials they've never used before. The museum provides studio space, technical expertise, and fabrication support.

== History ==

Marion Boulton Stroud founded the Fabric Workshop in 1977, initially focused on textile arts. Over time, the mission expanded beyond fabric to encompass all experimental materials—from LED lights to rubber to sound.

The institution has collaborated with over 500 artists, including Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Bourgeois, Kiki Smith, and many emerging talents.

== Artist-in-Residence Program ==

The core of FWM's mission:

* Artists invited for extended residencies
* Access to fabrication facilities
* Technical staff support
* Material experimentation encouraged
* Work often enters permanent collection

== Permanent Collection ==

FWM maintains a collection of works created through residencies:

* Unique pieces impossible to see elsewhere
* Documentation of artistic process
* Rotating display from collection
* Available for research

== Visiting ==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm
|-
| '''Admission''' || $8 suggested donation
|-
| '''Address''' || 1214 Arch Street
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 30-60 minutes
|}

== Getting There ==

* '''SEPTA Subway''' — City Hall station
* '''Walking''' — In Chinatown, near the Convention Center
* '''Parking''' — Nearby garages

== Frequently Asked Questions ==

{{FAQ
|q1=What is the Fabric Workshop and Museum?
|a1=The Fabric Workshop and Museum is a unique institution that commissions artists to create new work, often in experimental materials. It provides studio space and technical support for artist residencies. It's the only museum in America with this specific mission.

|q2=Is it all about fabric?
|a2=Despite the name, the museum has expanded beyond fabric to include all experimental materials—metal, plastic, LED lights, sound, and more. The name reflects the founding focus, but the mission now encompasses material experimentation broadly.

|q3=Is the Fabric Workshop free?
|a3=The museum operates on a suggested donation model ($8). You're welcome to pay what you can, making it accessible while supporting the institution.
}}

== See Also ==

* [[Institute of Contemporary Art]]
* [[Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts]]
* [[Chinatown]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=Fabric Workshop and Museum - Contemporary Art and Material Innovation
|description=The Fabric Workshop and Museum commissions artists to create new work in experimental materials. Philadelphia's unique contemporary art institution since 1977.
|keywords=Fabric Workshop Museum, contemporary art Philadelphia, artist residency, experimental materials, Chinatown Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Art Museums]]
[[Category:Chinatown]]
[[Category:Contemporary Art]]

Fabric Workshop and Museum - Revision history

Gritty: Humanization pass: prose rewrite for readability

Gritty: Automated upload via Philadelphia.Wiki content pipeline

Gritty: Automated upload via Philadelphia.Wiki content pipeline