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{{Infobox Museum
{{Infobox Museum
| name = Fabric Workshop and Museum
| name = Fabric Workshop and Museum
| type = Contemporary art museum
| image =
| image_caption = Fabric Workshop and Museum
| type = Contemporary art museum, residency program
| address = 1214 Arch Street
| address = 1214 Arch Street
| neighborhood = Chinatown
| neighborhood = Center City
| coordinates = 39.9538,-75.1595
| phone = (215) 561-8888
| phone = (215) 561-8888
| website = https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org
| website = https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org
| established = 1977
| established = 1977
| founder = Marion Boulton Stroud
| founder = Marion Boulton Stroud
| admission = $8 suggested donation
| director = Christina Vassallo
| hours = Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm
| collections = Contemporary art in new materials
| public_transit = City Hall Station (BSL/MFL)
| visitors = 30,000+ annually
| hours = Wed-Fri 12-6 PM; Sat-Sun 12-5 PM
}}
}}


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>
'''The Fabric Workshop and Museum''' (FWM) is a contemporary art museum and artist-in-residence program in [[Center City, Philadelphia|Center City]]. Founded in '''1977''', it is the only institution in the United States devoted to creating new work in fabric and other materials through an artist residency program. Major artists including Louise Bourgeois, Robert Rauschenberg, Kiki Smith, and Roy Lichtenstein have created innovative works through the Workshop's collaborative process.<ref name="fwm">{{cite web |url=https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org/about/ |title=About FWM |publisher=Fabric Workshop and Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


== Mission ==
The Fabric Workshop invites artists to work with skilled studio artisans to explore new materials and techniques, often resulting in groundbreaking works that expand the definition of contemporary art. The museum presents exhibitions of these commissioned works alongside rotating shows of contemporary art, making it one of Philadelphia's most distinctive art institutions.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/fabric-workshop-and-museum/ |title=Fabric Workshop and Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


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 ==


== History ==
=== Founding ===
 
The Fabric Workshop was founded in '''1977''' by '''Marion Boulton Stroud''' (1939-2021) as an experimental studio where artists could explore working with fabric as a medium. Stroud, a Philadelphia philanthropist and art patron, saw an opportunity to support artists by providing resources and expertise in textile production.


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.
=== Evolution ===


The institution has collaborated with over 500 artists, including Robert Rauschenberg, Louise Bourgeois, Kiki Smith, and many emerging talents.
Over nearly five decades, the Fabric Workshop has evolved:
* Expanded beyond fabric to include all experimental materials
* Established a permanent collection
* Became a museum with regular exhibitions
* Hosted hundreds of artist residencies
* Gained international recognition


== Artist-in-Residence Program ==
=== Artist-in-Residence Program ===


The core of FWM's mission:
The residency program is the institution's core mission:
* Artists are invited for extended residencies
* Skilled artisans collaborate on production
* New materials and techniques are explored
* Resulting works often enter the permanent collection


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


== Permanent Collection ==
=== How It Works ===


FWM maintains a collection of works created through residencies:
* Artists apply or are invited
* Selected artists work with FWM staff
* Experimentation with materials is encouraged
* Technical expertise is provided
* Works are exhibited and often acquired


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


== Visiting ==
Hundreds of major artists have participated:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Artist !! Work/Contribution
|-
| '''Louise Bourgeois''' || Fabric sculptures
|-
|-
! Detail !! Information
| '''Robert Rauschenberg''' || Experimental prints
|-
|-
| '''Hours''' || Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-5pm
| '''Kiki Smith''' || Textile works
|-
|-
| '''Admission''' || $8 suggested donation
| '''Roy Lichtenstein''' || Industrial felt works
|-
|-
| '''Address''' || 1214 Arch Street
| '''Chris Burden''' || Sculptural works
|-
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 30-60 minutes
| '''Carrie Mae Weems''' || Fabric installations
|}
|}


== Getting There ==
=== Materials Explored ===
 
Artists at FWM have worked with:
* Silk screening and fabric printing
* Industrial felt and unusual textiles
* Paper and printmaking
* LED and new technology
* Recycled and found materials
* Whatever the artist imagines
 
== Exhibitions ==
 
=== The Collection ===
 
FWM maintains a collection of over 5,000 works created through its residency program. These works:
* Document the creative process
* Represent major artists' experimental phases
* Are loaned to institutions worldwide
* Form the basis of exhibitions
 
=== Exhibition Program ===
 
The museum presents:
* Solo exhibitions by resident artists
* Thematic shows from the collection
* Special commissions
* Traveling exhibitions
 
=== Current Space ===
 
The museum occupies gallery space at 1214 Arch Street in Center City:
* Main gallery exhibitions
* Project spaces for smaller shows
* The Studio for artist residencies
 
== Visiting the Museum ==
 
=== Hours ===
 
* '''Wednesday-Friday:''' 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
* '''Saturday-Sunday:''' 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday and Tuesday
 
=== Admission ===
 
* '''Adults:''' Approximately $10 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Members:''' Free
* Free on select days
 
=== Tips ===
 
* Allow 1 hour for a visit
* Check website for current exhibitions
* The experimental nature of the work is the highlight
* Good for contemporary art enthusiasts
* Ask about the residency process
 
=== Getting There ===
 
* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 13th Street Station
* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' City Hall Station
* '''SEPTA Regional Rail:''' Jefferson Station (2 blocks)
* '''Walking:''' Located on Arch Street between 12th and 13th Streets
* '''Parking:''' Nearby parking garages
 
=== Nearby Attractions ===


* '''SEPTA Subway''' — City Hall station
* [[Reading Terminal Market]] (2 blocks)
* '''Walking''' — In Chinatown, near the Convention Center
* [[Pennsylvania Convention Center]] (2 blocks)
* '''Parking''' — Nearby garages
* [[Chinatown, Philadelphia]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Philadelphia City Hall]] (5-minute walk)


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
== Programs ==


{{FAQ
=== Public Programs ===
|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?
* Artist talks
|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.
* Opening receptions
* Panel discussions
* Workshops


|q3=Is the Fabric Workshop free?
=== Education ===
|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.
 
}}
* School programs
* Gallery talks
* Internships
* Study opportunities


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[Institute of Contemporary Art]]
* [[Contemporary Art in Philadelphia]]
* [[Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts]]
* [[Center City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Chinatown]]
* [[Art Institutions in Philadelphia]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 89: Line 174:
== External Links ==
== External Links ==


* [https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org Official Website]
* [https://fabricworkshopandmuseum.org Fabric Workshop and Museum Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/fabric-workshop-and-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Fabric Workshop and Museum - Contemporary Art and Material Innovation
|title=Fabric Workshop and Museum Philadelphia - Contemporary Art and Artist Residencies
|description=The Fabric Workshop and Museum commissions artists to create new work in experimental materials. Philadelphia's unique contemporary art institution since 1977.
|description=Visit the Fabric Workshop and Museum, a unique contemporary art institution in Center City. Artist residencies, experimental materials, and groundbreaking works by Louise Bourgeois, Robert Rauschenberg, and more.
|keywords=Fabric Workshop Museum, contemporary art Philadelphia, artist residency, experimental materials, Chinatown Philadelphia
|keywords=Fabric Workshop and Museum, contemporary art Philadelphia, artist residency, fabric art, experimental art, Louise Bourgeois Philadelphia, Center City museum
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}


[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Art Museums]]
[[Category:Art Institutions]]
[[Category:Chinatown]]
[[Category:Center City]]
[[Category:Contemporary Art]]
[[Category:Contemporary Art]]

Latest revision as of 21:05, 30 December 2025

Fabric Workshop and Museum



TypeContemporary art museum, residency program
Address1214 Arch Street
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodCenter City
Phone(215) 561-8888
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1977
FounderMarion Boulton Stroud
DirectorChristina Vassallo
HoursWed-Fri 12-6 PM; Sat-Sun 12-5 PM
Fabric Workshop and Museum(215) 561-88881214 Arch StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) is a contemporary art museum and artist-in-residence program in Center City. Founded in 1977, it is the only institution in the United States devoted to creating new work in fabric and other materials through an artist residency program. Major artists including Louise Bourgeois, Robert Rauschenberg, Kiki Smith, and Roy Lichtenstein have created innovative works through the Workshop's collaborative process.[1]

The Fabric Workshop invites artists to work with skilled studio artisans to explore new materials and techniques, often resulting in groundbreaking works that expand the definition of contemporary art. The museum presents exhibitions of these commissioned works alongside rotating shows of contemporary art, making it one of Philadelphia's most distinctive art institutions.[2]

History

[edit | edit source]

Founding

[edit | edit source]

The Fabric Workshop was founded in 1977 by Marion Boulton Stroud (1939-2021) as an experimental studio where artists could explore working with fabric as a medium. Stroud, a Philadelphia philanthropist and art patron, saw an opportunity to support artists by providing resources and expertise in textile production.

Evolution

[edit | edit source]

Over nearly five decades, the Fabric Workshop has evolved:

  • Expanded beyond fabric to include all experimental materials
  • Established a permanent collection
  • Became a museum with regular exhibitions
  • Hosted hundreds of artist residencies
  • Gained international recognition

Artist-in-Residence Program

[edit | edit source]

The residency program is the institution's core mission:

  • Artists are invited for extended residencies
  • Skilled artisans collaborate on production
  • New materials and techniques are explored
  • Resulting works often enter the permanent collection

The Residency Program

[edit | edit source]

How It Works

[edit | edit source]
  • Artists apply or are invited
  • Selected artists work with FWM staff
  • Experimentation with materials is encouraged
  • Technical expertise is provided
  • Works are exhibited and often acquired

Notable Alumni

[edit | edit source]

Hundreds of major artists have participated:

Artist Work/Contribution
Louise Bourgeois Fabric sculptures
Robert Rauschenberg Experimental prints
Kiki Smith Textile works
Roy Lichtenstein Industrial felt works
Chris Burden Sculptural works
Carrie Mae Weems Fabric installations

Materials Explored

[edit | edit source]

Artists at FWM have worked with:

  • Silk screening and fabric printing
  • Industrial felt and unusual textiles
  • Paper and printmaking
  • LED and new technology
  • Recycled and found materials
  • Whatever the artist imagines

Exhibitions

[edit | edit source]

The Collection

[edit | edit source]

FWM maintains a collection of over 5,000 works created through its residency program. These works:

  • Document the creative process
  • Represent major artists' experimental phases
  • Are loaned to institutions worldwide
  • Form the basis of exhibitions

Exhibition Program

[edit | edit source]

The museum presents:

  • Solo exhibitions by resident artists
  • Thematic shows from the collection
  • Special commissions
  • Traveling exhibitions

Current Space

[edit | edit source]

The museum occupies gallery space at 1214 Arch Street in Center City:

  • Main gallery exhibitions
  • Project spaces for smaller shows
  • The Studio for artist residencies

Visiting the Museum

[edit | edit source]

Hours

[edit | edit source]
  • Wednesday-Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Closed: Monday and Tuesday

Admission

[edit | edit source]
  • Adults: Approximately $10 (check website for current pricing)
  • Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
  • Members: Free
  • Free on select days

Tips

[edit | edit source]
  • Allow 1 hour for a visit
  • Check website for current exhibitions
  • The experimental nature of the work is the highlight
  • Good for contemporary art enthusiasts
  • Ask about the residency process

Getting There

[edit | edit source]
  • SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 13th Street Station
  • SEPTA Broad Street Line: City Hall Station
  • SEPTA Regional Rail: Jefferson Station (2 blocks)
  • Walking: Located on Arch Street between 12th and 13th Streets
  • Parking: Nearby parking garages

Nearby Attractions

[edit | edit source]

Programs

[edit | edit source]

Public Programs

[edit | edit source]
  • Artist talks
  • Opening receptions
  • Panel discussions
  • Workshops

Education

[edit | edit source]
  • School programs
  • Gallery talks
  • Internships
  • Study opportunities

See Also

[edit | edit source]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ "About FWM". Fabric Workshop and Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Fabric Workshop and Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
[edit | edit source]
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