Woodmere Art Museum
| Type | Art museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 9201 Germantown Avenue |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Chestnut Hill |
| Phone | (215) 247-0476 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1940 |
| Founder | Charles Knox Smith |
| Director | William Valerio |
| 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, 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.[1]
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.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]Charles Knox Smith
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Philadelphia Focus
[edit | edit source]Woodmere's collection emphasizes artists with connections to Philadelphia and the region:
| 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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Permanent Collection
[edit | edit source]Rotating displays from the collection include:
- Philadelphia landscapes
- Portraits and figure studies
- Regional Impressionism
- Contemporary art
Temporary Exhibitions
[edit | edit source]4-6 temporary exhibitions annually explore:
- Individual Philadelphia artists
- Thematic shows
- Contemporary commissions
- Historical topics
Outdoor Sculpture
[edit | edit source]The museum grounds feature:
- Sculpture installations
- Beautiful gardens
- Seasonal plantings
- Sculpture garden
Visiting Woodmere
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Closed: Monday
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Adults: Approximately $15 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
- Children (6-18): Approximately $7
- Members: Free
- Free on select days
Tips
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]Located in Chestnut Hill, a picturesque neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia about 20 minutes from Center City.
Nearby Attractions
[edit | edit source]- Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia (surrounding neighborhood)
- Morris Arboretum (5-minute drive)
- Wissahickon Valley Park (nearby)
- Chestnut Hill shopping and restaurants
Programs
[edit | edit source]Sunday Concerts
[edit | edit source]Regular Sunday afternoon concerts featuring:
- Classical music
- Jazz
- Chamber ensembles
- Solo recitals
Lectures and Events
[edit | edit source]- Artist talks
- Art history lectures
- Film screenings
- Family programs
Education
[edit | edit source]- School programs
- Art classes
- Summer camps
- Studio programs
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About Woodmere". Woodmere Art Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Woodmere Art Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025