Since 1876, the Philadelphia Museum of Art has been a staple in the city. But what was it originally?
History of the Museum
The museum’s origins trace back to a great city hall designed by John McArthur and erected in 1871. The building was intended to be the new home of Philadelphia’s City Hall and its associated government offices until it was deemed too expensive to complete. Soon after, the city sold off the unfinished structure and it became a marketplace known as “Portico Market”.
In 1876, several prominent Philadelphians recognized its potential as a cultural center and formed The Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art. This organization purchased the building for $60,000 and tasked architect Frank Furness with completing its design.
Furness added two wings to house galleries for art, science, and industry. The museum officially opened its doors in May 1877 with an opening exhibition featuring over 500 works of art from around the world.
Throughout the years, the museum has continued to grow with additions like a library in 1881 and an auditorium in 1902. In 1928, a major expansion project doubled its size with new wings dedicated to American art and Asian art.
The museum underwent another expansion in 1991 which included a new entrance pavilion designed by architect Robert Venturi. This addition allowed for more gallery space as well as amenities such as restaurants, shops, classrooms, and public spaces.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Museum of Art began life as an unfinished city hall but was transformed into one of the country’s premier cultural institutions thanks to some forward thinking citizens who recognized its potential. Through multiple expansions over the years, it has become one of Philadelphia’s most prominent landmarks that continues to grow and evolve today.
7 Related Question Answers Found
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is perhaps best known for its art museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum has been a fixture in the city since 1876 and is one of the most visited museums in the world. But what was the Philadelphia Art Museum before it became an internationally recognized institution?
The Philadelphia Museum of Art, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the largest art museums in the United States. Founded in 1876, the museum houses a vast collection of art from around the world and across multiple time periods. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States. Located in Fairmount Park, it stands as a landmark in the City of Brotherly Love, overlooking the city skyline and the Schuylkill River. Founded in 1876, this museum is home to an extensive collection of over 227,000 works ranging from classical antiquity to modern art.
The Philadelphia Art Museum is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the city. The building was designed by Architect Frank Furness in 1876 and was completed in 1877. The museum is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and has been home to some of the world’s most famous works of art, from Van Gogh’s Starry Night to Picasso’s Guernica.
The Museum of Art Philadelphia is one of the most renowned art institutions in the world. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it is home to a vast array of artifacts and artworks from throughout history. Established in 1876, the museum houses over 227,000 works of art spanning over 6,000 years.
The Philadelphia Art Museum is one of the most renowned in the world. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it is home to some of the most impressive and influential works of art from around the world. The museum houses a permanent collection of over 227,000 objects that span 6,000 years of human creativity and innovation.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art was founded in 1876, making it one of the oldest art museums in the United States. It was established by a group of civic-minded individuals who wanted to create a permanent space where locals could enjoy and appreciate art. The museum’s founding curator, William Rush, organized the first exhibition shortly after its opening.
