Wednesday, April 27, 2016

New and Noteworthy at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

We haven't had a chance to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a while, so we were thrilled to get back to that breathtaking building and enjoy artwork that we already love as well as new pieces and special exhibits that we hadn't seen before.  It was also great to be reminded of all of the events and programs that the museum offers.  Their schedule is always chocked full - with something for everyone and every age (plus lots of added bonuses for members).

One of the first things that caught our attention that we just loved was the addition of comfy seats positioned to encourage conversations.  Placed in strategic locations, these couches and chairs give a coffee shop feel to what was once larger, less intimate spaces.  We noticed visitors were definitely taking advantage of them to examine museum maps and program brochures, decide what to see next, and especially to discuss their thoughts and opinions on the artwork.

And there is a lot at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to talk about.  Currently International Pop is on display in the Dorrance Galleries.  With an eye catching array of works from twenty countries including pieces by Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, Marisol, and Ushio Shinohara, International Pop explores how pop culture was embraced across the globe.  Lined up for later in the year in the main special exhibit galleries is a showcase of contemporary art from the collection of Keith L. and Katherine Sachs (Embracing the Contemporary: The Keith L. and Katherine Sachs Collection - June 28 thru September 5) as well as a close look at an extraordinary moment in the history of Mexican art (Paint the Revolution: Mexican Modernism, 1910 - 1950 - October 25 thru January 6).  Also opening this month at the Perelman Building is an exquisite sampling of art and design from the continent of Africa with exhibits spanning centuries, numerous cultures, and various mediums including fashion, architecture, photography, and ancient metalwork (Creative Africa - May 14 thru September 25).

The Museum has a lot of special events lined up in the coming months, one of the most exciting being the return of "Inside Out".  This popular program debuted last year with high-quality replicas of Museum masterpieces popping up in communities all over the Greater Philly area.  We look forward to seeing what pieces and places will be involved this year.  Pay As You Wish Wednesday Night events continue every week with something for everyone from hands on creative outlets and yoga to gallery tours and once a month specials (5:00pm to 8:45pm).  A glance at the Museum schedule promises an array of experiences to choose from including live performances, dining events, talks and tours, and courses and workshops.

This year also introduces a couple of new things at the Museum.  Another level was added to the membership options - this one a $40 One-Year Artist Membership for anyone who works in the mediums represented by the Museum or a FREE Lifetime Membership for any artist whose work is represented in the Museum's permanent collection.  And coming Fall 2016 the new South Asian Galleries will open after a complete transformation! We are very excited to see it!

Daily Vacationer Jr says:
Families will be thrilled to learn that Art Splash will return this summer with hands on play, creative spaces, and age appropriate gallery tours for kids.  Running from June 30 thru Labor Day, each week has a different fun theme and schedule of programs.  Mark your calendars as well for Family Festivals including a Pay As You Wish viewing of the beautiful animation "Song of the Sea" (during Rivers and Waterways - June 5) and a Pay As You Wish performance by the Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers (during The Great Outdoors August 2). There's something for kids every week all year round at the Museum too with Family Sundays, Museum Babies programs, and Children's Art Classes.


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