Perched on a hill overlooking the city, the Philadelphia Museum of Art takes the form of a beautiful neoclassical structure. With more than 200 galleries housing more than 227,000 items, it is also one of the largest museums in the United States. With exhibits centred on everything from tools to photography, and sources from America to Asia, the museum's collection is extensive, and is housed in a complex which includes a Rodin museum, a sculpture garden and the Perelman Building located across Kelly Drive.As you approach the main museum building, you may begin to get a strange sense of déjà vu. In fact, it's quite likely that you have seen the museum façade before, in some of the most iconic scenes from the Rocky film franchise starring Sylvester Stallone. Plentiful tourists can be seen every day recreating Stallone's run up along what have come to be known as the "Rocky steps" or simply striking a convincing pose beside the triumphant statue of the man himself.The collection housed within the museum is an impressive one. Don’t miss the gallery dedicated to local Philadelphia artist Thomas Eakins, or the comprehensive collection of European art spanning the period between the Middle Ages and the 1850s. A number of these works are world-famous, such as Rubens' Prometheus Bound or Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase.A good way to become familiar with the museum and its various galleries is to take part in the Introduction to the Collection tour. This tour is free and will give you an overview of the entire collection. You can also download free podcasts on specific topics if there is some particular element of the collection that interests you. You can purchase two-day tickets if you'd rather take your time to peruse the collections, while the museum also offers the option to take guided tours of the mansion houses scattered around Fairmount Park.The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located on top of the hill at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Fairmount Park. The main museum and the Perelman Building are open from Tuesday to Sunday, and the Rodin Museum is open from Wednesday to Monday.
Philadelphia Museum of Art Tours and Activities
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Tours & day trips
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Private & custom tours
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Food, drink & nightlife
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Popular places to visit
Rocky Statue
Find out about the history of Philadelphia when you take a trip to Rocky Statue. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Fairmount Waterworks Drive
Explore the great outdoors at Fairmount Waterworks Drive, a lovely green space in Philadelphia. Experience the acclaimed art galleries or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
Rodin Museum
You can browse the exhibits at Rodin Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Philadelphia. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.
Eastern State Penitentiary
Walk the halls once inhabited by the likes of Al Capone and hear tales of riots and rehabilitation within the walls of this legendary prison building.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
The inspiring steps from the Rocky movie and a stunning fountain decorate the ends of the Champs Elysées of Pennsylvania, near the city’s top museums.
The Barnes Foundation
Rich with history, The Barnes Foundation is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Philadelphia. Experience the great live music or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.