Perched on a hill overlooking Fairmount Park, the Philadelphia Museum of Art looks like a buff-colored Greek Temple set above the commonplace crowd. The long flight of steps, set in several tiers, adds to the grandiose look of the place. . These were the stairs that Sylvester Stallone sprinted up in the movie “Rocky”. Luckily there is a level back entrance at the top where busses and jitneys can let off passengers and cars can park.
Inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Inside there is a traditional marble foyer, with corridors leading to wings of different styles and eras of art. An Art Nouveau statue of Diana presides over the grand staircase which greets visitors. Although the building is not as large, nor the terrain quite so exhausting as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, visitors will find similar coverage of the world of art. European art takes up several wings, with the collections divided into the Medieval Period (which includes a section of a Cloister), and the later chronological eras.
On the first floor, there is another whole collection of European art covering 700 years and donated by Joseph Johnson, which is kept intact. So whether it’s a Rembrandt, a Rubens, or a Delacroix you’re after, you’re bound to find several examples somewhere in the museum. Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and plenty of Impressionists are also on hand. One large wing is devoted to 20th century and contemporary art. Rooms filled with Braque, Picasso and Chagall are in this area, along with a separate room featuring Marcel Duchamps' Nude Descending A Staircase which is encased in a plastic shield to protect it.
Arms and Armor Collection
Up on the second floor, a complete hall is devoted to knight in armor as well as armor without knights. These include halberds, swords, scimitars, lances and pikes, chain mail and clunky breastplate, and a whole panoply of helmets. This paraphernalia of war and jousts is actually attractive--especially the silver and gold sword hilts. There are also guns, pistols, inlaid ivory rifles and muskets that bring the collection into modern times.
Japanese Teahouse and Indian Temple
The museum also offers a strong collection centered on the arts of Asia. There is, for instance, a wooden Japanese tea house set within a bamboo garden in one room, and sections of a stone temple from India and the hall of a Chinese Palace in others. Jade carvings, delicate porcelains, Middle Eastern carpets and stone statues can all be found here.
American Decorative Arts
Over on the American wing there is a melange of furniture, glass, Thomas Eakins paintings, silver, and Pennsylvania German and Shaker decorative arts. Philadelphia was the first city in America to have furniture makers of high enough quality to compete with English imports. Silver-smithing was also a craft that had reached a high level of art in the colonies. There are rooms full of chests on chests, armoires, and high-backed armchairs here. Note also the silver – tea and coffee sets, bowls and platters-(many in the Georgian style) that are still copied today.
Gift Shop Restaurant and Tours
Downstairs on the basement level there is a huge well-stocked gift shop featuring the usual prints, notecards and umbrellas with an arty theme. This level also contains classrooms, an upscale restaurant and a large but crowded cafeteria. To get a feel for all the museum offers, a newcomer should hop onto a Highlights Tour led by a museum docent. These leave at specific times which can be checked online. The website will also trumpet whatever special traveling exhibit is appearing in the Temporary Gallery. Check Philamuseum.org for hours and admission fees. The museum is located at Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 26th Street, Philadelphia. Telephone is 215-763-8100.
Barbara Hudgins - I am the author of Crafting the Travel Guidebook: How to Write, Publish & Sell Your Travel Book. This book was written after years of ...
