About Philadelphia Museum of Art
Frank Gehry-renovated and crowning the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the PMA holds 240,000 works and is famous for its grand front steps from the film Rocky.
Founded in 1876, Philadelphia Museum of Art has been welcoming visitors for over 150 years. Today it draws approximately 600,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Philadelphia, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 11,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Philadelphia Museum of Art ranks #74
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #74 in our composite ranking, Philadelphia Museum of Art represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3 hours, planning your route through Philadelphia Museum of Art is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Rocky Steps & statue
- ◆Marcel Duchamp gallery
- ◆Cézanne's Bathers
- ◆Diego Rivera murals
- ◆Asian galleries
Recognition & awards
Philadelphia Museum of Art has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Thu–Mon 10:00–17:00 (Fri until 20:45). Closed Tue–Wed.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Philadelphia Museum of Art is located in Philadelphia, United States at coordinates 39.9656°N, -75.1810°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia Museum of Art was established in 1876, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Philadelphia. With 600,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Americas region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Philadelphia Museum of Art, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to 2 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Philadelphia Museum of Art with these nearby institutions:
- #176Barnes Foundation🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Philadelphia Museum of Art?
Thu–Mon 10:00–17:00 (Fri until 20:45). Closed Tue–Wed. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Philadelphia Museum of Art?
Most visitors recommend spending 3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Philadelphia Museum of Art located?
Philadelphia Museum of Art is located in Philadelphia, United States. The exact coordinates are 39.9656°, -75.1810°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Philadelphia Museum of Art known for?
Top of the 'Rocky Steps'. Key highlights include Rocky Steps & statue, Marcel Duchamp gallery, Cézanne's Bathers. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 11,000 reviews.
How many people visit Philadelphia Museum of Art each year?
Philadelphia Museum of Art receives approximately 600,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was Philadelphia Museum of Art founded?
Philadelphia Museum of Art was founded in 1876, making it 150 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
