All applied art museums to visit in Pennsylvania

Discover the beauty of functional art at 6 applied art museums in Pennsylvania. These museums highlight the intersection of art and utility, showcasing pieces that are both beautiful and practical.

Are you interested in the intersection of art and craftsmanship? These are the applied art museums you should visit in Pennsylvania:

  1. Carnegie Museum of Art1

    Carnegie Museum of Art

     Pittsburgh, PA
    The Carnegie Museum of Art, situated in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a renowned art institution with a rich history. Originally, it was known as the Department of Fine Arts, Carnegie Institute. The museum's first gallery was opened to the public on November 5, 1895, and since then, it has grown significantly in size and reputation.
  2. Moravian Pottery and Tile Works2

    Moravian Pottery and Tile Works

     Doylestown, PA
    The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works (MPTW) is a history museum situated in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. It is under the ownership of the County of Bucks and is managed by TileWorks of Bucks County, a non-profit organization. This museum is a significant part of the local history and culture, offering visitors a unique insight into the traditional pottery and tile works of the region.
  3. Wharton Esherick Studio3

    Wharton Esherick Studio

     Malvern, PA
    The Wharton Esherick Studio, which now houses the Wharton Esherick Museum, was once the creative hub of the renowned craftsman-artist Wharton Esherick. Located in the picturesque town of Malvern, Pennsylvania, this studio-turned-museum offers a unique insight into Esherick's artistic journey and his significant contributions to the world of art and craft.
  4. The Print Center4

    The Print Center

     Philadelphia, PA
    The Print Center, originally known as The Print Club, is a nonprofit gallery situated in Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. The gallery's mission is to encourage the growth and understanding of photography and printmaking as vital contemporary arts through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs.
  5. 5

    Contemporary Craft

     Pittsburgh, PA
    Contemporary Craft (CC) is a unique art institution in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that focuses on showcasing contemporary art in various craft media. The art pieces displayed are made from ceramics, metals, fiber, glass, wood, and mixed media, and are created by artists from around the world, including international, national, and regional artists. This provides a diverse and rich collection of contemporary craft art for visitors to explore and appreciate.
  6. 6

    Pittsburgh Glass Center

     Pittsburgh, PA
    The Pittsburgh Glass Center serves as a gallery, glass studio, and public-access school. Its primary focus is on teaching, creating, and promoting studio glass art. This unique combination of functions makes it a fascinating destination for those interested in the art of glassmaking, whether they are beginners or experienced artists.