Contemporary art museums in Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the largest art museum in Philadelphia, is a hub of diverse art collections from various periods and regions including Europe, America, and Asia. The museum welcomes approximately 800,000 visitors each year, making it a popular destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) holds the distinction of being the oldest art museum and art school in the United States. It is located in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was founded in 1805. This makes it a significant landmark in the history of American art and education.

The Barnes Foundation is a unique combination of an art museum and school, situated at 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was originally located in Lower Merion, a suburb of Philadelphia, until May 2012 when it moved to its current location. The foundation was established by Albert C. Barnes, a pharmaceutical entrepreneur who amassed a fortune from the invention of an antiseptic in 1907.

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.

The Mattress Factory is a contemporary art museum situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is renowned for its site-specific installation art, a form of art that is designed to exist only in the location for which it was created. This unique approach to art makes each visit to the museum a unique experience, as the installations are deeply intertwined with the museum's architecture and space.

The Andy Warhol Museum, situated on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, holds the distinction of being the largest museum in North America dedicated solely to a single artist. This museum is a testament to the life and works of the Pittsburgh-born pop art icon, Andy Warhol.

The Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is a unique cultural landmark in Philadelphia. It is a traditional 17th-century Japanese-style house and garden, located in the scenic Fairmount Park. The site was originally part of the 1876 World's Fair, adding a historical significance to its charm. Visitors can explore the traditional Japanese architecture and the serene garden, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

The Institute of Contemporary Art, also known as ICA, is a contemporary art museum situated in Philadelphia. It is closely associated with the University of Pennsylvania and is conveniently located on its campus. This makes it easily accessible for visitors who are exploring the university or the surrounding area.

The Woodmere Art Museum is situated in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience in a historic part of the city. The museum is a great place to explore for those interested in art, history, and architecture.

The Wood Street Galleries is a visual arts project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. It is conveniently located in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, making it easily accessible for tourists. The gallery is a part of the city's vibrant cultural scene and offers a unique experience for art enthusiasts.

Abington Art Center, established in 1939, is situated in Abington Township, a northern suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This art center is a significant cultural hub in the region, offering a variety of artistic experiences for visitors.

The Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial, located in the Bella Vista neighborhood of South Philadelphia, is a unique complex of four buildings. These include the former Church of the Evangelists and St. Martin's College for Indigent Boys. The site is steeped in history and offers a unique blend of architectural styles, reflecting its diverse past.

The Fabric Workshop and Museum, situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit arts organization. Its primary focus is on the creation of new work, utilizing new materials and media, in collaboration with emerging and recognized artists both nationally and internationally. This unique approach to art creation makes the museum a fascinating destination for those interested in contemporary art and the creative process.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a unique non-profit organization, folk art environment, and gallery space located on South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This distinctive space offers a blend of art, history, and community, providing a unique cultural experience for visitors.

The ToonSeum, also known as the Pittsburgh Museum of Cartoon Art, was a unique institution dedicated solely to the celebration and exploration of cartoon arts. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it was a hub for cartoon enthusiasts and artists alike, offering a deep dive into the world of cartoons and their impact on popular culture.

The Michener Art Museum, located in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is a private, non-profit institution. It was established in 1988 and named in honor of the Pulitzer Prize–winning writer James A. Michener, who was a resident of Doylestown. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the visual arts of Bucks County, along with holdings of nineteenth- and twentieth-century American art.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a nonprofit arts organization located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The center is dedicated to showcasing performing and visual arts programs that celebrate the contributions of African Americans. These contributions are not only recognized in Western Pennsylvania, but also on a national and international scale.

The Painted Bride Art Center, also known as The Bride, is a non-profit arts and culture organization. It is situated at 5212 Market Street in the West Philadelphia neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The organization is known for bringing together artists, audiences, and communities to push the boundaries of how art is created and experienced.

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.

The Philadelphia Art Alliance at University of the Arts is a multidisciplinary arts center situated in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It offers a diverse range of visual, literary, and performing arts, making it a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts.

The Erie Art Museum, situated in Erie, Pennsylvania, is home to an impressive collection of over 8,000 objects. The collection is diverse, with a focus on American ceramics, Tibetan paintings, Indian bronzes, photography, and comic book art. This wide range of art forms ensures that there is something to interest every visitor.

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.

Trundle Manor, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a unique art museum and tourist attraction. It was established by the artist couple Anton and Rachel Miriello, who are also known as Mr. Arm and Velda Von Minx. The museum showcases their personal collection of cryptozoology, vintage taxidermy, and jarred specimens. This unique collection offers a fascinating insight into the world of the macabre and the unusual.

The Brandywine Museum of Art is situated in a picturesque location on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The museum is nestled on the banks of the Brandywine Creek, providing a serene and inspiring backdrop for visitors. This location is not only beautiful but also easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley is a significant regional art institution located in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The museum was established in 1934 by a group led by Walter Emerson Baum, a renowned Pennsylvania impressionist painter. The museum's foundation is deeply rooted in the local art community, making it a significant part of Allentown's cultural heritage.

The National Liberty Museum is situated at 321 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. This location is easily accessible and is in the heart of the city, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring Philadelphia.

Randyland, located in the North Side section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an art museum that stands out as one of America's most colorful public art landmarks. This unique museum showcases found object art, a form of art that repurposes everyday objects into creative and visually striking pieces. The vibrant colors and eclectic collection make it a visually appealing destination for tourists.

The Palmer Museum of Art is a significant cultural institution located on the University Park campus of Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania. It serves as the university's art museum and is a key destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Susquehanna Art Museum is a non-profit institution situated in Midtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is a significant cultural hub in the region, showcasing a diverse range of art from local, regional, national, and international artists. The museum is dedicated to promoting art appreciation and knowledge among its visitors of all ages.

The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, located in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, is a dedicated space for American art. The museum has a special focus on the art of southwestern Pennsylvania, providing a unique perspective on the region's artistic contributions.

The Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art, established in 1975, is situated within the historic Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This location not only provides a unique setting for the museum but also adds a layer of historical significance to the overall experience of the visitors.

The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (PCA) is a non-profit community arts campus located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It offers a variety of arts education programs and contemporary art exhibitions. The center is dedicated to providing services and resources for artists throughout Western Pennsylvania and serves as a venue for the community to create, see, support, and learn about visual arts.

Displays work of students of the University of Art. Get carried away by the art of the youngest generation!

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.

The Zoellner Arts Center is a prominent arts center situated within the campus of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This location offers a unique blend of academic and artistic environments, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in both education and the arts.

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.

The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, situated in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a unique destination that combines science and performing arts. The center offers a variety of exhibits related to these fields, providing an enriching experience for visitors. Additionally, the center features a digital cinema, adding another layer of entertainment and education for those who visit.

The Flatiron Building, situated in the Brownsville Commercial Historic District in Pennsylvania, is a significant landmark. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past of this vibrant community.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) is a multi-location art museum situated in southwestern Pennsylvania, United States. Its main location is at Saint Francis University in Loretto, where it was established in 1976.

The museum houses six galleries, each showcasing a variety of art. The collections span from the Renaissance to the present and include both European and American art. This wide range of art periods and styles provides a comprehensive overview of art history.