Sample Pennsylvania’s arts scene

Courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia
Recognized as one of the top five art museums in the country, the Philadelphia Museum of Art comprises five buildings containing world-class collections that span 2,000 years and more than 227,000 works of art, giving groups ample opportunity to explore at their own pace or pack in as much art as possible on each visit. The main building was designed as a walk through time where works of art — like van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” — come together in dramatic galleries enhanced with period architectural elements such as a Japanese ceremonial teahouse, a stone temple hall from India and an arms and armor collection.

“The main building stays open until 8:45 p.m. for Art After 5 on Friday evenings, which offers jazz and world music in the Great Stair Hall,” said Shari Feldman, group sales manager for the museum. “It is a very vibrant scene and allows visitors a chance to relax with a cocktail and enjoy the music in a beautiful setting. Groups can reserve tables for food service and enjoy the galleries. For groups, we offer lunch as well as admission and guided tours of all five buildings, as well as the museum’s wonderful sculpture garden.”

The second structure is the Perelman building, where rotating displays from the museum’s contemporary collection entice modern art aficionados; the third building, the Rodin Museum, plays host to the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside France. The final two buildings are the historic houses of Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove from the 18th and 19th centuries, respectively; they were originally the summer homes for wealthy Philadelphians who lived in the Society Hill section of the city.

www.philamuseum.org

Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History
Pittsburgh
Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History are only two of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, but the duo stand alone as showstoppers in the Oakland neighborhood for art enthusiasts and the aesthetically inclined. With works dating from present day back to the 16th century, the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History are known worldwide for their collections and distinctive exhibitions, true to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie’s legacy. Today, his “Palace of Culture” offers groups of all ages the opportunity to experience two of the world’s greatest cultural institutions for one admission price.

“Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History offer the opportunity for creativity and contemplation and welcome everyone to enjoy the wonders of their collections and exhibitions,” said media relations manager Jonathan Gaugler. “Our signature exhibition, the Carnegie International, is the oldest exhibition of international contemporary art in North America, and both museums provide a broad perspective on the history of art from the ancient world to the present.”

Groups visiting the museums can go at their own pace or select a guided tour with a museum educator and can enjoy discounted admission, customizable tours, dining packages and more.

web.cmoa.org