“A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”* This sentiment perfectly captures our excitement and gratitude as we welcome back Harry Philbrick to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) as our interim museum director. As we prepare for the reinstallation of our permanent collection, we value the support of a familiar member from our community.

Harry Philbrick's previous tenure at PAFA from 2011-2016  was marked by transformative growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the museum expanded its commitment to community education and reinvigorated its contemporary arts programming. Philbrick was instrumental in the development of groundbreaking initiatives like the School and Community Partnership and Student Docent programs, which brought art education to underserved schools and empowered young people with leadership skills.

His vision for PAFA extended beyond education, fostering a vibrant contemporary arts scene with projects such as the Plinth Project and exhibitions featuring work of KAWS, Mural Arts Program, Jennifer Bartlett, Eric Fischl, Robert Taplin, and Traction Company. Philbrick's tenure saw the opening of the Richard C. von Hess Foundation Works on Paper Gallery and the re-opening of the Morris Gallery. He also oversaw a team of curators who organized such nationally important exhibitions as David Lynch: The Unified Field, Peter Blume: Nature and Metamorphosis, The Artist's Garden, and Procession: The Art of Norman Lewis. Each of these exhibitions was accompanied by major scholarly catalogs that have added substantially to the understanding of American art.

As we welcome Harry back to PAFA, he brings a wealth of experience and a renewed passion for the arts. His leadership across various arts organizations has deepened his commitment to artistic innovation and community engagement, overseeing initiatives that have expanded contemporary art’s reach in Philadelphia and garnering national attention for local arts organizations.

Before PAFA, Harry served as the Director of The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum from 1996 to 2010. After leaving PAFA in 2016, he founded  Philadelphia Contemporary, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to connecting Philadelphia’s diverse communities through innovative art and partnerships. From 2023 until recently, he was the Interim Executive Director at the Fabric Workshop and Museum.

Director Harry Philbrick on the works of KAWS, October 2013.

In 2026, PAFA will undertake a significant re-installation project, and we are thrilled to have Harry's expertise guiding us through this important transition. His understanding of our history, his appreciation for what we've achieved, and his vision for the future make him the ideal person to lead us forward.

“I have cherished my time at PAFA and the creative journey we embarked on together. Reflecting on our accomplishments, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside such talented curators, educators, and professionals. Although my previous role at PAFA was deeply fulfilling, I felt it was time to embrace new challenges. Now, returning as interim museum director, I am thrilled to re-engage with the PAFA community. I look forward to contributing to the exciting re-installation project in 2026 and continuing to support the museum’s mission. It’s wonderful to be back, and I am eager to see what we can achieve together in this new chapter.”

As the words above remind us, true friendship is about recognizing and embracing each other's growth. We are eager to see how Harry's return will help PAFA continue to evolve and inspire. His presence is not just a return to familiar faces but a celebration of the shared journey that continues to unfold.

Photo Credit: Featured image from the article, Harry Philbrick, newly named interim director of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Tom Gralish / Staff Photographer. From the article "Harry Philbrick, PAFA’s interim museum director, is optimistic about the future" online at inquirer.com by By Peter Dobrin (Philadelphia Inquirer, October 30, 2024).

Welcome back, Harry. We are excited to have you with us once more and look forward to the next chapter of our collective story.

* This quote is attributed to William Shakespeare even though it doesn’t appear in any of his works.