News

summer academy students
PAFA has announced that its summer programming for 2020, including its Continuing Education, Summer Art Camp for Kids, and Teen and Pre-College Programs, will be conducted online through virtual learning platforms.
Press Release
webby award
The PAFA website has won a 2020 Webby Award for "Best School/University" project for its 2019 website redesign. Established in 1996, the Webby Awards are the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet.
student services staff wishes the class of 2020 congratulations
Clint Jukkala, Dean of the School of the Fine Arts at PAFA, extends his congratulations to the graduating class of 2020 with the help of our faculty, staff, and alumni. 
Arcmanoro Niles for Cultured Magazine | Photo: Aubrey Mayer
The Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation announced the recipients of its 2019 Biennial Grants this week. Among this year's recipients is BFA alumnus Arcmanoro Niles '13.
In the News
Philadelphia Wireman, "Untitled" (ca. 1970-75)
PAFA is pleased to announce the addition of 88 historic, modern, and contemporary works to its renowned permanent collection of American art. Works by Purvis Young, Liliana Porter, General Idea, Winifred Lutz, Jonathan Lyndon Chase, and more are among the latest acquisitions.
Press Release
historic landmark building
Dr. David R. Brigham, President & CEO of PAFA, shares an update on PAFA's planning for the months ahead.
charles willson peale, "the artist in his museum"
In anticipation of an upcoming exhibition, Smithsonian Magazine takes a closer look at the life and work of Charles Willson Peale, with a shout-out to The Artist in His Museum—a gem of PAFA collection to be featured in the exhibition.
In the News
visitor in the museum
PAFA is pleased to announce that it is the recipient of a $75,000 urgent needs grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, awarded for the purpose of providing financial support for PAFA as it continues to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Press Release
Attributed to Joseph John, "Homestead of James and Margaret Green, Springfield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania"
NBC Philadelphia takes a look at some of the most exciting ways to virtually engage with arts and culture in Philadelphia, including the PAFA From Home initiative.
In the News
David Clyde Driskell, "Flowing Like a River" (1996-97)
Dr. David C. Driskell (1931–2020) passed away on April 1. Dr. Driskell was an artist, art historian, and curator who was deeply influential in bringing wider recognition to African American art in the United States. Members of the Museum's curatorial staff have chosen to share their remembrances.
Perspectives
PAFA From Home graphic from 6-ABC
6-ABC's Natalie Jason interviewed PAFA's Vice President of Public Engagement and Education, Monica Zimmerman, about our digital offerings.
In the News
Louis B. Sloan, "Untitled [Field landscape with narrow sky]"
Art Critical takes a closer look at our exhibition, "'Awakened In You': The Collection of Dr. Constance E. Clayton," which features works representing over one hundred years of accomplishment by African American artists.
In the News

About PAFA

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is the United States’ first school and museum of fine arts. A recipient of the National Medal of Arts, PAFA offers a world-class collection of American art, innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and educational opportunities in the fine arts. The PAFA Museum aims to tell America's diverse story through art, expanding who has been included in the canon of art history through its collections, exhibitions, and public programs, while classes educate artists and appreciators with a deep understanding of traditions and the ability to challenge conventions. PAFA’s esteemed alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.