Philadelphia celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with the Centennial Exposition in 1876. Memorial Hall, which contained the art gallery, was intended to outlast the Exposition and house a permanent museum. Following the example of Londons South Kensington Museum, the new museum was to focus on applied art and science, and provide a school to train craftsmen in drawing, painting, modeling, and designing.[2]The Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art opened on May 10, 1877. (The school became independent of the museum in 1964 and is now part of the University of the Arts). The museums collection began with objects from the Exposition and gifts from the public impressed with the Expositions ideals of good design and craftsmanship. European and Japanese fine and decorative art objects and books for the museums library were among the first donations. The location outside of Center City, however, was fairly distant from many of the citys inhabitants. Admission was charged until 1881, then was dropped until 1962.Starting in 1882, Clara Jessup Moore donated a remarkable collection of antique furniture, enamels, carved ivory, jewelry, metalwork, glass, ceramics, books, textiles and paintings. The Countess de Brazzas lace collection was acquired in 1894 forming the nucleus of the lace collection. In 1892 Anna H. Wilstach bequeathed a large painting collection, including many American paintings, and an endowment of half a million dollars for additional purchases. Works by James Abbott McNeill Whistler and George Inness were purchased within a few years and Henry Ossawa Tanners The Annunciation was bought in 1899.Wikipedia

Great exhibit M. Valkyrie friendly staff in lower gallery for computer gaming anime show.

I am excited to see more in this space. The Joana Vasconcelos exhibit was spectacular but the gaming exhibit I found mostly underwhelming with some gems. Perhaps if I were a gamer I would feel differently. I think art can be very subjective, and all museums will have a mix of exhibits that inspire and others that the observer doesnt connect with. Parking is a challenge for such a small place. I spent more time trying to find a space than I spent within this small museum. I recommend using public transportation or going on a nice day when you do not mind walking a bit to the museum. I honestly am not sure what wheelchair users would do, as I did not see any handicap parking nearby, but perhaps they have a special entrance and parking for people who need it.

Free contemporary art museum. Theres a massive, almost overwhelming installation on the second floor that is more easily experienced in person than described.

Even though its only 2 exhibits the exhibits are stunning and exciting! Great new museum!

Really cool new art museum, pretty small, but has some really amazing exhibits right now. Plus its free!!

New, free and very cool. Just go.