Top Exhibitions in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has a treasure trove of exhibitions that attract science and culture enthusiasts from across the globe. From world-renowned museums to cutting-edge galleries, the city offers a diverse range that caters to every taste. Here are some of the top exhibitions in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Dates: October 21, 2023 – February 11, 2024

“The Shape of Time: Korean Art after 1989”

The Philadelphia Museum of Art presents “The Shape of Time: Korean Art after 1989,” which includes a variety of works by more than two dozen Korean artists. This exhibition focuses on the artists’ complex cultural experiences, as many of them trained in Europe and the U.S. All the artists were born between 1960 and 1986 with their coming of age happening at a time of rapid change in Korea. The artists’ individual artistic practices are shared through the collective memory of an entire generation that lived under South Korea’s authoritarian regime.

An Attack by Green Horns, 2009, Sang-hee YUN (b. 1978), Moksimjeopi, ottchil, wood, silver, gold plating, and gold leaf, collection of the artist.

Barnes Foundation

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Dates: October 22, 2023 – January 21, 2024

“Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris”

“Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris” at the Barnes Foundation explores the French artist’s career. Through her work, Marie Laurencin radically challenged the existing narratives of modern European art. She placed women at the center, defying categorization through her highly original painting style. More than 50 of Laurencin’s works will be on display during this exhibition.

Rodin Museum

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 2151 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Dates: Through January 5, 2025

“Rodin’s Hands”

At the Rodin Museum, “Rodin’s Hands” highlights the artist’s mastery in conveying emotion through the sculpting of hands. The exhibition features fifteen bronzes and plasters — many of which are rare or unique to the Philadelphia collection. These join the other masterpieces on view as part of one of the largest Rodin collections outside of Paris.

‘Two Hands,’ modeled 1904 by Auguste Rodin, French, 1840–1917; cast 1925 by the founder Alexis Rudier (French, 1874–1952). Bronze, 18 x 20 7/8 x 12 3/4 inches (45.7 x 53 x 32.4 cm). Bequest of Jules E. Mastbaum, 1929. Image courtesy Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2021.

The Fabric Workshop and Museum

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 1214 Arch St.
Dates: Through October 22, 2023

“Henry Taylor: Nothing Change, Nothing Strange”

The Fabric Workshop and Museum’s exhibition “Henry Taylor: Nothing Change, Nothing Strange” gained national attention after appearing in Vogue. The exhibition is a collaboration between resident artist Henry Taylor, the museum, and Philadelphia’s Recycled Artist in Residency (RAIR). Taylor collected recycled materials from other artists to create an immersive sculptural environment. Visitors are encouraged to examine how the materials are held together.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) and The African American Museum in Philadelphia

Neighborhood: Center City and Old City
Address: 118-128 N Broad St. and 701 Arch St.
Dates: Through October 8, 2023

“Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America”

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the African American Museum in Philadelphia are hosting “Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America.” 20 artists were asked to create works that responded to the question “Is the sun rising or setting on the experiment of American democracy?” Joint tickets provide access to both institutions as the art installations are spread across both museums.

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) 

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 118-128 N Broad St
Dates: October 5, 2023 – April 7, 2024

“Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden”

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts presents “Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden.” This is the first comprehensive retrospective of John Rhoden, a twentieth century African American sculptor. Known as one of the most prolific sculptors of the 20th century, Rhoden is said to have had a style that was ahead of his time. The exhibition features nearly 70 bronze, wood, and stone sculptures, along with archival materials. Visitors can learn more about the award-winning artist’s personal journey while marveling at his craftmanship. 

Museum of the American Revolution

Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 101 S 3rd St.
Dates: Through November 26, 2023

“Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia”

The Museum of the American Revolution‘s exhibition “Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia” tells the story of James Forten and his descendants. Visitors learn how the Forten family lived during the American Revolution and cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia. They will also discover how the Fortens became leaders in the abolition movement leading up to the Civil War.

Visitors looking at Brave Men as Ever Fought painting by Don Troiani. Photo courtesy of Museum of the American Revolution.

National Liberty Museum

Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 321 Chestnut St.
Dates: Through October 30, 2023

“Data Nation: Democracy in the Age of AI”

“Data Nation: Democracy in the Age of AI” at the National Liberty Museum features immersive installations that examine how technology affects daily life. The exhibit explores how rapid technological advances can disrupt democratic norms and values.

The Franklin Institute

Neighborhood: Center City
Address: 222 N 20th St.
Date: Opening November 4, 2023

The Franklin Institute, in partnership with Boeing, is preparing to open its newest core exhibit, an entirely new future-focused “Wondrous Space” exhibit, dedicated to space exploration. The upgrade cost about $8.5 million dollars. Thanks to a generous gift of $3 million dollars by Boeing, the funds enabled the museum to transform its existing exhibit into an immersive two-story gallery dedicated to space exploration. The museum’s current space exhibit has been expanded by about 7,000 square feet, which is almost three times its previous size. The groundbreaking space exhibit will help usher in a new age of space science at the museum, just in time for the institution’s 200th anniversary in 2024.

There are plenty of attractions and places to explore in Philadelphia. Check out our things to do page for more.