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

“The Shape of Time: Korean Art after 1989”

Dates: October 21, 2023 – February 11, 2024

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

“Marie Laurencin: Sapphic Paris”

Dates: October 22, 2023 – January 21, 2024

“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

“Rodin’s Hands”

Dates: Through January 5, 2025

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.

“Jessica Campbell: Heterodoxy”

Dates: Through March 24, 2024

The Fabric Workshop and Museum presents “Jessica Campbell: Heterodoxy” an exhibition, lecture, and discussion series. Artworks on display relate to the 20th century secret radical feminist debate club named Heterodoxy and its members. This exhibit takes the form of a gathering space in an immersive, colorful, tufted rug environment. Visitors will be encouraged to brainstorm solutions to social issues.

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

Neighborhood: Center City (PAFA) and Old City (AAMP)
Address: 118-128 N Broad St. and 701 Arch St.

“Rising Sun: Artists in an Uncertain America”

Dates: Through December 31, 2023 (at PAFA), through March 3, 2024 (at AAMP)

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

“Determined To Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden”

Dates: October 5, 2023 – April 7, 2024

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. 

National Liberty Museum

Neighborhood: Old City
Address: 321 Chestnut St.

“Data Nation: Democracy in the Age of AI”

Dates: Through March 18, 2024

“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.

“Wondrous Space”

Date: Opened November 4, 2023

The Franklin Institute, in partnership with Boeing, opened 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 pre-existing exhibit into an immersive two-story gallery dedicated to space exploration. The museum’s previous space exhibit was expanded by about 7,000 square feet, which is almost three times its previous size. The groundbreaking space exhibit is helping to usher in a new age of space science at the museum, just in time for the institution’s 200th anniversary in 2024.

“The Art of the Brick”

Dates: Opening February 17, 2024

Known as the world’s largest display of LEGO® art, “The Art of the Brick” is coming to The Franklin Institute. This exhibition will feature 100 incredible works of art made from millions of colorful LEGO® bricks by artist Nathan Sawaya. Visitors will be able to get an up-close view of original pieces, as well as reimagined ones. This exhibition will also include a Philadelphia-exclusive creation and a 9,000-square-foot brick play space.

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