Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO, and Audrey Hudson, the new Kathleen C. Sherrerd Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement for the Philadelphia Museum of Art discussed the museum’s educational offerings and its Fall exhibit, The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure. Now through February 9, 2025 in the Dorence Galleries. This North American Premiere of an exhibit launched by the museum and the National Portrait Gallery in London, brings together artists working in the U.S. and the U.K., including Michael Armitage, Claudette Johnson, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Amy Sherald, known for First Lady Michele Obama’s portrait and Philadelphia’s Sansom Street mural. For Philadelphia, additional artists working in Philadelphia, London, and New York have been added, including Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Kudzanai-Violet Hwami, Roberto Lugo, Danielle Mckinney, Deborah Roberts, and Arthur Timothy.
We talked about the history and the importance of the museum, both culturally and economically – Sue notes that tickets have been sold in over 40 countries to their current exhibition. With holdings of over 2790,000 items, including one of three Van Gogh Sunflowers painting, the museum is a destination stop for many travelers.
They discussed the programming that allows the museum to be more accessible to all communities and all ages, including a new programming providing free busing and free guided tours to students in the Philadelphia School District and all tri-state Title-1 schools. In addition to the youth programming, exhibitions and galleries feature online and in-person lectures and seminars, member tours and other programs to open the doors of the museum to all.
We discussed visiting the museum by planning ahead, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday, with Monday and Tuesdays reserved for school groups, and it’s open later on Friday evening with added music and dance programs, food and wine and cocktails. The third Sunday of each month is also pay as you wish, and youth under 18 are always admitted free of charge.
Now through the end of December, in honor of Rocky Fest, the Museum is displaying the Rocky statue, lent by Sylvester Stalone, at the tops of the famous steps as it was in the movie. They invite visitors to run the steps, pose with Rocky and then come into the museum.
For more information about educational programming, upcoming events, membership and planning a visit, go to philamuseum.org.