Top Spots For Impressionist Art In Philadelphia
Finding a specific style of art can be a tedious process if you don't know where to look. Fortunately, if you're looking for Impressionist art in the Philadelphia area, this list has you covered. Surprisingly, Philadelphia is a hotbed for American Impressionist artists, with many of them studying in the city or creating artwork just outside of it. Support local culture and enjoy some Impressionist artwork at these places.
Hours: Tue - Fri: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: Adult: $12.50
, Senior: $11.50,
College Student: $9.50, Youth age 6-18: $6.00
In addition to its special exhibits and regional artists' displays, the Michener Museum is home to an internationally-recognized collection of Pennsylvania Impressionism. Based on the Lenfest Collection, many of the paintings depict Bucks County landscapes by the Impressionist art colony based out of New Hope, Penn. in the 1900s. As far as Impressionist art, this stop will educate you to the story of Pennsylvania Impressionism with other exhibits to boot.
Hours: Tue - Sun: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Fri: select galleries until 8:45 p.m.
Price: $16 for an adult, $14 for seniors, $12 for student admission, Free for members
Hosting famous Impressionist paintings from all over the world, including Cézanne's "Large Bathers" and Van Gogh's "Sunflowers," the Philadelphia Museum of art is a must-go for those seeking Impressionist artwork. The permanent collection is home to masterpieces from Pierre-August Renoir and Claude Monet, dubbed the father of Impressionism. In the summer of 2011, the Art Museum acquired Impressionist paintings by Monet, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley and Pennsylvania's own Mary Cassatt.
Hours: Closed Mon; Tue - Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
Sun: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Price: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $10 for youths, free for kids (under 12)
Many American Impressionists actually studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, making the museum there one of the few places you will find work from alumni within. PAFA features works from American Impressionist's Frank Benson like "Girl with Pink Bow" and specializes in American Impressionist artists' pieces. Frequently, visiting exhibits feature an assortment of Impressionism paintings as well as a diverse selection of other artistic styles.
Hours: Closed until Spring 2012; Call for reservations beginning in March for non-members and February for members
While closed for renovations until spring of 2012, for those seeking the best of Impressionism in Philadelphia, it is well worth the wait. Barnes Foundation is known the world over for housing one of the most impressive collections of Impressionism. You'll be treated to renowned Impressionist works like Cézanne's "La Montagne Sainte-Victoire" and Rousseau's "Surprise," and the highlight of the museum, the single largest collection of Renior paintings in one place (181 and counting).
Hours: Closed Mon; Tue - Sat: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.,; Sun noon - 5 p.m.
Price: $8 for Aduults, $6 for youth, seniors and students, free for young children
While the Reading Public Museum may not have the largest collection of Impressionist art in the area, its permanent collection is home to works by famous Impressionist artists like Frank Benson and Camille Pissarro.
Related: Best art galleries in Philadelphia.
Lindsay Lewis is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
