The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States, located at the western end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This guide provides essential information on admission, opening schedules, transport, and accessibility to assist in planning a visit to this landmark institution.
Entry is covered by the Go City Philadelphia Pass, which could save you serious money if planning to visit several Philadelphia attractions.
Note: This guide was updated in March 2026 to reflect the half-priced Friday night program and current hours/ pricing information
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Thu–Mon: 10:00–17:00 (Fri until 20:45). Closed Tue & Wed. |
| Ticket prices | Adult: $30; Senior (65+): $28; Student: $14; Youth (18 & under): Free. |
| Address | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130. |
| Nearest transport | SEPTA Bus Routes 7, 32, 38, 43, 48, and 49. |
| Typical visit time | 2 to 4 hours. |
Philadelphia Museum of Art opening hours
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is open to the public from Thursday to Monday, 10:00 to 17:00. On Fridays, the museum offers extended evening hours until 20:45. The museum is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday.
The last admission is generally 30 minutes before closing.
Philadelphia Museum of Art ticket prices
General admission for adults is $30, seniors (65+) are $28, and students with valid ID are $14. All youth aged 18 and under are admitted free of charge. Admission is valid for two consecutive days and includes entry to the main building and the nearby Rodin Museum.
“Pay What You Wish” admission is available on the first Sunday of every month (10:00–17:00), while it’s half price every Friday night (17:00–20:45). Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
The museum is included in the Go City Philadelphia Pass. Other attractions in this pass include:
- The Franklin Institute
- Independence Seaport Museum
- Museum of the American Revolution
- Big Bus Philadelphia – Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Why book the Go City Philadelphia All-Inclusive Pass?
- 🎟️ 30+ Top Attractions: Gain entry to Philadelphia’s best sites, including the Adventure Aquarium, Philadelphia Zoo, and the Museum of the American Revolution.
- 💰 Huge Savings: Save up to 50% on admission costs compared to purchasing individual tickets at each attraction gate.
- 🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Includes a 1-day Big Bus tour, providing a convenient way to navigate between historic landmarks like Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- 📱 Instant Digital Pass: No need to wait for physical tickets; simply scan your digital pass from your smartphone for quick and easy entry.
- ⏱️ See It All at Your Pace: Choose a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day pass and visit as many attractions as you like, giving you total control over your Philly itinerary.
How to get to the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The museum is located at the top of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Several SEPTA bus routes serve the area, including the 38, which stops directly at the front door. Routes 7, 32, 43, 48, and 49 also provide access within a short walking distance.+1
For visitors arriving via the SEPTA Regional Rail, the 30th Street Station is approximately a 15-minute walk or a short taxi/ride-share trip from the museum. During peak seasons, the Philadelphia PHLASH Downtown Loop provides a direct shuttle connection from Center City.
Parking at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The museum operates a dedicated multi-storey parking garage located across from the main building on Anne d’Harnoncourt Drive. Parking rates start at $20 for the first four hours, with a rate of $2 for each additional hour.
Limited metered street parking is available on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and surrounding streets, though these spots are often subject to strict time limits. Visitors using the museum garage should have their parking ticket validated at an admission desk to receive the standard visitor rates.
5 great things to do in Philadelphia
- 🥖 Taste the best of Philly on a food tour – including historic Reading Market.
- 🏛️ Get to know Philadelphia’s heritage sites – on a guided walking tour.
- 🍻 Go on a pub crawl – but learn the history between beers.
- 🎨 Let a guide show you Philadelphia’s best murals and street art – including Magic Gardens.
- 🌙 Discover Philly’s dark side – on an adults-only night tour.
How long to spend at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
A comprehensive visit to the main galleries typically requires two to four hours. Because the museum contains over 200 galleries, many visitors choose to focus on specific collections such as the Impressionist works or the Arms and Armor section.
If you plan to visit the Rodin Museum using your two-day pass, allow an additional 60 minutes. The “Rocky Steps” and statue outside are accessible without a ticket and are popular sites that may add 15 to 20 minutes to your visit.
Accessibility at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The West Entrance is the primary barrier-free entry point, equipped with automated doors and a ramp. Lifts provide access to all floors in the main building.
Manual wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum also provides assistive listening devices, noise-reducing headphones, and sensory kits for visitors with neurodivergent needs. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible and include baby-changing facilities.
What to see at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Galleries contain world-renowned works, including Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Claude Monet’s Japanese Footbridge. This section is one of the museum’s most visited areas.
The Arms and Armor Collection is one of the largest in the country, featuring historic suits of armor, weapons, and equestrian equipment from Europe and Asia. The displays are arranged in large, sky-lit halls on the second floor.
The Architectural Period Rooms allow visitors to walk through authentic historical structures, including a 14th-century Buddhist temple hall, a Japanese teahouse, and a French medieval cloister.
The American Art Galleries, recently renovated by Frank Gehry, showcase the development of art in the United States from the colonial period to the present day. In 2026, these galleries host the major “A Nation of Artists” exhibition.
The Rocky Steps and Statue are iconic exterior features. The 72 stone steps leading to the East Entrance were made famous by the film Rocky, and the bronze statue of the character is located at the bottom of the stairs.+1
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Visit on a Thursday or Monday morning for the lowest crowd levels in the galleries. |
| Crowds | Expect high footfall during half-price Friday nights, especially for the 150th-anniversary events. |
| Layout | Use the digital map available via free museum Wi-Fi to navigate the extensive four-floor layout. |
| Entry process | While walk-up tickets are available, booking online is recommended for special exhibitions. |
| Logistics | A free coat check is available for small bags; however, large luggage and backpacks are prohibited. |
Frequently asked questions about the Philadelphia Museum of Art
| Search query | Answer |
| Is the Philadelphia Museum of Art suitable for children? | Yes, the museum offers family-friendly guides, discovery kits, and hands-on workshops. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Philadelphia Museum of Art? | It is not mandatory for general admission, but it is recommended to avoid queues. |
| Is the Philadelphia Museum of Art open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open every Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. |
| Are bags allowed at the Philadelphia Museum of Art? | Small bags are permitted; large backpacks must be worn on the front or checked. |
Things to do near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Rodin Museum: A dedicated museum for the works of Auguste Rodin, located a five-minute walk away on the Parkway.
- Eastern State Penitentiary: A historic former prison offering daytime tours, located 10 minutes away on foot.
- The Franklin Institute: A major science museum located approximately 15 minutes away by walking.
- Fairmount Park: A large urban park featuring historic houses and walking trails, beginning directly behind the museum.
More Philadelphia travel
Other Philadelphia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Learning how Australia’s highest mountain got its name at the Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial.
- Tips and practical information for visiting the Liberty Bell Center.
- Why it’s worth taking a trip over the Delaware River to the Battleship New Jersey.
- 6 great reasons to visit Philadelphia.
- Practical guide to visiting the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia.
