The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Archives leads the creation, presentation, and dissemination of historical records in analog and digital formats to support the viewing and understanding of PAFA’s history. This blog will help illuminate the work, research, insights, experiences, and discoveries of PAFA staff.
Mission
As the first art museum and school in the United States, PAFA celebrates the transformative power of art and art making. PAFA inspires the public by expanding the stories of American art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs; and educates artists from around the world to be innovative makers and critical thinkers with a deep understanding of traditions and the ability to challenge conventions. Through its world-class museum and school, PAFA nurtures and recognizes artists at every turn in their career.
Vision
PAFA will be an inclusive, creative community of artists and audiences seeking education, contemplation, inspiration, and dialogue.
About the School
PAFA educates artists from around the world to be innovative makers and critical thinkers with a deep understanding of traditions and the ability to challenge conventions.
Our specialized and unique art school attracts some of the most committed and promising art students from around the globe to study with a distinguished faculty of working artists. The school holds a position of national prestige, with cutting-edge studio and classroom facilities, private studios for students, a historic cast collection, and the opportunity for students to exhibit in a world-class museum.
About the Museum
The PAFA museum inspires the public by expanding the stories of American art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs.
The museum regularly produces rich and rewarding exhibitions seeking to amplify a wide range of artistic voices. Its archives, conservation, educational programs, and publications contribute to scholarly knowledge and community dialogue.
Our permanent collection ranges from 18th- and 19th-century masters such as Benjamin West, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, and Mary Cassatt, to twentieth and twenty-first century artists including Jacob Lawrence, Alice Neel, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Kehinde Wiley to name just a few. Taken as a whole, the museum aims to recognize artists at every turn in their career and thusly tell the sweeping story of American art.
