Two Venues. One Exhibition.
Thomas Moran (1837-1926), Green River of Wyoming, 1878. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PMA
Edward Hopper (1882-1967), The Lee Shore, 1941. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PMA
Arthur Garfield Dove (1880-1946), Naples Yellow Morning, 1935.
On exhibit at PAFA
Sanford Robinson (1823-1880), Mount Mansfield, 1859. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PAFA
William Bradford (1823-1892), Whalers Trapped in the Arctic Ice, c. 1870-80. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PAFA
Artist/maker unknown, Sofa, 1835-40.
On exhibit at PMA
Thomas Birch (1779-1851), Fairmount Water Works, 1821.
On exhibit at PAFA
Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827), The Artist in His Museum, 1822.
On exhibit at PAFA
Charles Sheeler (1883-1965), Pertaining to Yachts and Yachting, 1922.
On exhibit at PMA
Thomas Moran (1837-1926), Mists in the Yellowstone, 1908. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PAFA
Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), The Shore of the Turquoise Sea, 1878. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PMA
A Nation of Artists brings together three remarkable collections—the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Middleton Family Collection—for a once-in-a-generation presentation celebrating 250 years of American creativity. Spanning centuries, stories, and artistic traditions, this landmark exhibition unfolds across two iconic Philadelphia institutions.
Visit 250 Years of Creativity
Exhibition Opens April 12, 2026
To fully experience this landmark presentation in its entirety, visit both museums and get 50% off a full-price ticket at the second museum. *
*50% offer valid within 7 days of your purchase. Redeem via the link in your receipt or by showing your valid ticket on-site
Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827), George Washington at Princeton, 1779. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PMA
Mickalene Thomas (b. 1971), Din Avec la Main Dans le Miroir, 2008.
On exhibit at PAFA
Rookwood Pottery, Cincinnati, Ohio (Manufacturer), William Ernst Hentschel (Decorator), Vase, 1927.
On exhibit at PMA
Barkley L. Hendricks (1945-2017), J.S.B. III, 1968.
On exhibit at PAFA
Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009), Crown of Flowers, 1974. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PMA
Everett Shinn (1876-1953), Theatre Scene, c. 1906-07. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PAFA
John Wallace (1861-1950), Untitled, 1939.
On exhibit at PMA
Robert Henri (1865-1929), Ruth St. Denis in the Peacock Dance, 1919.
On exhibit at PAFA
David Drake (1800-c. 1870), Storage Jar, 1859.
On exhibit at PMA
Marsden Hartley (1877-1943), Untitled (New Mexico still life), 1919. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PAFA
John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), Group with Parasols (A Siesta), 1904-1905. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PMA
Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (1940-2025), What is an American?, 2001-2003.
On exhibit at PAFA
Severin Roesen (1816-c. 1872), Flower Still Life with Bird’s Nest, 1853.
On exhibit at PMA
Cecilia Beaux (1855-1942), Les Derniers jours d’enfrance (The Last Days of Infancy), 1883-85.
On exhibit at PAFA
Elizabeth Catlett (1915-2012), Mother and Child, c. 1956.
On exhibit at PMA
Joan Mitchell (1925-1992), Untitled, 1960. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PAFA
Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986), Red Hills and Bones, 1941.
On exhibit at PMA
Jasper Johns (b. 1930), Flag, 1960-66. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PAFA
Jasper Johns (b. 1930), According to What, 1964. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PMA
Step into A Nation of Artists, a groundbreaking exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and PAFA. Featuring more than 1,000 works—including over 120 masterworks from the private Middleton Family Collection—this collaboration reframes the American story through the power of art.
Mark Rothko (1903-1970), Orange, Red, Yellow, 1956.
On exhibit at PMA
Mary Cassatt (1844-1926), Mother and Sara Admiring the Baby, c. 1901. The Middleton Family Collection
On exhibit at PAFA
“More than an exhibition, A Nation of Artists is a celebration of imagination, identity, and the enduring power of art to reflect, shape, and inspire.”
At the heart of the exhibition is the Middleton Family Collection—one of the nations most significant private holdings of American art—on public view for the first time.
Presented in conversation with the renowned collections of PAFA and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, these works spark fresh perspectives and unexpected connections, revealing how artists across generations have shaped, challenged, and reimagined the story of this country. A Nation of Artists invites you to look closer, discover new voices, and see the American story with renewed curiosity and depth.
This extraordinary collaboration invites everyone to experience America’s story through its visual language—and to leave with a deeper connection to the creativity and resilience that define our collective history.
April 12, 2026 – September 5, 2027
At PAFA, experience American art through the eyes of artists themselves. Rooted in PAFA’s legacy as the nation’s first museum and school of fine arts, the exhibition unfolds within the newly reopened Frank Furness and George Wattson Hewitt designed Historic Landmark Building. Through bold thematic groupings, the presentation reveals how artists emerge—shaped by study, mentorship, community, experimentation, and innovation—bringing generations of creative practice into conversation.
Historical artists with deep connections to Philadelphia, such as Horace Pippin, Mary Cassatt, and Charles Willson Peale appear alongside contemporary figures including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Rina Banerjee, María Berrío, Mickalene Thomas, and Kara Walker. Together, historical and contemporary voices challenge conventions, surface underrecognized perspectives, and offer new ways of seeing the American story.
April 12, 2026 – July 5, 2027
At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, immerse yourself in a world-class panorama of American art from 1700 to 1964. Organized around bold, distinctive themes, the installation traces the evolution of American identity—revealing dynamic exchanges between Native American, African American, European, and immigrant traditions. Across painting, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, fashion, ceramics, and more, the galleries illuminate the creative forces that have shaped the nations visual culture.
Iconic masterpieces by Thomas Eakins, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Alexander Calder, and others appear in striking juxtapositions that broaden the canon and deepen understandings of the American story. Set within the iconic Beaux-Arts building, this presentation celebrates the museum’s 150th anniversary and its role as a cultural beacon—offering a powerful, inspiring, and expansive look at American art.
Across both museums, A Nation of Artists is anchored by more than 120 rarely seen masterpieces from the private Middleton Family Collection.
Art Belongs to Everyone:
Public Programs & Events
Discover workshops, talks, performances, family programs, and community events inspired by the exhibition.
Programs & Events | Launches April 2026 | Ongoing
Unscripted: Philly Voices on A Nation of Artists
Philadelphians (and others from the region) share their first impressions of key works in this exhibition. Available on Bloomberg Connects.
Details coming soon
Programs & Events | April 1, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Art at Noon: A Nation of Artists Preview
Join PAFA curators for an intimate lunchtime preview exploring overlooked artists, bold curatorial choices, and surprising stories behind A Nation of Artists.
Programs & Events | Starting April 12, 2026
A Nation of Artists Tour (Guided In-Gallery Tour)
Explore A Nation of Artists through guided tours highlighting the diversity, craftsmanship, and creative innovation shaping American art. Free with admission; Thursdays–Mondays at 1pm.
Details coming soon
Programs & Events | April 12, 2026 | 10:30–11:30am
Roz M. Perry Memorial Lecture
Curators Kathleen Foster and Alexandra Kirtley share new stories from A Nation of Artists, exploring artistic training, influence, and creative exchange in 19th- and early-20th-century America.
Details coming soon
Programs & Events | April 12, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Art as Medicine: The Clare Feldman Poliakoff Inaugural Lecture
A keynote, panel, and gallery walk exploring how art fosters healing, empathy, and resilience, featuring physician-artist Dr. Nazanin Moghbeli.
Programs & Events | April 19, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Family Art Day
Create art inspired by A Nation of Artists through hands-on activities for all ages, celebrating American creativity, innovation, and artistic traditions together as a family.
Programs & Events | May 3, 2026
Neighborhood Walking Tour: Nature & Landscape
See the Art Museum area through a birder’s lens with In Color Birding Club, exploring nature, landscape, and Philadelphia’s artistic environment on foot.
Details coming soon
Programs & Events | May 10, 2026 | 1:00–3:00 PM
Family Art Day
Create art inspired by A Nation of Artists through hands-on activities for all ages, celebrating American creativity, innovation, and artistic traditions together as a family.
Details coming soon
Programs & Events | May 13, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM
Art at Noon: The Peale Family & The Artist in His Museum
Explore Charles Willson Peale’s legacy and artistic dynasty through his iconic self-portrait and the family’s enduring impact on American art.
Details coming soon
Programs & Events | May 21, 2026
Michael J. Lewis Lecture
Join us for a discussion on architecture with Michael J. Lewis, author of Frank Furness: Architecture and the Violent Mind, exploring design and American creative vision.
Details coming soon
Programs & Events | May 23, 2026
Neighborhood Walking Tour: Public Art & the Parkway
Led by PAFA and the Association for Public Art, walk Philadelphia’s Parkway, connecting historic neighborhoods, public art, and the city’s enduring artistic legacy.
Details coming soon
Introductory Video
Explore A Nation of Artists—from curator insights to a dynamic slate of community programming and events unfolding throughout 2027. Check back often as new stories, experiences, and voices continue to emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- No. Each museum requires its own general admission ticket, and there is no single ticket that covers both venues.
- A Nation of Artists is included with general admission at both museums—no special exhibition ticket needed.
Buy a full-price ticket (adult, senior, or student) at one museum and receive 50% off a full-price ticket at the other museum within 7 days.
When you’re ready for your next visit, redeem your discount using the link in your e-receipt or by showing your valid ticket or receipt on-site at an admissions desk.
No. You can visit on the same day or on different days, as long as your second visit takes place within 7 days.
Please note hours of operation at each museum when making your plans:
- Philadelphia Museum of Art: Open Thursday – Monday; open late on Fridays
- PAFA: Open Wednesday – Sunday
No. The discount applies only to full-price tickets. Members receive free admission, see details below. Complimentary and reduced tickets do not qualify.
Yes. Both museums offer free and reduced admission for various groups, but policies differ. Visit each museum’s admissions page for current details.
Membership admission benefits are honored across both museums for exhibition admission only:
- Individual membership includes one free general admission at the partner museum
- Dual or Member-Plus memberships include two free general admissions
Membership perks apply only to general admission – not to dining, retail or parking.
Memberships are purchased through each museum’s website.
Either. There’s no required starting point, and the exhibition works in any order.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art presents American art in a chronological narrative, tracing how styles and ideas evolved over time.
- PAFA takes a cross-generational approach, bringing works from different eras into conversation with one another.
Each offers a distinct experience; together, they reveal a richer picture of American art.
Yes. Both museums will offer tours, talks, performances, and public programs connected to A Nation of Artists. Details are available or will be announced on each museum’s website.
Free guided audio tours for the exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and PAFA are available anytime on the Bloomberg Connects App.
For any visit related questions, please contact the museum you plan to visit directly through its website contact page.
Support
A Nation of Artists is organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
This exhibition is made possible by The Middleton Family.
Major support is provided by the Connelly Foundation, The Victory Foundation, and an anonymous donor.
Significant support is provided by The City of Philadelphia and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, the Henry Luce Foundation, Schoelkopf Fine Art Advisors, and Grace and Andrew Schoelkopf.
Additional support is provided by the 25th Century Foundation, Lawrence H. and Julie C. Berger, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Nyheim, Marsha and Richard Rothman Family Foundation, an anonymous donor, and other generous supporters.
This exhibition is sponsored by
Funding for the publication is generously provided by
The exhibition celebration at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is generously sponsored by
The renovation and reinstallation of the American galleries was provided by Robert L. McNeil, Jr., Leslie Miller and Richard Worley, Laura and William C. Buck, Kathy and Ted Fernberger, Joan and Victor Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Nyheim, Lyn M. and George M. Ross, Marsha and Richard Rothman, and other generous donors.
Ongoing support for American Art initiatives and programs is provided by the Center for American Art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, established by Robert L. McNeil, Jr.
All exhibitions at the Philadelphia Museum of Art are underwritten by the Annual Exhibition Fund. Generous support is provided by Andrea Baldeck, M.D.; Julia and David Fleischner; Robert Hayes; and Mark W. Strong and Dana Strong.
The presentation of A Nation of Artists at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is made possible by significant grants from the Henry Luce Foundation, Richard C. von Hess Foundation, Julie Jensen Bryan and in memory of Robert Bryan, the Terra Foundation for American Art, the William Penn Foundation, Atelier Fine Art Services, LLC, and generous individual donors.
Curators
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Kathleen A. Foster, Robert L. McNeil, Jr., Senior Curator of American Art, and Director, Center for American Art
Alexandra A. Kirtley, the Montgomery-Garvan Curator of American Decorative Arts, and Manager, Center for American Art
PAFA
Leah Triplett, Curator of Contemporary Art
Lea C. Stephenson, Kenneth R. Woodcock Curator of Historical American Art