Philadelphia Museum of Art

4.8 (22,745 reviews)

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Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are best to avoid crowds, or late afternoons on weekdays for quieter galleries; spring and fall offer pleasant weather for the outdoor steps.

Budget tips

General admission is typically around $25 for adults, with reduced rates for seniors, students, and youth, so check the museum website for current prices. Look for pay-what-you-wish or free hours when offered and consider the Philadelphia attraction pass for savings.

Recommended for

Art lovers, Families, Photography enthusiasts, Students and educators

Plan your visit

2-4 hours

About

Quick facts: Seventy-two wide stone steps rise like a public stage, famous for a hard-charging training montage that sends visitors sprinting to the top. More than 240,000 artworks span centuries and styles, so a single visit only scratches the surface of what you can discover.

Highlights: Joggers still thunder up those 72 steps to mimic the film's climactic run, often pausing with grins beside a bronze boxer sculpted by A. Thomas Schomberg for a photo. Warm late-afternoon light pours across the grand galleries, making gold-leaf frames and painted skies glow while the air hums with soft footsteps and quiet docent commentary.

Insider tips

Wear comfortable shoes, the building and grounds involve long walks and many stairs.
Start at the top of the main steps for a classic skyline photo, then enter through the Great Stair Hall for impressive interiors.
Pick two to three sections to focus on, skip trying to see every gallery in one visit to avoid fatigue.
Use coat check for large bags and bring a small daypack, flash photography and tripods are restricted in most galleries.