Honestly, I had no idea this place existed until I saw it advertised and decided to check it out…read more I'm glad I did because it ended up being one of the more unique museums I've visited in Philadelphia. It's a relatively small and intimate space. The first floor has a gift shop and an area for workshops and activities, while the galleries are spread throughout the building. When I visited, the first-floor exhibition featured quilts, while the upstairs gallery focused more on themes of American culture. Both were fantastic. The quilt exhibition was probably a traveling show, and I absolutely loved it. I know several quilting enthusiasts, so I have at least some appreciation for how much time, patience, and technical skill goes into creating these pieces. Some of them felt less like blankets and more like full-scale tapestries. The level of detail, color work, and craftsmanship was incredible. The upstairs exhibition had a much stronger political and social commentary element, which I personally enjoyed. Art doesn't have to exist solely to be beautiful or entertaining. It can challenge ideas, express opinions, document experiences, and start conversations. I appreciated that the museum embraced that side of art rather than shying away from it. One of the coolest parts was the workshop area downstairs. There was a small market set up and plenty of people actively crafting and creating things. For a moment I wanted to join in, but the space was packed. Then I watched what everyone was making and quickly realized these people were good. Very good. At that point I remembered I was in a fabric museum and workshop and that my own sewing abilities are... let's politely call them limited. The only thing that felt a little awkward was how often the museum reminded visitors about the recommended donation. I completely understand why. Free museums need support, and I have no issue contributing. It just came up enough times that I started feeling a little self-conscious about it. I was already planning to donate on my way out, but repeated reminders always make me feel slightly uncomfortable even when I understand the reason behind them. Overall, this was a wonderful surprise. Thought-provoking exhibitions, beautiful craftsmanship, active creative spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere. If you're interested in textiles, contemporary art, or just want to discover a museum that's a little different from the usual Philadelphia lineup, it's definitely worth a visit.

Such an amazing exhibition to visit! Big fan of textiles, especially quilts! The staff at the front…read morewas very friendly and the art was lovely to see.

Cool space to see this year's Sundance Shorts Series. Nice staff and fair pricing for tickets. I…read morehope to come back for a show or screening soon!

This is a unique and evergreen venue that adapts to whatever artist / act / DJ / event is…read moreexhibiting within its walls. Such a gem right off the Spring Garden stop, I attended a fantastic mixed poetry reading and open mic night back in October. They have two levels and there's bathrooms at the back and a couple of different ways to set up seats. The stage itself is the perfect size for a DJ setup or smaller show. I look forward to the next time I get to go back and support this eclectic spot - an obvious haven for artists and the entire scene here in Philly. Stay up to date via their Instagram and website - in all likelihood this spot will have something eye catching programed on any given week. Get there and support this institution and Philly artists!

The Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia - ICA is a…read morelaunchpad for contemporary art and ideas. ICA is on site at the Univeristy of Pennsylvania. We stopped by on our visit to the University of Pennsylvania to specifically see the Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies We didn't think we would spend as much time as we did here, and I loved both of the exhibits. There are two gallery spaces, the first one held "Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard", with the curator and several artist being from Texas. I'm not sure I loved it because there was a Texas connection and also Baltimore screen art, but I really enjoyed art from a yard perspective. Fun contemporary art and a Koons piece. The second story held the second exhibit: Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies. She's a Ukrainian artist, and I really thought it was going to be something different but it was a really cool exhibit. I have never seen carpet and space used this way before and her art evoked both fear and whimsy and awe. I love this museum and the fact that it's really quaint - obviously the experience you're going to have here depends on what exhibits are showing, but I had a great time here overall. It's completely free so if you're ever by the University of Pennsylvania, I highly recommend you stop by.

Worth the stop as it's always free admission. Admittedly I did not do my research and was unaware…read morehow small the space is. It's two rooms with rotating exhibitions. No permanent gallery. The current exhibition on Shaker furniture was interesting, but I can see how it's not for everyone. I appreciate what they're doing at the ICA, I just wish there was a bigger permanent collection on display. Shoutout to Juno the welcoming cat.

My company hosted an after-hours event at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, giving us the…read moreopportunity to wander through the galleries at our own pace and admire both the art and the building itself. The architecture is every bit as impressive as the collection. The intricate details, grand spaces, and historic character make the building a work of art in its own right. Exploring the galleries after hours, without the usual crowds, made the experience even more enjoyable. Philadelphia has so much to offer, and this is one of its real treasures. I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience it in such a unique way.

I visit museums without pre-conceived notions, reading reviews generally after the fact. PAFA --…read moreas it's known -- is a good one. Founded in 1805 the academy is the first school and museum of fine arts in the United States. The historic landmark building is closed for renovations with three stories of exhibits now housed in their Hamilton Building (which is NOT named for Alexander!) Several things impacted me: the galleries are wide open, light and airy. A pleasure to walk through. A number of items from the Atwater Kent collection -- formerly the Philadelphia History Museum -- are on display. The diverse collection ranges from baseball, department stores (Wanamakers, anyone?), civil rights ... the list goes on. There is student and alumni art for sale and casts of Greek and Roman antiquity located in an active student workspace. As with most museums, exhibits change. The gift store with its friendly proprietor, is as good as any I've been to. A beautifully curated collection, and after Thanksgiving, I believe everything is discounted 30% for the holidays.

I have been coming to events at OCJAC since 2014. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Wircberg are true assets to…read morethe local Jewish community.

What a great gallery in Philly. The space is very inviting. The art work was amazing. I…read moreparticularly liked the pastels by Linda Robinson

This store is huge and has a great variety of both new and used books, dvds, clothes, and more. It…read moreis definitely heavier on the books than anything else, but if you keep walking around the store you'll find new things everywhere you go. They have a heavy focus on LGBTQ+ options, which can be really hard to find elsewhere! The people working were very kind and friendly and the prices were actually pretty good as well. It's a cute place that feels like an old house and I recommend even just to look around.

Quirky queer bookstore with a great selection of both used and new books covering a wide variety of…read moretopics. There are plenty of community resources at the front of the store, as well as some thrifted clothes. Books are fairly priced, clothes are fairly expensive. Limited seating, but all very cozy if you can snag a spot. Unfortunately there are no bathrooms. The shop is 3 stories tall, each story with a unique vibe. Excellent customer service and employees give great recommendations!

This is another fun gallery to go to when doing First Friday in Old City. the only flaw to it…read morehowever is the fact that it's on the second floor of a building and it has the worst set of thin stairs to climb before you get there. it can also be pretty small and packs up fairly quickly. But once you overcome these burdens you will come across some exceptionally diverse pieces of art. It mostly has graffiti style art, or styles that come pretty close to it. But it also has a good and inexpensive jewelry table on most occasions, as well as a DJ. And if you come early enough you may very well find a good spread of vegetables, and boxes of wine!

Amazing glass and shop. Great items show pieces. Amazing local artists. The owner Pat is incredible…read moreand knowledgeable.

I found this cool and eclectic shop while roaming around downtown Mt Holly. I've always been…read moreinterested in glass art and I decided to see what they were all about. Along with glassblowing and other art classes there is some retail here as well. A small selection of vape items, a few cases with glass pipes, art, jewelry and beer glasses, all made by local artists. There is a bit of wall art, clothing and other things that don't quite fit into other categories. Lots to look at. I had a chance to speak with the glass artisan Devin who teaches the blowing classes. He is very passionate about his craft and I think would be a great teacher to learn from. He informed me that some people come with a specific product in mind that they'd like to learn how to make. While others just want to see what the experience is like and decide what to make as they learn more. Personally, I'd like to try to make a personalized beer goblet. But h can tailor the classes to whatever the student is looking to do. While there I had a chance to speak with one of the owners, Pat. He explained that pre Covid this was a spot where local artist people would come to hangout and talk, some of those people help run the shop and the art on display is their own. He's a super kind guy and I can see coming here just to shoot the breeze. I think a broader use of this shop is the glass classes. It could be a fun date day to come here first for a class then explore the town for food and libations, both of which have solid options here. Cool find