Visitors to the Philadelphia Museum of Art this fall will be presented with a wide variety of choice experiences. While they explore the vast collection and ground-breaking exhibitions, visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in dozens of public programs, including performances, films, family activities, lectures, workshops and special courses. During the 2008 fall season, the Education department will present a medley of offerings in conjunction with three special exhibitions that focus on self-taught artists and vernacular art. The department will also debut its greatly expanded film and video lineup — including a new “Film in Perelman” program on “Second Sundays” — and continue such perennial favorites as its 45-minute gallery “Spotlight Talks” and weekly family-friendly “Drawing Together” in the galleries.
- SPECIAL CELEBRATION
Gee’s Bend Opening Night, Thursday, September 11, 6 – 9 p.m.
Great Stair Hall
$20, includes Museum admission
This lively evening celebrates the opening of Gee’s Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt with a light reception and an opportunity to preview the exhibition and meet some of the quilters. Call (215) 235-SHOW (7469) to reserve tickets and for additional event information.
- FILM AND VIDEO
The Museum welcomes movie lovers for special screenings of films and documentaries.
Film in Perelman, second Sunday of each month, 2 p.m.
Perelman Media Room, ground floor
$30 for all five programs ($24 for members), $7 single tickets ($5 for members).
Tickets are required
Visitors may treat themselves to lunch in the Perelman café, then take in some film. The new series explores the intersections between life and art through films by and about artists, many selected from the Museum of Modern Art’s archives.
- September 14 (in celebration of the Calder Jewelry exhibition)
Calder’s Circus (1961, 18 min.)
Alexander Calder: Calder’s Universe (1999, 30 min.)
Brancusi Retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum (1969, 22 min.)
- October 12
Open Score (2007, 35 min.)
Anna Russell Jones: Praisesong for a Pioneering Spirit (1993, 25 min.)
- November 9
Liliana Porter: Fragments of the Journey (1993, 27 min.)
Art in the Stations: Detroit People Mover (1989, 29 min.)
- December 14
African American Artists Speak: Civil Rights (1989, 29 min.)
Art in the Public Eye: The Making of Dark Star Park (1988, 33 min.)
- January 11
Animated Self Portraits (1989, 8 min.)
Meaders Family: The North Georgia Potters (2003, 30 min.)
Cindy Sherman – An Interview (1981, 10 min.)
- Amistad (1997)
Screening and talk with John C. Van Horn, Director of the Library Company of Philadelphia, Saturday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m.,
$2 after Museum admission (free for members).
Screening only, Sunday, Nov. 9, 1 p.m.
Free after Museum admission.
The Museum co-presents this special screening with the Library Company of Philadelphia to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of international slave trade. This Steven Spielberg film starring Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins explores the 1839 mutiny aboard a slave ship in the Caribbean, and the U.S. District Court case to decide the fate of the slaves.
- Shadow of a House (2007)
Screening followed by conversation with Philadelphia filmmaker Allie Humenuk, Friday, December 5, 6 p.m.
This intimate portrait of Cuban-American photographer Abelardo Morell explores his personal struggles with loss and exile, and the strong will that enabled him to unite the past with the present, and memory with desire.
Funded by the Irma and Herbert Barness Endowed Lecture Fund.
Film for All
Van Pelt Auditorium
Tickets required. Free after Museum admission, unless otherwise noted.
This ongoing program focuses on important artists, movements, themes or historical events highlighted in the world of film.
Live Cinema, October 3, 2008 through January 3, 2009
Gallery 178, Main Building
Free after Museum admission.
Conversation with the artist and curator Carlos Basualdo
October 3, 6 p.m.
Seminar Room
This latest in the Live Cinema series focuses on the video work of Italian artist Anita Sieff. Inspired by filmmakers Ingmar Bergman, Jean-Luc Godard and Luchino Visconti, Sieff explores human interaction through several non-linear narratives.
- September 14 (in celebration of the Calder Jewelry exhibition)
- FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The Museum invites families and children to participate in programs designed specifically with young visitors in mind, including performances, gallery tours and projects to help families enjoy art together.
All family events are free after Museum admission, which is “pay what you wish” on Sundays.
Arms and Armor Family Event, Sunday, October 12
Visitors will travel back to the medieval world of knights and castles to learn the weighty challenge of wearing a full suit of armor, and with age-old blacksmithing from a modern-day practitioner. Families will then forge their own medieval take-home crafts and sketch in the Museum’s arms and armor galleries.
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Make and Take Workshop
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Blacksmith demonstration
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Armory demonstrations with historian Paul Newman
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Drawing Together in the Arms and Armor Galleries
A Quilt Extravaganza!, Sunday, November 9
Quilts will be created right before visitors’ eyes, and the spirited and energetic Freedom Choir of Philadelphia will perform traditional gospel, folk and original songs. Visitors will also be inspired by drawing in the Museum’s galleries and make crafts in the Great Stair Hall balcony.
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Make and Take Workshop
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Quilting Circle Demonstrations
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Freedom Choir of Philadelphia performances
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Drawing Together
Early America Family Event, Sunday, December 7
This fun-filled day of activities celebrates the special exhibition Thomas Chambers (1808-1869): American Marine and Landscape Painter. Highlights include early American dancing in period costumes and local artists demonstrating wool spinning and chair making.
This event is partially sponsored by RBC Wealth Management.
10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Make and Take Workshop
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Artist demonstrations
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.: Performance by the Germantown Country Dancers
12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Drawing Together in the American galleries
The Museum also offers art classes and audio tours for children, as well as several ongoing weekly programs, including:
Drawing Together (all ages): All family members are welcome to try their hand in the Museum galleries with help from an artist who provides drawing materials and lots of encouragement. 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Early Bird Read and Look (ages 3-5): Preschoolers and parents enjoy picture books and craft projects in Museum galleries. 10:15 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tours for Tots (ages 3-5): Movement, play, and hands-on activities make up this fun tour designed especially for preschoolers and their parents. 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Family Gallery Tour (ages 6–10): Children and their parents explore themes and discover works of art in the galleries. 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Medieval Craft Demonstrations (all ages): Staff members demonstrate ancient techniques and share fun facts about panel painting, armor, and more. 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- CONVERSATIONS, LECTURES AND SYMPOSIA
Distinguished lecturers from the Museum staff and the local, national and international academic communities help visitors explore topics related to the Museum’s collections and current exhibitions.
Alternative American Art Worlds, Saturday, November 15, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (registration begins at 9 a.m.)
Van Pelt Auditorium
$50 ($40 for members, $25 for students) includes a box lunch
An exploration of issues and themes that link artists James Castle and Thomas Chambers with the quilters of Gee’s Bend (also the subjects of special exhibitions this fall). All of these self-taught artists, who have existed outside the mainstream art word, are seen in a new light at the Museum.
Is Art Worth a Life? Hitler, War and the Monuments of Men
Sunday, November 23, 3 p.m.
Van Pelt Auditorium
Free after Museum admission
Attendees will learn about the documentary The Rape of Europa from co-producer Robert M. Edsel, also the author of Rescuing Da Vinci. He will share anecdotes about the “Monuments Men” who returned millions of cultural items seized the Nazis during the Second World War.
- CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES
For almost 50 years, the Museum has collaborated with distinguished musicians for concerts and performances inspired by the Museum collections and exhibitions, uniting the visual and performing arts.
Concerts on Fairmount
The Sacred Sounds of Philadelphia: Philadelphia Choirs Sing the Sacred Songs of Gee’s BendComplementing the Gee’s Bend special exhibition, the Museum presents Sunday concerts of inspirational music.
- St. Thomas Gospel Choir of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Sunday, November 2, 3 p.m.
Great Stair Hall
Free after Museum admission
- The Bright Hope Baptist Church Celestial Choir, Sunday, December 14, 3 p.m.
Great Stair Hall
Free after Museum admission
- The Philadelphia Orchestra Connection
Members of the Philadelphia Orchestra explore the link between visual arts and music. These concerts include commentary by the musicians related to the permanent collections or a special exhibition.
Van Pelt Auditorium
$20 ($16 members)
Che-Hung Chen and Friends, Sunday, November 16, 2:30 p.m.
Wister Quartet, Sunday, January 18, 2:30 p.m.
Jeffrey Khaner, Sunday, April 19, 2:30 p.m.
Music in the Galleries with The Curtis Institute of MusicThe Museum continues its association with accomplished musicians from the Curtis Institute of Music. Duos and chamber ensembles present informal concerts in designated Museum galleries one Saturday each month at 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Free after Museum admission
String Duo, October 4 in the Rodin Museum
String Trio, November 1 in Gallery 277
String Quartet, December 13 in Gallery 299
Solo Piano, January 10 in the Great Stair Hall
String Duo, February 7 in Gallery 279
String Trio, March 14 in Gallery 206
Woodwind Quintet, April 4 in Gallery 155
String Duo, May 9 in the Perelman Building Skylit Galleria - St. Thomas Gospel Choir of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Sunday, November 2, 3 p.m.
- SPOTLIGHT TALKS
Museum educators and graduate students from Temple University offer 45-minute gallery talks focusing on the Museum’s rich resources. This program offers stimulating discussion and an in-depth look at masterpieces.
Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m.
Departs from the Diego Rivera mural Sugar Cane near the Balcony Shop
Wistarburgh Glass Collection, October 2 and 3
Portrait of Edward Aisquith, October 9 and 10
Tapestry showing the Lamentation, October 16 and 17
Fireplace, October 23 and 24
Courtyard in Venice, October 30 and 31
The Crucifixion, November 6 and 7
Doorway in Tangier, November 13 and 14
The Mass of Saint Gregory, November 20 and 21
Cigar Store Indian, December 4 and 5
Chair designed by Peter Behrens, December 11 and 12
Curator’s Choice, December 18 and 19
Chest-on-Chest, January 8 and 9
- FAIRMOUNT PARK HOUSES
The Museum oversees two of Fairmount Park’s historic 18th- and early 19th-century historic houses, which originally served as rural retreats for prominent wealthy families. Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove illuminate the styles, furnishings and domestic lives of early Americans, and regularly offer events and celebrations. Houses are open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for drop-in visits as well as scheduled group and school tours. (Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children ages 6-12. Museum members free except during holiday tours.) Visit www.fairmountparkhouses.org for visitor information.
Philomel Baroque in Concert at Mount Pleasant, Sunday, September 28, 2:30 p.m.
Mount Pleasant in Fairmount Park $20 ($16 members)
In this intimate, salon-style concert, soloists Elissa Beradi (flute and recorder), Vivian Barton Dozor (cello) and Bruce Bekker (harpsichord) will fuse virtuosic chamber music with lively traditional melodies, popular tunes and informal commentary.
A Child’s Life family tours, Saturdays, November 1 – 22, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Cedar Grove in Fairmount Park
Free after admission. Reservations required.
Children will delight in these interactive, hands-on tours of Fairmount Park’s cozy colonial house. Cedar Grove, which was used by five generations of the same family, will spark children’s imaginations about an era before electricity and household conveniences. Child-focused activities will include sewing and manners demonstrations, as well as touchable mystery objects in the kitchen.
Holiday Tours, Wednesdays – Sundays, December 3 – 14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cedar Grove, Mount Pleasant, Laurel Hill, Lemon Hill and Woodford
$5 adults, $3 seniors, $2 children ages 6-12
These yuletide tours offer visitors the sights, sounds and stories of early American holiday celebrations in the incomparable settings of the historic homes of Fairmount Park.
- WORKSHOPS AND BOOK DISCUSSIONS
The Museum offers a wide array of workshops, a great way to meet new people and broaden horizons.
Quilt Your Heart Out: The Art of Quilting, Sunday, September 28 or Sunday, Oct. 5, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Museum studios
$85 nonmembers ($68 members), $35 materials fee, scholarships available.
Enrollment limited.
Philadelphia artists and quilters Emily Richardson and Christina Johnson lead this day-long workshop, which begins with the Gee’s Bend exhibition and includes demonstrations on design, texture, color and pattern. Learn various approaches to creating contemporary quilts while creating a small quilt of one’s own. Open to those 16 and older. Fabrics provided. Experience with sewing machines is suggested. Bring your own, or the Museum will supply one if you request one at the time of registration. Participants will receive a supply list in advance.
Fantastical Volumes: Making Your Own Books, Sunday, October 26 or Sunday, December 7, morning session: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., afternoon session: 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Museum studios
$25 ($20 members). Enrollment limited.
Inspired by the special exhibition James Castle: A Retrospective and led by artists from the Philadelphia Center for the Book, this course celebrates the art of book making from found materials of all sorts, including leaflets, rubber stamps or cereal boxes.
How to Love Your Stuff: Caring for Textiles, Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Perelman Media Room
$25 ($20 members). Enrollment limited.
The first in a new series of workshops about cherishing the things we own, this session with Sara Reiter, Conservator of Costume and Textiles, reveals how to care for prized textiles, including the best practices for storage, handling and display.
Book Group: The Tale of Genji, Sunday, October 12, 1 – 4 p.m.
Perelman Building
$25 ($20 members)
An exploration of what many consider the world’s first novel, written a thousand years ago by a Japanese courtier. The session opens with an hour-long illustrated lecture on the art and culture of Lady Murasaki’s world and concludes with a two-hour participatory discussion.
- ART HISTORY COURSES
In these courses, participants gain further insight into their favorite subjects and share their own observations with other art lovers.
Andrea Palladio and the Art of the Venetian Republic
Van Pelt Auditorium
$100 ($80 members)
This course investigates Venetian art from its Byzantine beginnings through the end of the 16th century, paying special attention to the architecture of Andrea Palladio in both the city itself and on the mainland, including in Padua, Vicenza, Verona and Ravenna.
Thursdays: 4 sessions, October 2, 16, 23 and 30, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Saturdays: 2 sessions, October 11 and 25, 9:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Looking for Answers: Decoding Abstract Painting Perelman Media Room
$100 ($80 members)
A survey of the signature styles of 20th-century painters Arshile Gorky, Mark Rothko, Piet Mondrian and Wassily Kandinsky, whose works encourage viewers to see something unique, and at the same time presents them with the challenge of deciphering what they see.
Thursdays: 4 sessions, October 2, 16, 23 and 30, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 2 sessions, October 11 and 25, 1:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Gotta Make It! Van Pelt Auditorium
$100 ($80 members)
Presented to coincide with exhibitions on Thomas Chambers, James Castle and the quilters of Gee’s Bend, this course explores issues relating to art produced outside the mainstream..
Thursdays: 4 sessions, November 6, 13, 20 and December 4, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturdays: 2 sessions, November 8 and December 6, 9:30-11:45 a.m.
Town and Country: Focus on the City and Nature
Perelman Media Room
$100 ($80 members)
This course examines themes of “city” and “nature” that are central Realist, Post Impressionist, Ashcan and Precisionist art, and underscores the tension between the “urban” and “rural.”
Thursdays: 4 sessions, November 6, 13, 20 and December 4, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 2 sessions, November 8 and December 6, 1:30 – 3:45 p.m. - MUSEUM TOURS
Visitors can choose from a number of guided and self-guided tour options when exploring the Museum’s collection.
Guided ToursThe Museum offers several guided tours every day, which are free after paid general admission. All tours last approximately one hour and start at the West Entrance Information Desk unless otherwise noted.
Self-Guided ToursThe Museum offers several self-guided audio tours for visitors to enjoy the collections at their own pace. A $5 rental charge includes equipment and six audio tours. Additional tours may also be available throughout the year as part of selected Museum exhibitions. Tours include Museum Highlights, Arms and Amor, Modern and Contemporary Art, and the American Art Kids Tour.
Cell Phone ToursArtwork included in the self-guided audio tours is also available via cell phone by calling (215) 525-1673.
PodcastsThe Museum offers self-guided audio tours as well as lectures and exhibition minutes for free download via podcast at www.philamuseum.org/podcast.
PLEASE NOTE:
To learn more or register for the Museum’s adult programs, call (215) 235-SHOW (7469) or visit the museum website at www.philamuseum.org.
To learn more about family and children’s programs, contact the Division of Education at (215) 684-7580 or educate@philamuseum.org.
Members of the press who would like additional information and assistance or would like to schedule interviews should call the media relations department at (215) 684-7864.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the largest museums in the United States, with a collection of more than 227,000 works of art and more than 200 galleries presenting painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, decorative arts, textiles, and architectural settings from Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Its facilities include its landmark Main Building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Perelman Building, located nearby on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Rodin Museum on the 2200 block of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and two 18th-century houses in Fairmount Park, Mount Pleasant and Cedar Grove. The Museum offers a wide variety of activities for public audiences, including special exhibitions, programs for children and families, lectures, concerts and films.
For additional information, contact the Marketing and Communications Department of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at (215) 684-7860. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at 26th Street. For general information, call (215) 763-8100, or visit the Museum's website at www.philamuseum.org.
