Philadelphia Museum of Art - Information : Press Room : Press Releases : 2009

August 19th, 2009

Art Museum’s Young Friends Host 'From The Garden To The Galleria'

The Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a lively group of young professionals and art enthusiasts, are pleased to announce their 18th-annual Rodin Garden Party, scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2009. As the Rodin Museum’s garden and exterior is currently undergoing renovation, this year’s celebration will travel up the Parkway to the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building. More than 400 guests are expected to attend this consistently sold-out party, which welcomes autumn from the ultramodern interiors of the Perelman Building’s Skylit Galleria. Funds raised through this event support the Young Friends’ mission of art acquisitions, conservation, and preservation of works in the collections, as well as education and outreach programming.

For those who prefer to travel First Class, V.I.P. tickets will be available that include a private tour of Common Ground: Eight Philadelphia Photographers in the 1960s and 1970s with curator Peter Barberie. First class ticketholders will also enjoy a pre-party starting at 6 p.m., as well as an exclusive V.I.P. lounge including a private bar, artisanal desserts, and many other luxury surprises. V.I.P. tickets are $60 for Young Friend members and $75 for non-members and guests.

Cool and breezy summer cocktail attire is encouraged. The evening includes an open bar, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a raffle. The main party kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and runs until 9:00 p.m. Visit philamuseum.org/youngfriends, or call (215) 235-SHOW to reserve tickets. Advance tickets are $35 for Young Friends, $50 for non-members and guests (and must be purchased prior to August 28th). Groups of four or more may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $45 per person. Tickets purchased after August 28th or at the door are $60 for non members and guests.

The 2009 Rodin Garden Party is sponsored by Freeman's Auctioneers, and Heather Hauser and Julius M. Steiner, Esq. In-kind donors include Codify Design Studio, Di Bruno Bros., D.i.D., Lauren Schwarz Photography, Philadelphia Brewing Co, The Prime Rib, Teleflora, Water Works Restaurant and Lounge, and the Young Friends’ official wine sponsor is Barefoot Wine.

For more information about the Young Friends program, visit philamuseum.org/youngfriends or call the Young Friends at (215) 684-7820.

About the Young Friends
The Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a dynamic group of professionals that supports Museum initiatives. The group provides young people (aged 21 to 45) in the Greater Philadelphia area with a forum to participate in a variety of educational and social activities through special access to the Museum’s collections and a consistent mission to enhance art appreciation. Funds raised through the group’s activities are used to support conservation and preservation of the collections, educational programming and international special exhibitions. Museum membership at the individual level ($65) or higher is required to add on Young Friends benefits ($50). Social events sponsored by Young Friends include the annual Winter Gala held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the annual Rodin Party held in the fall at the Rodin Museum, the annual Holiday Party, private tours of the Museum’s galleries, previews of special exhibitions, First Friday gatherings held in Old City locations, and much more.

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.