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Techné

Immerse yourself in contemporary craft at exclusive events, talks, and behind-the-scenes tours.

Printed Textile, 2015-16, made by Vlisco

Overview

Join fellow collectors and enthusiasts who share your passion for ceramics, glass, fiber and textiles, metal, and woodwork from around the world at events held virtually and in person.

Membership contributions fund Techné activities and support a variety of craft-related programs at the museum. Support the next generation of craft by joining Techné.

An interdepartmental team representing American art, contemporary art, costume and textiles, East Asian art, European decorative arts, and South Asian art provides curatorial oversight. Elisabeth Agro, Nancy M. McNeil Curator of American Modern and Contemporary Crafts and Decorative Arts, leads the team.

Three museum members talking and laughing together outside in the Rodin Garden

Events

Every year, Techné members explore the world of craft together through exclusive programming. You can look forward to invitations to events like these:

Studio Visits
Visit the workspaces of contemporary artists and local makerspaces, accompanied by museum curators.

Explore Exhibitions & Installations
Join museum curators and conservators to explore exhibitions and installations that feature craft. Recent shows include Off the Wall: American Art to Wear; Kōgei: Art Craft Japan; and New Grit: Art & Philly Now.

Creator Conversations
Explore the world of contemporary craft through in-depth conversations with artisans and scholars, and engage in a dialogue around the past, present, and future of international craft.

Day Trips
Spend a day exploring our curators’ handpicked selection of the best exhibitions and art spots up and down the East Coast.


Visitors looking at art in the exhibition Off the Wall: American Art to Wear

Join Techné

Become a Techné member at the $500 level or a Techné Benefactor at $1,000. Membership in Techné is available exclusively to members of the museum.

Bō II (Full Moon II), 2003, by Fukami Sueharu

Founding Members

The museum gratefully acknowledges Techné members’ generous contributions to the Techné endowment fund with recognition as Founding Members. The fund ensures the continued strength, vitality, and prominence of craft at the museum in perpetuity, and we are proud to welcome new Founding Members who help support these efforts.

Founding Members

  • Maude de Schauensee
  • Helen W. Drutt English and H. Peter Stern*
  • Joan M. and Victor L.* Johnson
  • Mrs. Robert L. McNeil, Jr.
  • The Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Martin J. Zeldin

*deceased