Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), located in Philadelphia, holds the distinction of being the first and oldest art museum and art school in the United States. Established in 1805, the academy was founded by a group of artists and business leaders, including notable figures such as painter and scientist Charles Willson Peale and sculptor William Rush. PAFA has gained international recognition for its museum, which boasts an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.

The academy's archives are a treasure trove of materials crucial for the study of American art history, museums, and art training. In terms of academic offerings, PAFA provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Fine Arts, certificate programs, and continuing education courses. However, it is noteworthy that by 2025, PAFA will cease to offer degrees, except for the bachelor's program in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania.

Throughout its history, PAFA has continuously collected works by leading American artists, including distinguished alumni and faculty members. This tradition persists today, with an ongoing commitment to acquiring and exhibiting works by modern and contemporary American artists. The academy's collection and exhibition programs maintain a balance between historical and contemporary art. Additionally, PAFA showcases annual displays of student works, along with exhibitions featuring contemporary regional artists.

Architecturally, the current PAFA building is a work of art in itself. Designed by the American architects Frank Furness and George Hewitt, the building is celebrated as one of the most magnificent Victorian structures in the country. Its unique façade is an eclectic mix of Second Empire, Renaissance Revival, and Gothic Revival styles, fused in a strikingly personal manner.

Notably, it was the first building in the United States specifically designed for the dual purpose of fine arts instruction and exhibition in a consolidated facility, marking a significant milestone in the history of American art education and preservation.