Communications Strategy and Media Relations for Philadelphia's premier institution for interpreting the art and culture of the region
Housed in a 19th-century stone Victorian mansion on six acres in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Woodmere first opened its doors to the public in 1940. The building, grounds and the nucleus of the Permanent Collection are the benefactions of Charles Knox Smith (1845 – 1916), who wished “to awaken the spirit of, the appreciation of, and the knowledge of art … in the City of Philadelphia and surrounding territory.” Today, the Permanent Collection consists of more than 3,000 works of art, celebrating the art and artists of Philadelphia.
Woodmere’s core collection includes important paintings by renowned artists such as Edward Redfield, Daniel Garber, Walter E. Schofield, Benjamin West, Frederic Edwin Church, Violet Oakley, Arthur B. Carles and many more. Woodmere’s nine galleries and salons, including a grand rotunda and a uniquely designated Helen Millard Children’s Gallery, provide space for exhibitions and programs that serve the entire family. In the George D. Widener Studio, a converted carriage house, a year-round roster of classes provides outstanding art training to children and adults. The recent addition of the Children’s Garden provides participants of Woodmere’s Summer Arts Community Program with outdoor space to display and enjoy works of art. The Helen Millard Children’s Gallery also showcases exhibitions of student artwork from local schools.
Visitor Information
Woodmere Art Museum
9201 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Corner of Germantown Avenue and Bells Mill Road in Chestnut Hill
Admission: Special exhibitions are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, FREE for students, children and members. Related programs and events are FREE, unless otherwise noted.
Accessible by public transportation: From Center City Philadelphia, take the R8 Chestnut Hill West regional rail train to the end of the line. Turn left on Germantown Avenue and walk for .8 miles to Woodmere. For detailed driving directions, click HERE.
PHILADELPHIA — Woodmere Art Museum, Philadelphia’s premier institution for interpreting the art and culture of the Philadelphia region, presents FORCEOFNATURE, a series oftwo interrelated exhibitions: Elaine Kurtz: A Retrospective celebrates the Philadelphia-born artist’s geometric abstract works and her nature-based abstractions, some of which are ethereal and atmospheric, while others are densely tactile, made of mud, sand and pulverized minerals.
Every museum houses a collection that defines it, and for Chestnut Hill’s Woodmere Art Museum, that collection has been mostly hidden for many years. Still in his first year as director, Bill Valerio wanted to recreate both the Founder’s Room and the Parlor at the museum, reintroducing the public to some of the museums greatest works of art in a new setting.
“The idea is to show great works of art that haven’t been on view in a while in a way that allows people to have an experience,” Valerio said.
