Philadelphia unveils groundbreaking art exhibits for America250

Philadelphia’s art will be in the spotlight when the city of brotherly love marks America’s birthday next year.

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), President and CEO Gregg Caren addressed the media and travel industry at IPW 2025 to highlight Philadelphia’s arts community.

The city is preparing for the nation’s 250th anniversary with a full slate of special events in 2026.

It includes groundbreaking new art exhibits.

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Middleton family will present the most expansive collection of American Art ever mounted in Philadelphia.

Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA), announced A Nation of Artists opening in April 2026, a dual-venue exhibition that will unite three comprehensive collections of American art.

This collection will feature more than 1,000 unique pieces on exhibit in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the country, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA).

The collection will be carefully divided across the two institutions for display.

At PAFA, the exhibition will highlight how American artists learn and develop. At the PMA, the exhibition will highlight the evolution of American identity and visual culture through art.

“What makes American art so powerful is not only where it was made, but who made it—and why,” said Sasha Suda, a native of Canada.

“A Nation of Artists will highlight the creative contributions of women, immigrants, Indigenous makers, self-taught artists, and academic painters alike.”

“We couldn’t be happier to partner with PAFA and the Middleton family on this once-in-a-generation exhibition.”

To enrich the collection, the majority owner of Philadelphia’s Major League baseball team, the Phillies, John S. Middleton and his family will contribute pieces from their private art collection that have never been seen by the public.

“This exhibition is for everyone,” said Middleton.

“As someone who believes in the power of storytelling to connect people, I’m thrilled to partner with these two storied institutions to share the works that have brought our family so much joy and inspiration.”

Muralist Meg Saligman to launch Ministry of Awe —a six-story immersive art experience housed within a 19th-century bank

Renowned muralist Meg Saligman has produced over 40 permanent public works worldwide, but her works in Philadelphia have been considered a catalyst for the contemporary mural movement.

At IPW, Saligman revealed new details about her latest project, Ministry of Awe, opening in 2026.

Housed in the former Manufacturer’s National Bank in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, Ministry of Awe will be a traversable, living work of art.

It spans six stories and over 8,500 square feet of interactive space, including immersive exhibits, live performances, and soundscapes for visitors to explore.

Ministry of Awe will also function as a hub for community participation with opportunities for visitors to engage with the space in a hands-on manner.

“We’re creating a living, walkable piece of art that’s deeply rooted in Philly’s rich history.”

Philadelphia is well-known to the world as the birthplace of American democracy, but audiences are now recognizing the city as a destination rich in history, walkable outdoor spaces, and now especially, arts and culture.

Philadelphia is home to some of the world’s finest museum collections as well as the largest collection of public and street art.

Mural Arts Philadelphia has helped created over 4,000 street murals in the city since 1984.

Art lovers visiting Philadelphia can also enjoy works throughout the city, both in museums and galleries and on public display in the neighborhoods.

In addition to the PMA and PAFA, the Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, and Calder Gardens (opening September 2025) are located within steps of one another on Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens in South Philadelphia, the various walking and bus tours offered by Mural Arts Philadelphia, and the hundreds of pieces of public art around the city, and the galleries dotting the neighborhoods allow visitors plenty of opportunities to connect with local and emerging artists s.

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