Philadelphia is a city with a rich history and culture, and its art scene is no exception. There are many great art galleries in Philadelphia, but one stands out above the rest. The best art gallery in Philadelphia is a must-visit for any art lover.
2024: Philadelphia Voted Barnes Foundation Best Art Gallery!
Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Boulevard
(215) 278-7000
barnesfoundation.org
The Barnes Foundation is one of the world’s greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern art. Locally referred to as The Barnes, this Philadelphia landmark helps to advance the education of fine arts and horticulture in our city. Dr. Albert C. Barnes founded The Barnes in 1922 to aid the progression of education and social justice. Dr. Barnes worked closely with Black communities to help keep art from being segregated like the rest of society at the time. Located on the Ben Franklin Parkway this is an easily accessible location for a visiting trailer on a museum tour or a local resident that wants to get a better understanding of art history with one of the world’s most impressive art collections.
2023: Philadelphia Voted Wonderspaces Best Art Gallery!
Wonderspaces
27 N 11th Street
(267) 424-2278 – philadelphia.wonderspaces.com
If you’re looking for a unique day or date night experience, checking out Wonderspaces on North 11th Street has to be on your list. The modern exhibition has a rotating cast of 16 different art installations as well as a full-service bar. It features an assortment of craft cocktails, wine, beer, assorted nonalcoholic beverages, and limited bar snacks to make your time at Wonderspaces more enjoyable. Current displays on view are light installations from the artist Squidsoup to the family-friendly exhibition called Body Paint. Wonderspaces is a fun activity for all ages.
2022: Philadelphia Voted Barnes Foundation Best Art Gallery!
Barnes Foundation
2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
(215) 278-7000 – barnesfoundation.org
Dr. Albert C. Barnes believed that art had the power to improve minds and transform lives. For more than 30 years, Barnes collected some of the world’s most important impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings, including works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. He displayed them alongside African masks, Native American jewelry, Greek antiquities, and decorative metalwork. Whether you’re there to take one of the foundation’s classes or just visiting to see diverse works of art, you’re sure to come out with a better appreciation for the arts. Visitors can pop in or visit the foundation’s website to plan their visit, or sign up for in-person or online courses.
2021: Philadelphia Voted The Clay Studio Best Art Gallery!
The Clay Studio
139 N 2nd St
(215) 925-3453 – theclaystudio.org
An exhilarating future is on the horizon, The Clay Studio plans to move to South Kensington in March 2022. The inauguration will feature Making Place Matter, an ambitious exhibition, symposium, and publication organized around the meanings of place in our contemporary social conversation. Founded in 1974, The Clay Studio is alive with classes and workshops focused on the art and craft of clay. Community is paramount to The Clay Studio hence their claymobile popup ceramics studio that travels to schools, organizations, and social service agencies anywhere in Philadelphia. The Clay Studio’s shop features handmade ceramics by nearly 150 artists across the U.S. including tableware, decorative objects d’art, jewelry, tiles, books, and boutique items. For a truly unique experience, come to The Clay Studio!
