Art & Art History

Though known throughout the world as the preeminent post-modernist collection, many students may not know that it is FREE ADMISSION to students except on weekends.

Fonthill is considered by many people to be one of the finest works of art in America. Located in Doylestown PA it is the home-made castle of Henry Mercer, the tile manufacturer and amateur archaeologist. As an artist you will find much to inspire you, least of all his DIY spirit. The Mercer Museum is also very interesting for design students. Mercer collected objects of daily life from before the industrial revolution.
Ceramics and art history students will enjoy visiting the Moravian Tile Works, next door to Fonthill castle, where tiles are still being made by hand in the Mercer style.

Pride and joy of Philadelphia. Preview some of their displayed and hidden collections here.
The museum has a "pay what you wish" on the first Sunday of every month. The PMA library is across the street in the annex is free at all times, it makes sense to call for ahead.

The Penn Museum is where you can steep yourself in world cultures and archaeology. Digital collections of hidden and displayed collections can be found here: https://www.penn.museum/collections/

The building was designed by Philadelphia's most famous architect Frank Furness, and the school produced Thomas Eakins and many other great Philadelphia artists. The Museum is relatively small but worth at least one visit, especially if there is a special exhibit going on. (Don't miss the sculptures in the alley between the buildings)

The Rosenbach is the rare book museum of Philadelphia, and it holds first editions of many important authors. This museum may be of interest to graphic design students. It is in the mansion of the Rosenbach brothers, so interesting to visit. On certain open house days, docents will put rare first editions in your gloved hands.
Hidden collections here: https://www.rosenbach.org/learn/collections