Philadelphia Museum of Art: Exterior Views

Above photos: The main entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
(photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

My guidebook reveals that the Philadelphia Museum of Art, founded in 1876, is the city's most prominent museum attracting major exhibitions and a showcase for works spanning over 2,000 years in more than 200 galleries.

However upon finally reaching the northwest point of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, I chose to admire the massive building that houses the vast collections of art. Echoing the design of a Greek temple, the museum is nicknamed the "Parthenon on the Parkway." The building dominates the landscape and covers the 10 acres. The colored stone of the facade is of Minnesota dolomite and the pediment above the main entrance is adorned with sculptures depicting Greek gods and goddesses executed with brilliant colors.

Visit philamuseum.org for more information. Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; select galleries open until 8:45pm on Friday evenings. Admission: Adults, $16; Seniors (ages 65 & over), $14; Students (with valid ID), $12). First Sunday of each month: Pay what you wish all day.

The west wing of the museum viewed from the main entrance.

The west (or rear) entrance of the museum.

View of the Benjamin Franklin parkway from the museum's steps.

The plaza that fronts the main entrance.

The famous "Rocky" steps.

Fronting the museum is Eakins Oval where stands the Washington
Monument Fountain.

The museum is nicknamed the "Parthenon on the Parkway"