Atlantic County Library System, Ventnor Branch

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is the oldest and one of the most highly regarded art schools in the world. Its museum with priceless collections makes for a stunning museum experience. PAFA is how the locals refer to it. It was founded in 1805 by artist Charles Willson Peale and sculptor William Rush along with other artists and business leaders. It is truly a must see for all art lovers from around the world.Best and worst times to go to at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts:The best time to visit the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is on a Wednesday. The museum is open until 9 p.m. and they offer a special event every Wednesday evening through the 'Art in Progress' program.The worst time to visit the museum is a weekend. PAFA is located directly across the street from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Each Saturday and Sunday extremely large crowds and buses will fill up the parking lots and streets meters.Must see/do at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts:Visitors must see the breath-taking, famous painting entitled Portrait of Dr. Samuel Gross (The Gross Clinic) by American artist Thomas Eakins from 1875. It is part of their permanent collection, and it is a rather large (96 x 78 ½) in oil on canvas.The eclectic museum shop Portfolio is a delightful shopping experience. It features funky, handcrafted items, jewelry, clothing, cards and books all selected to reflect the collection and teachings of PAFA.Make an appointment to visit the archives. Visitors need to follow specific instructions to request an archive appointment since the tours only take place on Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. All the information needed can be found on the archive website.Admission to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts:The museum is closed on Mondays. Admission is general and exhibition prices. They break out the ticket prices by age and by group tours. Members are admitted for free. PAFA has two buildings. PAFA's Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building is located at 128 North Broad Street, and the Historic Landmark Building is located next door at 118 North Broad Street.Parking /public transit for The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine ArtsDiscounted visitor parking is available at the Parkway Corporation Garage at the southwest corner of Broad and Race streets, and at their outdoor lot at the northeast corner of 15th and Cherry Streets. Be sure and get your ticket validated before you leave PAFA. For Public Transit the easiest choice is to take the Broad Street line to the Race/Vine stop. Exit the station on Race and Broad streets. Walk one block south (toward City Hall) on Broad Street. PAFA is at the corner of Broad and Cherry streets.Food at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine ArtsTableau, PAFA's full-service cafe, serves fresh baked goods, hot and cold beverages, soups, salads, sandwiches and snacks, along with a rotating seasonal selection of local beers and wine. It is located in the Hamilton Building and is open on Mondays until 2 p.m. even though the museum is closed on Mondays. All other times vary throughout the week with Wednesday being its latest closing at 8 p.m.Insider tip to visitors to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts:For visitors with children, many people don't realize the enormous community education program that PAFA has established. And the children and parents do not have to be from Philadelphia to partake in certain community events. When planning your trip, be sure to check the community education website for updated class and workshop calendars.Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist for 20 years.