The Academy of the Fine Arts is housed in Philadelphia’s celebrated Frank Furness-designed Historic Landmark building, an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Its 11 galleries boast rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of around 16,000 paintings, drawings, and sculptures by a wide range of American artists, including pieces by Charles Willson Peale, its founder.
Visit the Academy independently or, if you’re after city-wide sightseeing, take one of the Philadelphia hop-on hop-off bus tours that stop close by. Alternatively, purchase a Go Philadelphia Explorer or other city sightseeing pass that includes complimentary or discounted admission to the academy and other sights. Travelers wanting to get their bearings—or needing an overview of the city’s attractions—might want to consider options such as Segway or mobile-app tours that pause outside the Academy to admire its architecture and learn about its history.