La Salle University Art Museum: A Hidden Artistic Gem in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, peppered with world-class museums and art institutions. Among these treasures, the La Salle University Art Museum stands out as a captivating and often underappreciated destination for art lovers and curious tourists alike. Located at 1900 West Olney Avenue on the La Salle University campus, this museum offers an exquisite collection that spans centuries and continents, embracing diverse media and artistic traditions. With free admission, it is an accessible and welcoming space for locals, students, and visitors eager to explore an intimate yet rich museum experience.

A Unique University Museum Experience

Founded in 1936, La Salle University Art Museum combines educational mission with cultural preservation, aiming to foster engagement with art through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. The museum’s goal is to be a dynamic center for learning and inspiration, supporting the university’s academic life while also serving the broader community.

Set within Hayman Hall, the museum’s galleries are designed to facilitate thoughtful encounters with art, offering visitors a rare chance to see works that might otherwise be overlooked in larger institutions. Its size allows for an intimate viewing experience with friendly, knowledgeable staff always ready to assist.

Diverse Collections: From Renaissance to Contemporary

The collection is deeply varied, encompassing European and American paintings, sculpture, African and Oceanic artifacts, Japanese woodblock prints, and contemporary works. Key highlights include:

• European Old Master Paintings and Sculpture: Featuring exquisite oil paintings and delicate sculptures from the Renaissance through the 18th century. A particular strength is the collection of religious artworks that reflect cultural and artistic transitions, such as Niccolò Pisano’s “Holy Family With Saint Scholastica” and works by Joaquín Sorolla, a Spanish master of light and color.
• American Art: The museum showcases important American artists such as William Glackens and Henry Ossawa Tanner, whose work offers insights into both impressionist influences and African American contributions to mainstream art.
• Asian Art and Prints: The museum boasts a remarkable array of Japanese woodblock prints, Chinese ceramics, and artifacts, representing the university’s commitment to a global vision of art history.
• Contemporary and African-Carved Works: Ranging from innovative mixed media to traditional African sculpture, the collection contrasts and complements classical works with modern global perspectives.

Engaging Exhibits and Educational Outreach

La Salle University Art Museum hosts rotating special exhibitions that provide fresh and thought-provoking thematic explorations—ranging from the connections between Eastern and Western art to focused shows on contemporary artists engaging global issues.

Educational programs include lectures, gallery talks, workshops, and collaborations with the university’s academic departments. These activities create opportunities for visitors to deepen their appreciation of art history while connecting it to current cultural dialogues and social issues.

Why Visit La Salle University Art Museum?

• Free Access: Visitors can enjoy high-quality museum experiences at no cost, a rarity among university-affiliated museums.
• Intimate Viewing Experience: Smaller crowds ensure a peaceful and personal encounter with art.
• Educational and Community Focus: Programs and exhibitions foster learning for people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Diverse Artworks: The blend of classical and contemporary, global and local, offers something fresh and engaging for repeat visitors.

Complementary Philadelphia Museums for a Full Cultural Itinerary

Your visit to the La Salle University Art Museum is a gateway to exploring Philadelphia’s rich and diverse museum ecosystem. Consider pairing your visit with these exceptional cultural landmarks nearby:

• The natural wonders of the Academy of Natural Sciences
• African American history and culture at the African American Museum in Philadelphia
• World-renowned art collections at the Barnes Foundation
• Interactive science at the Franklin Institute
• Majestic sculptures at the Rodin Museum
• Early American history at the Betsy Ross House
• Scientific history at the Wagner Free Institute of Science
• American art and local culture at the Woodmere Art Museum
• Visit New York’s oldest house at the Wyckoff House Museum
• Global history and archaeology at the Penn Museum
• Rare books and literary treasures at the Rosenbach Museum & Library
• Science heritage at the Science History Institute
• Firefighting heritage at the Fireman’s Hall Museum

A Cultural Treasure in Philadelphia’s Educational Landscape

The La Salle University Art Museum offers tourists an opportunity to engage with a remarkable array of visual art spanning centuries and cultures in an intimate environment dedicated to education and community. Its free admission policy and welcoming atmosphere make it an outstanding destination for families, students, scholars, and art lovers.

Combine your visit with stops at Philadelphia’s leading museums and historic sites to receive a richly layered cultural experience reflecting the city’s deep and diverse heritage.

Plan your visit today to discover the artistic treasures and educational programs offered by the La Salle University Art Museum—an enriching highlight of Philadelphia’s museum district.

Plan Your Visit – La Salle University Art Museum

• Name: La Salle University Art Museum

• Address: 1900 West Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141

• Phone Number: 215-951-1221

• Email Address: artmuseum@lasalle.edu

• Map Location: Google Maps – La Salle University Art Museum

• Ticket Information: Admission is free to the public

• General Admission Information: Open Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., hours may vary during summer and holidays; visits by appointment are recommended for groups

• Accessibility Information: The museum is wheelchair accessible; please contact in advance for accommodations or special requests

• Additional Visitor Notes: The museum houses a permanent collection with works from the Renaissance to contemporary art, including European, American, and non-Western art. It is a significant educational resource for La Salle University and the Philadelphia community, offering guided tours, exhibitions, and student programs