Exhibition Tours: A Nation of Artists

The Nation of Artists tour explores the diverse narratives of American art and identity throughout the newly restored Historic Landmark Building. Led by experienced docents, the tour examines the internationalism and global exchange of American art while also highlighting works from the 18th century to the modern day which feature American artists responding to the social conditions of their time.
Organized in conjunction with America's 250th anniversary, A Nation of Artists examines how artistic production in the United States has been shaped by creativity, exchange, expansion, conflict, and innovation. At PAFA, works made from the late 18th century to today will be arranged thematically to explore scenes of westward expansion, the rise of industry, and international exchange.
Installed throughout PAFA's recently restored Historic Landmark Building, the exhibition will chart America's history from 1700 to the present day thorough more than 1,000 paintings, photographs, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. Across PAFA and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, more than 120 rarely seen works from the Middleton Family Collection—one of the nation's most significant private holdings of American art—will be on public view for the first time.