The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and the Middleton Family Present a Landmark Exhibition of American Art Celebrating the Nation’s 250th Anniversary

By | June 17, 2025

Two of America’s most esteemed cultural institutions—the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA)—today announced A Nation of Artists, a historic collaboration with the private Middleton Family Collection that will unite three extraordinary collections of American art. This unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime exhibition will be presented exclusively at both PMA and PAFA to honor America’s 250th anniversary. It will open for public enjoyment from April 2026 to September 2027.

Featuring more than 1,000 works across the two museums, A Nation of Artists will be the most expansive presentation of American art ever mounted in Philadelphia. Though shaped by distinct curatorial visions at the PMA and PAFA, the exhibition is unified by shared themes exploring the richness of American art. Selections from The Middleton Family Collection—one of the country’s most significant private holdings—will be interwoven at both venues to offer fresh insight into the story of American art and experience.

“Our aspiration is that this exhibition is for everyone—no prior knowledge of art or history required,” noted John S. Middleton. “We believe in the power of storytelling to connect people and are thrilled to partner with these two storied institutions to share the works that have brought our family so much joy and inspiration. Like baseball, art has the power to bring people together and surprise us when we least expect it. With every viewing, there’s something new to discover. It’s an honor to help bring American art to life in a new way during this very special 250th commemoration of our country’s founding.”

Spanning three centuries of diverse mediums—from portraiture and sculpture to furniture, textiles, decorative arts, and photography—A Nation of Artists will trace the ever-evolving story of American creativity. Visitors will experience everything from the early realism of Charles Willson Peale to the shimmering brushwork of John Singer Sargent, the expressive intensity of Horace Pippin, and the impressionist elegance of Mary Cassatt—all shaped by the crosscurrents of cultural exchange, historic events, and imagination. The exhibition will further spotlight modern and contemporary artists whose work provides differing perspectives and interpretations of life in America today, including sculptural installations and multimedia works by Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Rina Banerjee, and Mickalene Thomas.

“What makes American art so powerful is not only where it was created but also who made it—and why,” said Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “A Nation of Artists will present a broad and vibrant picture of artistic expression that was happening across the country through both familiar icons and voices that have historically been overlooked. We couldn’t be more excited and inspired to partner with PAFA and The Middleton Family on this extraordinary cultural milestone, and we look forward to welcoming everyone—from neighbors down the street to visitors from across the region, the country, and around the world—to be part of this celebration.”

As the birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia will serve as a cultural and historic hub for the America 250 semiquincentennial celebrations, hosting global events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the PGA Championship, and the MLB All-Star Game, among many other exhibitions, sports events, and major conventions. A Nation of Artists will place the city at the heart of the nation’s creative legacy, reflecting both the historic depth and the city’s continued influence on American culture.

“This historic collaboration places Philadelphia’s artistic legacy on full display—offering the world a celebration of creativity, identity, and nationhood that can’t be experienced anywhere else,” said Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “Only in Philadelphia—where our independence was declared, our constitution debated and established, and our first states united—could an exhibition of this scale and significance come to life.”

Two Venues, One Expansive Story

Bringing together two world-class institutions, A Nation of Artists will be a collaborative, two-venue exhibition with distinct perspectives, curated by the teams at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, in partnership with The Middleton Family. Highlighting the richness and diversity of American art, the exhibition will span generations and artistic traditions, featuring contributions from Indigenous, African American, immigrant, and historically underrepresented artists who have helped to shape the nation’s cultural story.

Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, PMA’s installation will offer a sweeping panorama of American art from about 1700 to 1960. Through iconic masterworks and bold juxtapositions, visitors will trace the evolution of American identity and visual culture—exploring tensions between high and low, elite and common, abstraction and realism. Set within PMA’s Beaux-Arts building, the installation will affirm the museum’s civic role in shaping the future of art and culture.

This exhibition will also mark the reopening of PAFA’s fabled Historic Landmark Building, designed by Frank Furness and opened in 1876, unveiling a bold new installation of the museum’s permanent collection, enhanced by numerous works from The Middleton Family Collection. The reimagined installation will offer a contemporary lens on American art, grounded in PAFA’s legacy of inclusion and innovation. As the nation’s first art museum and school, founded by Charles Willson Peale in 1805, PAFA continues to shape how American artists evolve—through formal study, experimentation, community, and creative risk—supported by its exhibitions, certificate programs, and public initiatives.

“This is a transformative moment for PAFA and for Philadelphia,” said Harry Philbrick, Interim Director of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. “As we reopen our Historic Landmark Building, we invite audiences into a renewed experience—one that reflects both our storied legacy and our forward-looking vision. This exhibition, enriched by rarely seen works from The Middleton Family Collection, will offer a compelling and inclusive narrative of American art. It’s a powerful expression of PAFA’s ongoing commitment to education, artistic excellence, and public engagement—especially meaningful in a landmark year for our nation.”

The Middleton Family Collection

Presented publicly for the first time, more than 120 works from The Middleton Family Collection, assembled over five decades, will bring added depth and dimension to A Nation of Artists. John S. Middleton, widely admired as the managing partner of the Philadelphia Phillies, and his wife Leigh Middleton, a champion in the fight to end homelessness, have been passionate art collectors throughout their nearly 50-year marriage. Masterworks not previously available for public exhibition will offer fresh perspectives on the story of American creativity and history.

Public Engagement & Citywide Activation

A Nation of Artists will extend beyond the museums’ walls to animate Philadelphia throughout 2026. A robust calendar of public programs—including community murals, classes, and talks by local and national artists, school tours, performances, workshops, and more—will embed art into the city’s civic life. From schools to neighborhood block parties, the exhibition will meet people where they are, inviting everyone to connect with American art through joyful, hands-on, and locally grounded experiences.

Support

A Nation of Artists is organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Lead support for the exhibition and programs is provided by The Middleton Family. Major support is offered by Constance Hess Williams and Sankey Williams and The Victory Foundation. Gratitude also goes to the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, Asplundh, Schoelkopf Fine Art Advisors, Grace and Andrew Schoelkopf, The 25th Century Foundation, Mr.* and Mrs. John A. Nyheim, an anonymous donor, and other generous supporters.

Visitors are encouraged to experience both venues—each requiring separate admission—to fully engage with this once-in-a-generation celebration of creativity, culture, and identity.

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About the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a national and international destination for art, but first we are Philadelphia’s Museum of Art – for all the many diverse communities of the city. Through our collections, exhibitions, events, educational activities, celebrations, and more, the PMA is a storyteller, and we welcome everyone to be part of the story – our doors are wide open. To learn more, visit www.philamuseum.org.

Instagram/Facebook/X/Threads/YouTube: @philamuseum TikTok: @philaartmuseum

About The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (PAFA)

Founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) is America's first school of fine arts and museum. A world-renowned institution, PAFA fosters the study of American art and the training of artists while offering a diverse collection of American painting, sculpture, and works on paper from the 18th century to the present day. PAFA's museum and school provide an environment for learning, critical inquiry, and making art. To learn more, visit https://www.pafa.org/

Facebook: PAFA Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts @PAFAcademy Instagram: @pafacademy

Photo Credit: Edward Hopper, American, 1882 – 1967, The Lee Shore, 1941, Oil on canvas, 28 1 /4 x 43 inches (71.8 x 109.2 cm). The Middleton Family Collection.

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