The main entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

It’s tough to imagine a more physically imposing museum than the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its honey colored walls make a powerful impression when it is first seen from Highway 76. While the interior is slightly less inspiring than the exterior, it is a museum worth visiting.

Like any movie buff, I wanted to begin my trip by reenacting the scene from Rocky where Sylvester Stallone runs up the stairs from the street to the museum’s front door. However, I had to find parking first before I could pretend I was Rocky. Believe me, that was easier said than done. There no parking in front of the museum and only limited parking at the rear. Most visitors take a shuttle bus from other parts of town. I ended up driving around for a while before I was able to find a parking spot at the rear of the museum. I walked around to the front of the building. The view from the top of the steps down Ben Franklin Parkway is simply spectacular. I stayed long enough to take a picture, then descended to the street. Once I got there, I took a deep breath and began running back up the stairs. It actually turned out to be rather anti-climactic. I’m in pretty bad shape, but I made the run and wasn’t even breathing hard by the time it was over. Overall, I’d have to say that it was much more dramatic when Stallone did it. Still, it was nice to repeat movie history on my own.

I went into the museum through its impressive front doors. The charge to enter is $8 for adults. After paying the admission fee, I stood and admired the impressive central gallery. It really looks like a temple on the interior. There’s even a large statue of the goddess Diana at the top of the gallery’s staircase. I found it interesting that such a complete replica of a Greek temple would be constructed to house Philadelphia’s collection of art. The symbolism of the museum as a shrine to art is definitely prevalent.

Yet, while the symbolism was strong, the collection was not as grand as the building. There were the obligatory works from El Greco, Poussin, and a few other Renaissance artists. However, the works would not be considered among their masterpieces. The collection of Impressionist work was a little better, with some stunning pieces from Renoir and Manet. However, the museum’s painting collection was something of a letdown given the grandeur of the building.

Where the museum redeems itself is in its collection of decorative arts. There are several reconstructed rooms that have been removed intact from houses in Europe. Reconstructions of the courtyard of a monastery, a Japanese tea-house, and the interior of a Buddhist temple also exist within the museum’s walls. Observing the artistry that is evident in the architecture and room decorations reminds one that art is not something that is always remote. Instead, the rooms make one realize that art surrounds us everyday.

Another way the museum reinforces the idea of art’s functionality is through its display of quilts from the Amish country. It is no surprise that the most famous art form from the area would be prominently displayed in Pennsylvania’s preeminent museum. However, it is still surprising impressive to see the creativity, sensitivity, and emotion that comes out in each of these quilts.

I ended up spending about three hours in the museum. While I was disappointed that the painting collection wasn’t up to the level found at other major museums, I did not feel that my time was wasted. I would have to say that the Philadelphia Museum of Art does the best job of any museum I’ve seen at instilling the idea that art throughout history has maintained a functional role in addition to its aesthetic role. For that reason, it is a must visit for anyone in Philadelphia. Plus, running up the steps is fun!

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday. It is open until 8:45 p.m on Wednesday. As mentioned before, the cost to enter the museum is $8 for adults. The price to enter special exhibits (like the Van Gogh exhibit that was about to open when I was there) is in addition to the basic price.

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