On December 26, 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) was established in Philadelphia. It is often regarded as the oldest art museum and art school in the United States. Founded by artists and civic leaders, the academy aimed to promote American art and provide formal training to young artists. Over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, PAFA’s exhibitions helped introduce the public to new movements and styles, including works by notable American painters and sculptors. Its collections and teaching programs influenced generations of artists and supported Philadelphia’s role as a cultural center. The institution continues to operate as both a museum and an accredited art school.
