Philadelphia Unveils Major Art Installations for 2026 in Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary

At IPW 2025, the leading international travel trade show in the U.S., the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA), the Philadelphia Phillies, and acclaimed muralist Meg Saligman unveiled a series of transformative art projects that will mark the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.

“A Nation of Artists”: The Most Ambitious American Art Exhibition in Philadelphia’s History

Sasha Suda, Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, announced the opening of “A Nation of Artists” in April 2026, a once-in-a-generation, dual-venue exhibition bringing together over 1,000 works of American art at the PMA and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA).

• At PAFA, the exhibit will focus on how American artists have learned, evolved, and developed their craft.

• At the PMA, it will explore the growth of American identity and visual culture through art.

The exhibition will showcase renowned icons as well as underrepresented voices—including women, immigrants, Indigenous creators, self-taught artists, and academic painters—to present a dynamic and inclusive portrait of American creativity.

A highlight of the show will be the contribution of works from the private collection of the Middleton family, owners of the Philadelphia Phillies, one of the most significant holdings of American art, never before seen by the public.

“Ministry of Awe”: A Six-Story Immersive Art Experience

Internationally celebrated muralist Meg Saligman, known for helping spark Philadelphia’s contemporary mural movement, revealed details about her latest project: “Ministry of Awe”, set to open in 2026 in a repurposed 19th-century bank in Old City.

Housed in the historic Manufacturer’s National Bank, the six-story, 8,500-square-foot (750 m²) space will be a living, walkable art installation featuring:

• Immersive exhibits

• Live performances

• Soundscapes and interactive elements

• Community participation opportunities

According to Saligman, the location itself—built in 1870 and designed by Frank Furness—is part of the artwork’s meaning: “We’re creating a living, walkable piece of art deeply rooted in Philly’s rich history, right in the birthplace of American democracy and finance.”

Philadelphia: Where Art Lives in Every Corner

Gregg Caren, PHLCVB President and CEO, emphasized that art is integral to Philadelphia’s identity, from the William Penn statue atop City Hall to the city’s 4,000+ street murals, many of which were made possible by Mural Arts Philadelphia, the largest public art program in the U.S.

Philadelphia’s commitment to accessible, public-facing art is a reflection of the democratic values on which the nation was founded. In 2026, visitors will find art experiences at every turn:

• World-renowned museums like the PMA, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, and Calder Gardens (opening September 2025).

• Alternative and immersive destinations like Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and Ministry of Awe.

• Public mural tours throughout city neighborhoods.

• Galleries that promote emerging local talent and interactive art.

A Must-Visit East Coast Destination

Centrally located between New York City and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia is a key hub for domestic and international travelers. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) offers nonstop service from 120+ cities worldwide, with direct rail service to downtown. The William H. Gray 30th Street Station is a major Amtrak connection on the Northeast Corridor, linking the city to Boston, New York, Washington, and beyond.

In 2026, Philadelphia will present itself not just as the birthplace of American democracy, but as a global capital of creativity and culture—where art, history, and innovation converge in celebration of the nation’s Semiquincentennial.