An exciting new era for the Philadelphia Museum of Art began on Saturday, September 15, 2007 with the official opening of the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building.
This opening is the first step in the master plan to dramatically expand and update the Museum which ultimately will allow for greater space to exhibit more of the Museum's extensive collections and much easier parking for visitors.
Located just across Kelly Drive from the hilltop main building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Perelman Building is just a short walk or shuttle ride away on a two-acre site bordered by Pennsylvania Avenue, 25th Street, Fairmount Avenue and 26th Street.
It is among the most distinctive architectural structures near the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, featuring one of the city's most elaborate Art Deco facades.
With the imagination and expertise of the architectural firm of Gluckman Mayner, the original 114,000 square-foot historic building was acquired, restored, renovated and expanded by a 59,000 square-foot addition which houses most of the new exhibit space.
Funding was arranged through a major capital campaign with critical support provided by a $15 million unrestricted gift by Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman in January 2000 for whom the building has been renamed.
Within the Perelman Building are six new galleries, a 70-seat café, a skylit galleria which is perfect for catered receptions and dinners, a new library reading room and much needed office, storage and research space.
In this photo intensive feature, we'll take a brief look at the history of this magnificent building, its opening exhibits and the exciting new cafe which is sure to be a popular lunch spot for museum visitors and locals alike.