Free Philadelphia Visual Arts

1. First Friday

Philadelphia has several galleries, and the best time to visit them is between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month. During that time many galleries unveil new exhibits and offer free wine, beer and snacks to patrons. Much of the First Friday hubbub is centered around gallery-rich Old City, but galleries in other neighborhoods such as Northern Liberties participate as well.

3. The Institute of Contemporary Art

Exhibiting work from both established and emerging contemporary artists, entrance to this museum is free for all visitors.

4. Art Classes at the Fleisher Art Memorial

Free art doesn't just mean looking at art. The Fleisher Art Memorial offers a variety of inexpensive and tuition-free art classes for people of all ages.

5. First Sundays at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is typically $16 for adults, but on the first Sunday of every month, patrons can pay what they wish. Children 12 and under are always admitted to the museum for free.

6. College Galleries and Museums

Many of the colleges and universities in Philadelphia have art galleries and museums that are free to the public, including Drexel's Pearlstein Gallery and Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery, The Galleries at Moore, LaSalle's Art Museum, the Philadelphia Academy of the Fine Arts' Morris Gallery, Philadelphia University's Design Center, the Temple Gallery in Old City, the University of the Arts' many gallery spaces and the University of Pennsylvania's Arthur Ross Gallery.

7. The Rodin Museum

Featuring the work of famed French sculptor Auguste Rodin, admission to the Rodin Museum is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

8. Self-Guided Public Art Tour

The Fairmount Park Art Association maintains an online map of public art in Philadelphia that you can use to plan your own walking tour.