Woodmere Smith Hall

Art museum · Chestnut Hill ·

Woodmere Smith Hall

Art museum · Chestnut Hill ·

Art museum featuring Delaware Valley artists, gardens, and events

Information

Charles Knox Smith Hall, 9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118 Get directions

@cntraveler

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Woodmere Art Museum — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Set on six acres in Chestnut Hill (about a 30-minute drive from the city), the Woodmere requires more of a commitment than a museum in Center City , but it's worth the trip. The stone mansion, carriage house, and grounds offer a step back in time with a breath of fresh air. A museum's permanent collection is its defining feature: How was this one? The Woodmere's collection is focused entirely on Philadelphia art and artists with more than 8,000 pieces in its collection. Exhibits keep us coming back. What can we expect? The programming at the Woodmere attracts more than art lovers. In addition to music, movies, lectures and events, they also have family-friendly events (the annual straw maze, for one). What did you make of the crowd? This museum's location outside of Philadelphia makes it a well-kept secret. You'll find mostly locals here. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? The stone mansion is set on six acres of gardens, and walking to discover the sculptures is a nice way to spend an afternoon. Any guided tours worth trying? Guided tours are geared for groups (for a fee) but during the summer, they offer special children's tours. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? It's heavy on artisan-made jewelry and pottery. Is the café worth a stop? There is no cafe available here, but nearby restaurants fit the bill. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Wander the gardens to discover larger-than-life sculptures." - Nancy DePalma

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/philadelphia/woodmere-art-museum

Darryl W. Moran

Woodmere Art Museum

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20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Chestnut Hill’s museum devoted to Philadelphia artists, expanding in 2025 with Frances M. Maguire Hall for Art and Education. Profiled by The Philadelphia Inquirer, it foregrounds Violet Oakley, Arthur B. Carles, and a diverse contemporary scene.

https://woodmereartmuseum.org/visit

Best Museums in Philadelphia (2025)

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Woodmere

N.A. P.

Google

Lovely museum. From the outside, where there is are and spaces to sit and enjoy, to the inside. We were greeted with a smile and provided a map. The museum is free all summer. There are paintings, sculptures, and various types of art displayed. It was great to learn about the different artists and their inspiration for each peace. You can take as long as you to move through each room. This made for a nice afternoon activity.

L. C.

Google

Second floor is closed. I spent around 40 minutes there. Sundays are free of admission fee. I like the idea having a student art work section.

Swechha Mainali P.

Google

It’s our second time visiting the Museum and it was Sunday. It’s a beautiful place to visit with your family. The handmade paintings were breathtaking. However, we were constantly followed by a staff member wherever we went. I had my 3.5year toddler and my husband with me. My toddler wanted to use the restroom and it was interesting to get knocked as soon as we got into the restroom. We are there to visit not to mess with anything. It was not very pleasant that you are being watched and treated that way even when you go to the restroom . I hope no one has to go through this when they are visiting a beautiful place like this.

Eunice T.

Google

It’s free on Sundays! I wish entering the lot wasn’t an issue you have to be mindful depending on the side you enter on. Nice layout!

Karl G.

Google

This is a stunning museum featuring Philadelphia art by local artists! The collection, the building and the grounds are lovely!!

Katie C.

Google

I am in awe of this place! Their free admission Sunday offer is wonderful to me. The outdoor gardens are stunning. The art seen inside is just timeless in so many ways. I found the older section of the building told the most amount of history + the artwork seen in those galleries left me speechless. The light fixtures alone are like time capsules with an artistic flair. I will be going back often on Sundays to explore of the museum and all it has to offer.

Stephanie E.

Google

If I could give zero stars, I would. The museum itself is beautiful, but the experience was absolutely ruined by the staff. The front desk person was incredibly rude to my boyfriend. He was asking simple, genuine questions, and they acted visibly annoyed and dismissive. I actually had to walk away because the attitude was that bad. And it didn’t stop there. We were literally followed. Not one… but three different men trailed us through the galleries. Every time I caught them, they pretended to look at the art, but it was obvious. It made us feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, and honestly, it took all the joy out of what should’ve been a relaxing visit. I wanted to love this place. I really did. But after how we were treated, this was our first and definitely our last visit.

Google

Free on Sundays. They have a nice-sized parking lot. There are sculptures outside surrounding the museum. Inside, there’s the ticket counter and a small museum gift shop behind it. The museum focuses on artists of Philadelphia which is a neat concept. There’s some great art to be found here. They also have a small room for works by children.

Ritesh S.

Yelp

What a great little museum nestled in the neighborhood! Love this area and it's a nice establishment to come explore! We got here on a nice sunny day and there was plenty of parking on site. Inside, there's some twist and turns and cool exhibits in each direction. It's a small museum that you can definitely spend a few hours in. We got here when one of the visiting artists was giving a presentation - so cool! His works were on display in the main gallery and it was great to hear his story and also chat about his work. Definitely worth the hike out of the city for a little art and culture within the woods! Enjoy!

Alexis B.

Yelp

A friend and I visited the Woodmere a few weeks ago when we were in Philadelphia for the weekend for a show. It's a small museum with an interesting, eclectic collection - the core of the collection was gifted by a city leader in the late 19th/early 20th century and focuses on art by Philadelphia artists. My friend and I enjoyed the "Henry Bermudez in Philadelphia" exhibit that was on display when we visited! The museum is housed in a 19th century stone mansion in Chestnut Hill with pretty grounds. It has a small gift shop and nice staff at the front desk. Overall, a small museum that is worth visiting if you're in Chestnut Hill.

Tania A.

Yelp

My visit to Woodmere Art Museum was amazing! Each and every piece of art on display is from a Philadelphia based artist, which gives it that special edge and extra authenticity. There are pieces and exhibitions representing the many facets of Philadelphia, and pieces ranging from abstract sculptures, watercolour and acrylic paintings, charcoal drawings... Each with its own unique story. The Art Museum was originally the home of the founder Charles Knox Smith, and even after its numerous expansions and extensions, the original house still remains (with lots of its same furniture e.g. a beautiful chandelier) and houses most of the more historical art pieces. I would definitely recommend visiting when in the area.

Nancy H.

Yelp

Went to a salsa concert there as a part of their music series. Nice venue and interesting art work inside and out.,

Christopher B.

Yelp

What could be better than a crisp fall morning in Chestnut Hill. A very cost effective museum. The adult entry fee is only $10 and potential visitors can also take advantage of free entry on Sunday's. Woodmere also hosts different events throughout the month so be sure to check their website. A very good/fun option if you around this part of town. The outside is littered with sculptures of varying design. I personally spent time around the fountain. There's also plenty of seating space around the grounds. Drinks are not permitted inside, so be sure to finish your coffee before coming in. My favorite exhibit from the visit were the Landscape paintings. Connected heavily to the sights from The StormKing museum in New York. There was also a whole exhibit dedicated to a local Philadelphia artist. I know the showcased exhibit changes, but I'd love to see work from artists of color or even works that include persons of color as I notice a clear lack of diversity in the pieces shown.

Summer B.

Yelp

I absolutely love everything about the Woodmere! Whether your local or from out of town it's a hidden gem that you must visit and even if you've been before you'll want to come back time and time again. If your looking for something outside of the usual things to do this is it! It's a place where I feel at peace amongst others who love art, creativity, learning and self-expression. The 19th century stone mansion sits on six acres in Chestnut Hill and is dedicated to the art and artists of Philadelphia. So must history and beauty to admire both inside and on the outside grounds of the Woodmere. Every time I've visited I've sensed the diversity and inclusion culture that the Woodmere strives to create. I really love that. I feel like I'm amongst friends when I visit. There's adult classes and workshops, children and teens classes, lectures, teachers and family resources, live Jazz, classical music and much more. When I visit I'm often curious to venture to the children's gallery as it features art produced by children who attend Philadelphia area schools. As a mother that really warms my heart that the Woodmere proudly supports school-based art programs. The Woodmere also has a fun outdoor straw maze in the Fall as well as other family events. The Woodmere is FREE to students, discounted for seniors, and free to all visitors every Sunday.

Sari Marissa G.

Yelp

How have I never been here before?! This old stone mansion was built in the 1900's, and is home to art and artist all from Philadelphia, some even from my own alma mater, (the only all female art school in the country), Moore College Of Art & Design. Shout out to my sisters out there!! Woodmere also has some pretty awesome sculptures outside! My girls loved this one with a water feature on a gorgeous day. They have a colorful gallery filled with children's work too! . They currently have an awesome exhibit about slavery with a coffee table full of books and audio books to match, as well as a circus exhibit that gave us all 'The Greatest Showman' vibes. (Did you know the first American circus was started here in Philly at 6th & Chestnut on April 3rd 1793. It was said that George Washington attended! ) There's also an amazing piece I'm in love with of Katerskill Falls in The Catskills, which we hiked, and was a favorite place of many historic figures including Mark Twain. What I really love about this museum is very room is a different type of art. I absolutely adored the room with pieces reminiscent of Rococo and Neo-classicism periods. I especially loved the juxtaposition of the modern acrylic chairs. I'm not sure if that contact was intentional, but I totally found it entertaining and intriguing!! The piece with the peacock is just gorgeous!! Kids are always FREE here and adults are just $10 with $2 off with yelp check-in! Whaaaaat?! They have neat events and speakers and in the fall they have a hay maze that looks so cool!

Victor W.

Yelp

A well hidden gem that's not too far from Philadelphia -Spatious art, fun photo opps in the sculpture garden and quite thought provoking -Fun little main exhibition hall space with an upper tier -Free entry on Sundays -A mix of old/new -Nice little walk of a path around the establishment into a stone garden -COVID proof of vaccination checked -Definitely recommend checking this place out!

Mariellen E.

Yelp

Perfect size art museum to pop into on an exploring afternoon in Chestnut Hill. Our favorite room was the room of historical objects and art from when the building was a mansion. Architecturally, the balcony room was also really cool. We got a Groupon so it was about $5 per person. We also really liked the outdoor sculpture garden area.

Chris T.

Yelp

Woodmere Art Museum, located in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has a collection of paintings, prints, sculpture and photographs focusing on artists from the Delaware Valley. They also feature children' artwork from various schools in the Philadelphia/ Montgomery county area. This visit was impromptu on 12/5. There was little to no traffic in the museum. $10 cover charge. And I spent approximately 45 minutes inside. There is a small shop that has trinkets & bobbles available. The museum is free on Sundays. They have a podcast that tells the stories of Philadelphia artists, quite interesting. They feature various exhibitions and also have various programs like "learn & create" which they have workshops for adults and children. All of that said check it out if your in the area. https://woodmereartmuseum.org

Harry E.

Yelp

Absolutely love the Woodmere. They have great works and they put up new exhibitions regularly. I recently saw the group show curated by Eileen Neff - If you missed it I feel sorry for your artistic soul. Items were carefully selected and placed in reference to each other. Very visually appealing. The cost is a little on the high side however supporting the arts is never cheap. The mansion and grounds are absolutely breathtaking and the sculpture garden is also something to take in.

Elizabeth D.

Yelp

I have only been to this museum once and I'm so disappointed I had not heard of it before! The cost for admissions is very reasonable and it is free for students, so that is a huge bonus. The staff is extremely friendly and get involved in visitor's conversations about the artwork. They were outgoing and explained to first time guests how the space is set up. Each room had a different theme including pieces depicting segregation, free love throughout time, and student artists' work from the surrounding area. The main room is a larger space with a balcony wrapped around it, creating a second floor. During my visit there was a Jazz concert going on in that room so I stayed and listened to some of it. These concerts are free for students as well and go on every Friday night from 6-8! I highly recommend this museum to anyone who is intrigued by art that truly makes a statement. The pieces made me consider topics I normally wouldn't think about and opened my eyes to the positivity that can be seen throughout society.

Laura B.

Yelp

Awesome student rates, front desk was very friendly. A nice place to spend an hour, very easy to get to. I recommend going at 10:30 so it's not so busy! Definitely not some place you'd want to take children, they would be bored the whole time.

Tuff Cook E.

Yelp

This museum is SO small. 10-15 mins tops. Cool building and grounds, rooms are interestingly set up- but there is so little content in there. Cool free movies some nights by Secret Cinema.

Pauline M.

Yelp

Nice size art museum. Plenty of parking. Young woman at front desk was friendly and welcoming. Exhibits were plentiful including a room featuring artwork from local elementary students.

Mikey I.

Yelp

Fantastic little museum. The gentleman at the front desk and the lady in the gift store were both super friendly. I have no idea how I hadn't heard about this place sooner. I did have a Living Social for it, but my friend and I were granted free entry because of some renovations that they're doing. Unfortunately 2-3 of the rooms are closed. Regardless, there's still some nice artwork in the building. The permanent collection of Charles Knox Smith (the mansion's original owner) is pretty great. There's a nice collection of local/American artwork mostly from around Smith's time (turn of the 20th century) to about a hundred years prior. I cant wait to go back when the museum is complete with its repairs. It's a nice little hidden gem.

Katie P.

Yelp

I'm writing a review about the Woodmere Art Museum because it is one of those museums that continues to fly under the radar of Philly art venues that doesn't get the attention it really deserves. As I write this review, Woodmere is currently exhibiting the work of Jessie Drew Bear- a woman who considered herself a sophisticated primitive painter. The paintings are mind blowing. Everyone should run not walk to the Woodmere to see this exhibit. In addition to this wonderful exhibit, there is always a room of incredible art made by children from various schools. The Woodmere has many social events like Jazz concerts, art classes, lectures and more. I love this museum .

Jacqueline P.

Yelp

An unassuming museum with quality art within its walls. Highly impressed by the juried exhibition and the art albeit not too large. Do not underestimate this museum. A nice mix of modern and post-impressionist art. Cute little gift shop with friendly staff. Highly recommended for a nice art rendezvous a little outside Centre City. Worth the trip. Go see the juried exhibition and be impressed by the young artists.

Joe M.

Yelp

I took a class this past semester at Woodmere and I can't stress enough how great it was. The management, staff, everyone really does an excellent job of making a lasting impression of what a museum should entail. It's an enjoyable place where you can relax, view art by local talent, and browse the boutique. I definitely recommend checking it out.

Donna K.

Yelp

What a gem of a museum! There is nothing that is not outstanding about this place: the artwork, the staff, the museum store, and the live music. It is a treat to drive there on a Friday afternoon, look at the artwork then listen to live jazz.

@cntraveler

41,698 Postcards · 5,568 Cities

Woodmere Art Museum — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/philadelphia/woodmere-art-museum

Darryl W. Moran

Woodmere Art Museum

@postcardnews

20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

https://woodmereartmuseum.org/visit

Best Museums in Philadelphia (2025)

View this post on Instagram

Woodmere

N.A. P.

Google

L. C.

Google

Second floor is closed. I spent around 40 minutes there. Sundays are free of admission fee. I like the idea having a student art work section.

Swechha Mainali P.

Google

Eunice T.

Google

It’s free on Sundays! I wish entering the lot wasn’t an issue you have to be mindful depending on the side you enter on. Nice layout!

Karl G.

Google

This is a stunning museum featuring Philadelphia art by local artists! The collection, the building and the grounds are lovely!!

Katie C.

Google

Stephanie E.

Google

Ritesh S.

Yelp

Alexis B.

Yelp

Tania A.

Yelp

Nancy H.

Yelp

Went to a salsa concert there as a part of their music series. Nice venue and interesting art work inside and out.,

Christopher B.

Yelp

Summer B.

Yelp

Sari Marissa G.

Yelp

Victor W.

Yelp

Mariellen E.

Yelp

Chris T.

Yelp

Harry E.

Yelp

Elizabeth D.

Yelp

Laura B.

Yelp

Tuff Cook E.

Yelp

This museum is SO small. 10-15 mins tops. Cool building and grounds, rooms are interestingly set up- but there is so little content in there. Cool free movies some nights by Secret Cinema.

Pauline M.

Yelp

Nice size art museum. Plenty of parking. Young woman at front desk was friendly and welcoming. Exhibits were plentiful including a room featuring artwork from local elementary students.

Mikey I.

Yelp

Katie P.

Yelp

Jacqueline P.

Yelp

Joe M.

Yelp

Donna K.

Yelp

Woodmere Smith Hall

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Woodmere Art Museum — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

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Woodmere Art Museum — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler