The Philadelphia Museum of Art is now providing free guided tours and bus funding for local schools to visit the museum’s fall exhibition, ‘The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure.’
Starting now and continuing for the duration of the exhibition (Feb. 9, 2025), this new initiative is available for students in the School District of Philadelphia and tri-state area Title I schools (grades K-12) who would like to visit the exhibition.
Featuring the work of 28 Black and African contemporary artists, ‘The Time is Always Now‘ includes painting, drawing, and sculpture to celebrate the complexity, nuance, and richness of Black life. Students touring the exhibition will explore the show’s three main themes –Double Consciousness, Past and Presence, and Our Aliveness – while also engaging in discussion-based activities.
“Since joining the PMA just over two years ago, it’s been my goal to reflect the communities we’re here to serve and welcome back more school groups,” said Sasha Suda, CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. “We’ve been blown away by the positive reaction to this exhibition. Through this initiative, we’ll welcome even more students into the museum to experience it.”
Tours are available on Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, Jan. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, and Feb. 4 and 5. Reserved timeslots include an hour tour with a museum educator and 30 minutes for your group to explore the exhibition on your own.
“Before the exhibition’s official opening on Saturday, Nov. 8, the museum had 44 school groups booked from K to 12”, said Audrey Hudson, the new Kathleen C. Sherrerd Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement. “This really shows the way in which our local communities are embracing this exhibition—but I knew we could do more to broaden our welcome to schools.
“The bus funding helps open access, and I truly hope to see loads and loads of school buses filled with students coming to see this exemplary exhibition. This access point is integral to the work we do, and I am overjoyed.”
Educators can reserve online, email schoolprograms@philamuseum.org or contact the PMA’s Schools team by phone at 215-684-7608.
