Philadelphia will host once-in-a-generation art exhibitions in 2026 that celebrate American creativity past and present. Highlights include A Nation of Artists, a dual-venue exhibition opening in April that brings together three major American art collections, and The Ministry of Awe, an immersive experience featuring live performances, dynamic exhibits and evocative soundscapes.
The A Nation of Artists collection will feature more than 1,000 unique pieces on exhibit in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the country, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), the first art school and museum founded in the U.S.
The collection will be divided across the two institutions for display. At PAFA, the exhibition will highlight how American artists learn and develop. At the PMA, the exhibition will highlight the evolution of American identity and visual culture through art. To enhance the exhibition, John S. Middleton—majority owner of the Philadelphia Phillies—and his family will share works from their private art collection, many of which have never been publicly displayed. The Middleton Family Collection, considered one of the most important private holdings of American art, will be integrated across both venues to encourage deeper reflection through this unique collaboration.
“This exhibition is for everyone—no prior knowledge of art or history required,” Middleton said via a pre-recorded message presented during a press conference held for global travel media at U.S. Travel’s IPW 2025. “As someone who believes in the power of storytelling to connect people, I’m thrilled to partner with these two storied institutions to share the works that have brought our family so much joy and inspiration. Just like baseball, art has the power to bring people together and surprise us when we least expect it. With every viewing, there’s something new to discover. It’s an honor to help bring American art to life in a new way during this very special commemoration of our country’s 250th anniversary.”
The Ministry of Awe, a 6-story, 8,500-sf immersive art experience housed within a 19th-century bank, is the latest project by renowned muralist Meg Saligman, who has produced over 40 permanent public works worldwide. Housed in the former Manufacturer’s National Bank in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, Ministry of Awe will be a traversable, living work of art, dedicated to inspiring awe.
“We’re creating a living, walkable piece of art that’s deeply rooted in Philly’s rich history, right in the birthplace of American democracy and finance,” Saligman said during the press conference.
“Art is absolutely part of who we are in Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Gregg Caren. “From the sculpture of William Penn by Alexander Milne Calder that sits atop Philadelphia City Hall, to the thousands of murals found through city neighborhoods, Philadelphia makes sure that experiencing art is part of our daily routine. And we’re always looking for ways to bring new art into the public sphere: new museums, new murals, and new ways to experience it. Visitors are going to see that on another level in Philadelphia in 2026.”
