Philadelphia Museum of Art’s main building. Image Credit: Wikipedia
The Philadelphia Museum of Art will transform part of its north wing into a dedicated learning centre following a $20 million gift from philanthropists Lois G. and Julian A. Announced on October 23, 2026, the initiative is among the largest gifts in the museum’s history. It also marks the institution’s first major capital project since architect Frank Gehry’s renovation and expansion reopened in May 2021.
Brodsky. The project aims to expand educational opportunities for schoolchildren, families and adult learners through dedicated studios, family activities and community spaces.
How will the centre benefit families and visitors
The museum already offers free admission to visitors aged 18 and younger. Julian Brodsky, one of the founding principals of telecommunications company Comcast, joined the museum’s board of trustees in 1995. He served as vice-chair from 2003 to 2018 and chaired its audit committee from 2018 to 2023. He became a trustee emeritus in 2024 and continues to serve as vice-chair of the Library and Archives Committee.
The new centre will provide additional capacity for school visits, alongside studios and rooms for activities connected to its collection, according to the museum’s announcement. Initial plans include a family learning centre, art studios, a visitor orientation area and a multipurpose community hub. These facilities will allow visitors to explore art through practical activities and educational programmes, while giving school groups dedicated areas for learning. Existing educational rooms will remain, while some areas currently shared between classes and meetings will become dedicated learning spaces. This arrangement is expected to make it easier to accommodate school groups and organise programmes throughout the day. The centre will also support activities for families, adult learners and community organisations. It also provides free guided school visits and bus transportation for students from the School District of Philadelphia, its preschools and Head Start programmes, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation camps, and Title I schools across the tri-state region and Delaware Valley. The planned centre will offer more than space for organised school trips. Its family learning area and art studios will support hands-on activities, while the visitor orientation area will help people navigate the museum and understand its collection. The multipurpose community hub will provide additional room for gatherings and programmes for different audiences. The donation builds on the couple’s longstanding relationship with the museum.