Pennsylvania
A World of Art: The Barnes Foundation, Murals & More
Program No. 23179RJ
Revel in the artistry of Philadelphia as you visit some of the nation’s most celebrated museums, and find out why Philadelphia is known as the unofficial mural capital of the world.
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800-454-5768
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6 days
5 nights
11 meals
5B 3L 3D
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Philadelphia, PA
2
Grounds for Sculpture, The Barnes Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
3
Philadelphia Outdoor Wall Art, PAFA
Philadelphia, PA
4
Brandywine River Museum
Philadelphia, PA
5
Philadelphia Museum of Art & Free Afternoon
Philadelphia, PA
6
Rodin & Program Concludes
Philadelphia, PA
At a Glance
Philadelphia is home to some of America’s finest art, found in the world-renowned museums and on urban walls across the city. Exceptional collections span the breadth of artistic history from Impressionism to present-day works and beyond. Get an in-depth view of this extraordinary world of art as you go behind the scenes with local art experts, and go on a Philadelphia field trip to explore the street art of the “unofficial mural capital of the world.”
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover world-renowned collections of art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Barnes Foundation and the studio and museum of the Wyeth Family in the Brandywine Valley.
- Explore Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture park, with a professional sculptor and view impressionist paintings as posed in “plein air.”
- Join a local art expert on a street-art excursion around Philadelphia to learn about the transformative power of public murals from the canvas to the urban wall.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Elizabeth Anderson
Elizabeth earned a master’s in Art History at the University of Pennsylvania and was associated with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she served as curator, for 40 years. She presented lectures on art history and gallery talks at the museum and has taught at LaSalle, Drexel and Princeton Universities. Elizabeth is a former secretary of the Philadelphia chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians and the Museum Council of Philadelphia. She also serves as trustee of The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Elizabeth Anderson
View biography
Elizabeth earned a master’s in Art History at the University of Pennsylvania and was associated with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she served as curator, for 40 years. She presented lectures on art history and gallery talks at the museum and has taught at LaSalle, Drexel and Princeton Universities. Elizabeth is a former secretary of the Philadelphia chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians and the Museum Council of Philadelphia. She also serves as trustee of The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.
Tish Byrne
View biography
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Lauren Kain
View biography
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Suggested Reading List
(12 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A World of Art: The Barnes Foundation, Murals & More
Program Number: 23179
The Devil and Dr. Barnes, Portrait of an American Art Collector
Art collector and famously combative eccentric, Albert Barnes was a legendary figure in the early 20th-century art scene, and his remarkable life is given a full treatment in Greenfield's entertaining biography
William Penn's Holy Experiment
A Guide's Guide to Philadelphia
Building the City Beautiful: The Benjamin Franklin Parkway & the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Impressionism
A readable account of the French Impressionist movement and its most notable artists, illustrated with color reproductions. This book's thoughtful analyses of individual works are illuminated by solid historical and cultural background.
A Layperson's Overview of Three Centuries of Philadelphia Architecture
Autobiography
Masterpieces of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, The Annenberg Collection
Covering some of the most striking and extraordinary art to come out of the nineteenth and early-twentieth century, this handsome book presents more than fifty masterpieces by such luminaries as Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso, each work accompanied by clarifying texts and comparative illustrations.
Philadelphia - Portrait of an American City
A Concise History of Philadelphia
Small paperback book telling the history and politics of Philadelphia from 1682 to 1976
The Perennial Philadelphians
Philadelphia Then & Now
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Philadelphia, PA
Program Concludes
Philadelphia, PA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
11
| 5B |
3L |
3D |
Activity Level
Philadelphia is home to some of America’s finest art, found in the world-renowned museums and on urban walls across the city. Exceptional collections span the breadth of artistic history from Impressionism to present-day works and beyond. Get an in-depth view of this extraordinary world of art as you go behind the scenes with local art experts, and go on a Philadelphia field trip to explore the street art of the “unofficial mural capital of the world.”)
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover world-renowned collections of art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Barnes Foundation and the studio and museum of the Wyeth Family in the Brandywine Valley.
- Explore Grounds for Sculpture, a 42-acre sculpture park, with a professional sculptor and view impressionist paintings as posed in “plein air.”
- Join a local art expert on a street-art excursion around Philadelphia to learn about the transformative power of public murals from the canvas to the urban wall.
Featured Expert
Elizabeth Anderson
Elizabeth earned a master’s in Art History at the University of Pennsylvania and was associated with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she served as curator, for 40 years. She presented lectures on art history and gallery talks at the museum and has taught at LaSalle, Drexel and Princeton Universities. Elizabeth is a former secretary of the Philadelphia chapter of the Society of Architectural Historians and the Museum Council of Philadelphia. She also serves as trustee of The Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Tish Byrne
An artist and historian, Tish Byrne is passionate about all aspects of her native city and its environment after having lived in and led explorations at the Physick House, which belongs to Philadelphia Landmarks. She is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts later becoming an administrative assistant to the Director of the school. Presently, she leads excursions for the mural arts program, is a docent at Historic Christ Church and leads explorations of Philadelphia landmarks.
Lauren Kain
Lauren Biddle Kain is the site coordinator for Philadelphia Landmarks Road Scholar. She received her BS/BA from Randolph Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. After marriage and transfer to the San Diego area, she began working at EVENT NETWORK, a leading experiental retail operator, on behalf of cultural attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums, museums, science centers and other cultural attractions. Lauren and her family now reside in the Philadelphia area. She started working with Road Scholar as a junior Group Leader for Grandparent Programs.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking up to two miles.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(12 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Apr 20 - Apr 25
- May 04 - May 09
- May 18 - May 23
- Jun 08 - Jun 13
- Sep 07 - Sep 12
- Sep 14 - Sep 19
- Oct 05 - Oct 10
- Oct 12 - Oct 17
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Apr 20 - Apr 25
- May 04 - May 09
- May 18 - May 23
- Jun 08 - Jun 13
- Sep 07 - Sep 12
- Sep 14 - Sep 19
- Oct 05 - Oct 10
- Oct 12 - Oct 17
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
11 meals | 5B | 3L | 3D |
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a restaurant close to the hotel. If arriving late, please email Lauren Kain, lkain@philalandmarks.org
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Grounds for Sculpture, The Barnes Foundation
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a private motorcoach; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1 hour each way. Walking up to 3 miles and standing, generally flat terrain. Expect moderate walking & standing at time while at the museum. Wheelchairs available at Barnes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
Aboard our bus, we’ll ride to Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, on the former New Jersey State Fairgrounds. This 42-acre public park was founded in 1992 by sculptor and philanthropist J. Seward Johnson. We will be joined by an educator who will lead our exploration featuring recreated “en plein air” tableaux from famous Impressionist paintings.
Lunch:
Lunch will be provided at Grounds For Sculpture
Afternoon:
We will ride to The Barnes Foundation on the Parkway where we will explore the collection and galleries with a local expert. This extraordinary collection, one of the greatest private art collections anywhere, got its start in 1912 when Dr. Barnes sent an artist friend to Paris to acquire modern paintings. Dr. Barnes himself began collecting what became a sophisticated trove of artistic treasures including old masterworks, Impressionist, post-Impressionist, and early modern paintings with numerous works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso — the greatest collection of Post-Impressionist art outside Paris. Dr. Barnes also collected Native American fine crafts; early American furniture and decorative art; and African sculpture. Uniquely, he displayed his collection in self-designed “ensembles” where he arranged masterpieces amid other objects. The exceptional, state-of-the-art Barnes on the Parkway facility opened in 2012.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we’ll order from a select menu.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Philadelphia Outdoor Wall Art, PAFA
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a private motorcoach; driving about 5 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking up to 3 miles. Expect standing at times while at the museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We’ll be joined by a mural expert who will begin our exploration on foot, and then by bus to explore outdoor wall art in the Mid-City neighborhood. Philadelphia lays claim to the title “mural arts capital of the world” thanks to a program that began in 1984 to eradicate graffiti. A leading local artist was hired to reach graffiti “artists” and redirect their energies to more constructive public art projects. It has been a huge success, with expanded community-based programs that reach every neighborhood in the city, annually enrolling some 2,000 practitioners and another 18,000 in related projects. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens showcase the legacy of Isaiah Zagar, an award-winning mosaic mural artist whose work can be found on more than 200 public walls throughout of Philadelphia and around the world. Zagar’s mission since the mid-1960s has been to beautify the urban environment with visionary mosaic art and public murals. His largest public artwork is a massive outdoor mosaic sculpture garden filled with folk art statues, bicycle wheels, glass bottles, hand-made tiles, and thousands of mirror pieces.
Lunch:
Lunch on your own at the Reading Terminal Market
Afternoon:
This afternoon we will visit the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Charles Wilson Peale, one of America's most famous 18th Century artists, founded the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1805. The first art school in the United States, it is also a museum that houses art by American painters from the 17th Century to the present. An art historian will show you works by Peale, Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Eakins and Andrew Wyeth as well as pieces on display by Philadelphia native Mary Cassatt.
Dinner:
Dinner will be on your own this evening.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Brandywine River Museum
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a private motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1 hour each way. Walking up to 3 miles and standing, generally flat terrain. Expect standing at times while at the museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We’ll board a private bus and travel to Chadd’s Ford for a field trip to the Andrew Wyeth Studio, NC Wyeth Studio and the Museum all on the campus of the Brandywine River Museum of Art. The Brandywine Valley became the home of artist N.C. Wyeth and his wife in 1907. His talent and imagination shaped the careers of his children including their youngest, Andrew. Recognized as one of the most important and best-known artists of the 20th century, Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009) drew his inspiration from the landscapes and people of Chadd’s Ford as well as mid-coast Maine where he summered. With a museum educator, we will explore the studio that was his primary workplace — now a National Historic Landmark — where he created thousands of paintings and drawings. We will be able to learn about Wyeth’s creative career and see examples of the materials he used amid the furnishings and library he collected. An educator will lead our exploration of some of the sites featured in Wyeth works of art.
Lunch:
Lunch at the Museum cafe is included. You will be able to order off the menu.
Afternoon:
Continue to explore at the Brandywine River Museum.
Dinner:
Dinner is on your own this evening.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Philadelphia Museum of Art & Free Afternoon
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City
Activity Note
Getting on/off a private motorcoach; driving about 2 miles, approximately 20 minutes each way. Walking up to 2 miles and standing, generally flat terrain. Expect standing at times while at the museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel
Morning:
We will travel by bus to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. our educator will introduce some of the highlights of its incomparable galleries. Among the greatest in the U.S., the Museum has a collection of more than 227,000 works of art spanning the creative achievements of the Western world since the first century CE and those of Asia since the third millennium BCE. Its European holdings date from the Medieval era to the present, and the American collections are among the finest in the country. Following the expert-led exploration, we will have some independent time to see what interests each of us most. The remainder of the afternoon is free to continue independent exploration at the Museum, see more of the city, or return to the hotel independently.
Lunch:
Lunch vouchers at the PMA will be provided.
Afternoon:
This afternoon is free for you to relax, continue at the PMA or to explore Philadelphia. Please talk to your group leader for suggestions. An optional transfer from PMA to the hotel will be offered at 2:30pm.
Dinner:
We'll order from a select menu. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
The remainder of the evening is free. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Rodin & Program Concludes
Location:
Philadelphia, PA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Prior to departing for the hotel please check out of your room, as check-out is at 11:00 AM. The Bellman will hold your luggage while we are at the Rodin. We will be back to the hotel by 11:30 AM. Option to bring your luggage to the Rodin on our bus and get an uber/Lyft to the airport or train from the Rodin.
Breakfast:
At the hotel .
Morning:
This morning we will head to the Rodin Museum, which houses the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside of Paris. Enjoy a short self-guided visit in the galleries. You should check out prior to our departure; the bellman will check your luggage while we are on our fieldtrip. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
11 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
- Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
- May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
- May 18, 2025 - May 23, 2025
- Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
- Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
- Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 30 Reviews
Sort By:
This was an extremely enjoyable experience due in the most part to our wonderful Group Leader Tish Byrne.
— Review left October 30, 2024
Program was well organized, expertly executed by one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had - Tish Byrne. She was tirelessly enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and personable. The description of the program was accurate, the accommodations very good, and as always the other participants were like-minded and physically appropriate to the program. I’d highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 21, 2024
What a great way to experience Philadelphia! Not being an artist, I was delighted at how much I learned and enjoyed about the city! The tour guide (Tish) was fantastic, and every place on our tour was an enjoyable experience. So was the food and the accommodations! I highly recommend this tour!
— Review left October 19, 2024
If you love all forms of art and enjoy cities, this is the program for you. Just enough of both to leave you in a good positive frame of mind and wishing to return.
— Review left June 16, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar trip. The leader was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The trip was remarkably well organized and a great value for the money, even with the single supplement. The buses were new, clean and comfortable and the hotel was perfectly located for seeing many parts of the city. Road Scholar saved me many hours of research by sending a suggested reading list and sightseeing list for independent exploration. I will certainly choose more Road Scholar trips in the future.
— Review left June 16, 2024
Fabulous trip. My first Road Scholar trip and I sincerely hope not my last. Very impressive.
— Review left May 13, 2024
My experience of Art, Murals and more in Philadelphia was a most wonderful tour! The tour director, Tish Byrne, was fabulous! She was with us all day long, ensured all transportation to be on time, planned every detail of where to go and when, found great places to eat meals, connected with each person on the trip in a genuinely personable way, kept us engaged and informed as we drove through the city while going to the museums or mural tour, and so much more. The most memorable part of our trip was the way Tish shared information in such a positive, caring and generous way. I’m sure she touched every person’s life for the better. I’m very thankful I could fulfill a lifelong dream of touring Brandywine River Museum of Art, and experience other fascinating art museums, as well as learn what a special city Philadelphia is. Thank you, Road Scholar, for giving me a most memorable experience I’ll always remember with joy!
— Review left April 29, 2024
Wonderful small group of friendly and interesting participants. Instructors and museums were first rate and varied. Highly recommend.
— Review left April 21, 2024
This Philadelphia Art adventure totally exceeded my expectations. Great variety of sites and educational experiences. All guides were well informed, warm and friendly. Highly recommend this trip!
— Review left October 3, 2023
So many paintings - so little time. A beautiful trip for art and history lovers. Dorothy Sullivan
— Review left September 27, 2023
The Philadelphia art program was interesting, informative, and fun. We had excellent docents and Road Scholar guides.
— Review left September 25, 2023
Wonderful trip. So much to see you would benefit from staying an extra day or two. The Barnes and Phillie Art Museum are worthy of a full day visit
— Review left August 30, 2023
The Philadelphia Art History program is one of the best Road Scholar programs in which I have participated. Exceptional museums with academically qualified presenters were the daily experience for this program. Our group leader, Tish Byrne, did an excellent job coordinating our group, as well as keeping us continually informed. Finally, the accommodations were excellent and the meal experiences also good. If you have an interest in art history, you must include this program in your agenda.
— Review left June 26, 2023
Terrific program with a wide variety of art styles, experiences and venues. Memorable and enjoyable
— Review left June 12, 2023
downtown philadelphia as gotten better since the time I was an undergraduate at the university of Pennsylvania. The murals really add to the overall experience. Both the Barnes and the Barnes arboretum were experiences that have to be seen to be fully appreciated ( the arboretum is small but the asst director who gave us the tour was very enthusiastic and had great stories about the place)!
— Review left May 23, 2023
I highly recommend this art tour! My husband and I loved all the places we visited, and we had interesting guides at most of them. We befriended a couple of different people who had come alone, and we had a great time chatting and laughing and relaxing. Someday I'd actually like to do this tour again!
— Review left May 14, 2023
If you ever have a chance to take a program led by Trish Byrne, SIGN UP
— Review left May 12, 2023
This was a wonderful week of exposure to the world of art and architecture that Philadelphia has to offer: the Rodin Museum, PMA, murals and the mural art of Isaiah Zager, the Barnes Foundation, the Masonic Lodge, Macy's with the world's largest playing organ and a huge eagle sculpture, the Comcast building with its continuous entertaining slide shows - and side trips to the Brandywine Museum in Chadd's Ford, and the Grounds of Sculpture in Trenton, NJ. Our guide Tish Byrne was superlative - the most knowledgeable guide I've had on RS trips - and our group meals were excellent. A special treat was lunch at the enormous food court in the Reading Railroad Terminal Building with way too many food selections to choose from (you have to see it to believe it!). One rainy day downtown was a bit too strenuous for some of us (almost 5 miles of walking, standing, and climbing stairs), but that was the exception. Future trips will probably correct this day's itinerary and require only moderate activity.
— Review left October 14, 2022
This program offers insight into the wonderful world of art in Philadelphia. It gives a unique perspective on the city itself.
— Review left October 11, 2022
I really enjoyed my "A World of Art" Philadelphia trip. The program was well structured between tiering but wonderful museum visits and other rewarding activities such as seeing the murals and the two relaxing bus trips to the Brandywine River Museum and the Grounds for Sculpture.
Tish Byrne was an excellent guide as she was very knowledgeable not only about art but especially about her city Philadelphia.
She coped expertly and calmly with the non appearance of the guide to the PAFA by securing instead a tour of the nearby Masonic Temple. It is among the most beautiful in the world. On my three previous trips I always had a Group Leader and an Instructor who worked together. On this trip however Tish had to fulfill both roles as Elizabeth Anderson (Instructor) only appeared once to guide us through the PMA. Thus Tish had to fulfill both roles. She lead our group of 23 often on foot while pointing out special murals or landmarks. I was concerned that on several occasions some senior Road Scholars had trouble keeping up with our group and were lagging behind.
This trip is not only a marvelous feast for the eyes but also offers many gastronomic delights. Philly is a town for Foodies as proven by our visit and lunch at Reading Terminal Market and the two very good restaurants chosen by Road Scholars for our dinners. Bon appetit!
— Review left October 11, 2022
This is a must do trip for all art lovers. The Barnes Foundation collection has been on my bucket list for many years, and it did not disappoint in its new home near the Rodin Museum. Not only did we get a docent led tour of collection highlights, but there is a classroom with books on various aspects of the Barnes along with a staff educator giving short ppts on Mr. Barnes and Picasso and two pieces of his in the collection. I felt like I was getting private art history and interpretation seminars. Well done! All the docent led tours were led by very knowledgeable persons at each of our art destinations, from the outdoor Grounds for Sculptor to the MFA. Seeing the many sculptures and the murals throughout the city was fabulous, and group leader Tish Bryne knew just where to direct the bus drivers we had, pointing out murals and architectural features each time we were on the vehicles.
— Review left September 14, 2022
This program is overflowing with art, art history, hidden Philly art and other surprises!! One of the best art history programs I've attended with Road Scholar. I give it a 10, you can dance to it(American Bandstand, Philly).
— Review left June 16, 2022
A wonderful program for both artists and art appreciators. Tish Byrnes is an excellent organized leader with extensive background in the arts. Her enthusiasm for art and architecture is infectious. She seizes every opportunity to share her wonderful city for those anxious to learn.
Free time provides opportunity to visit historical locations.
— Review left June 11, 2022
Fabulous trip.
— Review left June 9, 2022
If you are “Wowed” by original art of master artists, archaeological treasures and the preservation of public spaces with art and architecture, this program is for you. You are immersed from Day 1 until you leave.
— Review left May 28, 2022
Didn't realize that Philadelphia had such a great variety of art. All was interesting, and our guide was well versed in the artists.
— Review left May 20, 2022
This guide was amazing. Knew the city, was an artist herself and very active in Philadelphia’s art scene!!
— Review left May 14, 2022
Our guide and our instructors had been in the forefront of the art community in Philadelphia, and this made the tour amazing. When you chose a trip based on your interest, it pays off: like minds enjoying and seeing what they love. Thank you!
— Review left October 16, 2021
This trip is a scrumptious art feast and also a good introduction to the lovely city of Philadelphia.
— Review left October 16, 2021
I think that people with only limited knowledge of art, such as myself, can benefit from this adventure. It was so enlightening and stirred the imagination.
— Review left October 1, 2021
