Museum opens doors to new programsfor student awareness

KENDALLNEIL STAFFWRITER

The Philadelphia Musewn of Art held a press event to promote museum awareness to the surrounding college communities on Friday, Sept. 20. I for one, have never been to the Museum, I never had an interest in looking at artwork. However, once I pulled into the West entrance of the Museum, I did have a feeling of excitement.

Before the press tour officially began, 1 wandered through a few of the galleries and became mesmerized by some of the art work and photography. Once the tour began, I found myself listening intently to what curator was descnbing about the illusion of photography and the inspiration behind the paintings. After the tour, we were invited to wander around the museum to look at other exhibits that may be of interest. Upon leaving the Museum, I walked outside and walked down the famous "Rocky" steps and took in the view of Philadelphia and the Museum before returning to Cabrini.

Christine Sullivan, Press Relations Coordinator said, "We are hoping to increase student awareness of the Musewn's exhibitions and programs and consider it a place to visit in their free time. The de Chjrico exhibition is our next big exhibition opening in November, and in the spring we will have a big exhibition of the work of Edgar Degas."

The museum was opened at its present location in March 1928. One of the original architects of the famous art museum was Horace Trumbauer, who also built Cabrini College's Mansion. There are over 300,000 objects in the museum's collection.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is among the largest and most important museums in the United States. The collections range from Asian art consisting of a Japanese ceremonial teahouse and a Chinese palace hall, to the European collections of stained glass and Renaissance paintings. The American collection includes Pennsylvania German art and refined furniture and silver by early Philadelphia craftsmen. The Modem and Contemporary art collection include works of abstract expressionism and contemporary work that stems through a variety of media. The museum also has events on Wednesday and Friday nights. On Wednesdays the museum sets up a certain theme and lets you to college students. Temporary jobs are open for the Degas exhibition running from midNovember through May 2003. There are also job openings as visitor services assistants and retail sales associates. experience "a worldof art, music, dance and fun" focused around that theme. The Friday evening program is one of "beauty; history and romance." The galleries remain open while a variety of jazz artists perform in the Great Stair Hall. Both programs run from 5:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. There is no additional charge after the regular museum admission.

In addition to j9bs, the museum also offers an unpaid internship. Candidates for the internship must have completed their sophomore yell!"by spring 2003.

Admission fot the museum is $7 with a valid student ID. Museum staff-lead tours go Tuesdays through Fridays from l<ENo,,.u.

The PhiladelphiaMuseum of Art is creating new programs ·to increase interest and awareness to students. New programs include music, dance and tours.

There are also job opportunities that the museum is offering noon until 4 p.m. with a $50 bookingfee, 'in addition to the $7 admission fee; self guided tours only have a $10 booking fee. On Sundays, admission is ''pay what you wish."

Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday IO a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Wednesdays and Fridays when the museum remains open until 8:45 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays.