Celebrating 220 Years of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Celebrating 220 Years of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
For more than two centuries, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has shaped American art—educating artists, inspiring the public, and preserving cultural history. Founded in Philadelphia in 1805 as the nation’s first art museum and school, PAFA has endured fires, marked architectural milestones, and evolved alongside changing artistic movements.
In 2026, as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we invite you to celebrate with us—right here in the city where it all began. To mark PAFA’s 220th anniversary, we’ve gone deep into the archives to uncover remarkable moments, unexpected stories, and lesser-known facts that trace the Academy’s journey from its visionary beginnings to its vibrant present.
Invited guests celebrated 220 years of creativity, resilience, and innovation at America’s first art museum and school. The event began at 6:00 p.m. with registration in the Hamilton Building, and a cocktail hour on the second floor. There was a ribbon cutting and rededication of the Historic Landmark Building (next door) at 6:30 which was the not to miss element of the evening.
1. Kristen Shepherd, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), and Trustees Chair Donald Caldwell, led the ribbon cutting and rededication of The Historic Landmark Building with PAFA trustees. It was an auspicious occasion!
2. Grace, Sandra, Sarah Mezzanotte and Cordelia Dietrich joined Board of Trustees member Anne McCollum at the entrance of the Historic Building.
3. Rebecca Segal, Conrad Woody, Kristen Shepherd and Todd Berman paused for a photo as the celebration began.
4. Michelle Azzarello and Kyle Simpson.
5. Guests included Angel and Thom Jackson.
6. John Colabelli chatted with Melissa Levinson Leonard and Tac Justi.
7. Eamon Egan, Julie Jensen Bryan and Paige and Jeff Yager attended the landmark event.
8. Renowned artist Bo Bartlett chatted with Virginia Baltzell.
9.Andrew Flogel, and Barb, Jen, Karen, Melissa and Gabe Montoya toured the galleries during the Historic Landmark Building opening event.
10. Jonathan Hochman and Veronica McKee attended the event.
11. Nancy Winkler and Jay Bryan shared a moment with Don Caldwell and his wife Linda Aversa Caldwell (center).
12. Teresa DiBona, Lauren Addis, Sara Slattery and Marje Armstrong paused for a photo.
13. Leah Triplett, Lea Stephenson and Kati Gegenheimer, shared a moment with Odile Donald Odita and Emanuelle Kimh.
14. John and Leigh Middleton attended the event.
15. Teresa and Fred DiBona III paused for a photo.
16. Betsy Eby and Bo Bartlett attended the event.
17. Philadelphia’s 2026 Director Michael Newmuis and Kevin Lessard made their way to the Hamilton Building.
18. Trevor and Ashley McGuiness and Andy and Caitlyn Pickens enjoyed the reception and dinner in the Hamilton Building.
19. Meg Freeman and Sandra Mezzanotte paused for a photo with Jeanette Smith.
20. Connie Katz chatted with Grace and Sarah Mezzanotte during the dinner at the Hamilton Building.
