The expansion adds14 new galleries, a children’s art and education studio, and new public event spaces, encompassing 17,000 square feet. It also preserves four additional acres of greenspace, solidifying Woodmere's identity as a must-see destination where art and nature converge.
To celebrate,the museum will host apublic grand opening weekend with free admission for all on Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A New Home for Philadelphia's Artists
Located just 70 steps from Woodmere’s original Charles Knox Smith Hall, the new Maguire Hall will extend the museum's mission to celebrate Philadelphia’s artists by finally showcasing previously stored and newly acquired artworks.
Highlights of the new galleries will include:
- Dedicated space for Philadelphia’s distinctive schools ofAmerican Impressionism,modernism,and figurative realism.
- A new"vault"for the city’s historicjewelry arts.
- Galleries featuring works byViolet Oakley and the Red Rose Girls.
- A study center and galleries for works on paper.
"The opening of Frances M. Maguire Hall represents a transformation of Woodmere,"said Dr.William R.Valerio,Director and CEO of Woodmere."Fourteen new galleries make for an exponential expansion of our ability to showcase our collection, weaving together the vivid tapestry of American history and the diverse voices of Philadelphia's artists.”
Preserving History and Nature
The new building is an ambitious transformation of St. Michael’s Hall, a 19th-century residence formerly belonging to the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Woodmere acquired the estate in 2021, a move that prevented commercial development of the site.
The project also preserved open greenspace and focused on the environmental needs of its location within the Wissahickon Watershed, which provides a significant portion of Philadelphia's drinking water.
The expansion was made possible by a lead gift from the Maguire Foundation, honoring the late Frances M. Maguire, an artist, philanthropist, and former Woodmere board member.
"Dr.Valerio had an exciting vision to put our collection on display in a whole new way," said James Alexandre, Woodmere’s Board of Trustees President. "Works by Violet Oakley,the Pennsylvania Impressionists,contemporary artists,and much more can now be on permanent display.”
An"Art Trail"Connecting Two Sites
The two museum buildings will now be connected by a newly designed"art trail." This path will weave through sculpture installations and immersive “art + nature” garden experiences known as WOW (Woodmere’s Outdoor Wonder). Among the highlights are two major works by Robinson Fredenthal, White Water(1977)andOn the Rocks (1978).
Woodmere's original Charles Knox Smith Hall (9201 Germantown Ave) will continue to house 19th-century art, special exhibitions, and the museum store. The new Frances M. Maguire Hall (9001 Germantown Ave) will be dedicated to the expanded permanent collection.
