#United States #Philadelphia #Philadelphia Art Museum #art culture #museum rebranding

A New Chapter for Philadelphia's Art Scene

The Philadelphia Museum of Art, an iconic institution known for its extensive art collections and international exhibitions, has officially rebranded itself as the Philadelphia Art Museum. This transformation aims to celebrate not just the art housed within its walls, but also to reflect the unique spirit and heritage of Philadelphia itself. Developed in collaboration with the branding agency Gretel, the new identity is designed to foster a deeper connection between the museum and the local community.

Embracing Philadelphia's Character

Central to the rebranding initiative is a desire to align the museum more closely with Philadelphia's identity—a city of grit, creativity, and industry. The new name and logo feature a revitalized griffin, which symbolizes protection of the arts. This emblem serves as a reminder of the rich cultural landscape that the museum seeks to promote. The custom typography and design elements have been purposefully chosen to honor the museum's heritage while embracing the visual language of the city.

As Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum, expressed, "Our focus and vision are unabashedly Philadelphian; we're opening our doors to become more collaborative and future-focused for all." This sentiment reinforces the museum's commitment to being an accessible and engaging space for both locals and visitors alike.

A Year of Transformation

This rebranding comes as a culmination of over a year of extensive research, creative development, and community collaboration. Ryan Moore, Executive Creative Director at Gretel, emphasized the importance of listening to community voices in this process. The team recognized that the museum’s success lies in its ability to engage dynamically with the surrounding neighborhoods and its constituents. The new brand is not just about external image; it aims to build a cultural dialogue that is inclusive and welcoming.

Key Features of the New Brand

Several exciting changes accompany the rebranding:

• - Renamed Institution: The art museum is now officially the Philly Art Museum.
• - Refreshed Logo: A redesigned griffin logo that is emblematic of the museum's commitment to the arts.
• - New Merchandise: An assortment of products that reflects the revitalized brand identity.
• - Website Overhaul: The museum’s online presence has received a complete makeover with a new URL, visitpham.org, designed for better user accessibility and engagement.
• - Original Typeface: Introducing Fairmount Serif, a new typeface created specifically for the Philadelphia Art Museum.
• - Expanded Visual Identity: This includes improvements in wayfinding, signage, social media, and sub-branding efforts that serve to create a cohesive visitor experience across all platforms.

A Bright Future Ahead

Following this rebranding, the Philadelphia Art Museum is set to offer enhanced educational programs and collaborative projects with various local and international partners. Expect to see more hands-on learning opportunities that cater to audiences of all ages, actively engaging the community in exciting new ways. The museum's transformation promises to provide a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and artistic exploration.

As a landmark institution, the Philadelphia Art Museum remains dedicated to being a storyteller that connects art with the everyday realities of life in Philadelphia. With its newly adopted name and approach, it invites all Philadelphians to share in the narrative of their cultural heritage.

For more information about upcoming exhibitions, events, and programs, visit the newly launched website at visitpham.org. The doors of the Philadelphia Art Museum are now wide open, welcoming everyone to become part of its story.