The Philadelphia Museum of Art will transform part of its north wing into a dedicated learning centre following a $20 million gift from philanthropists Lois G. and Julian A. Brodsky. The project aims to expand educational opportunities for schoolchildren, families and adult learners through dedicated studios, family activities and community spaces. Announced on October 23, 2026, the initiative is among the largest gifts in the museum’s history. It also marks the institution’s first major capital project since architect Frank Gehry’s renovation and expansion reopened in May 2021.
The $20 million gift will transform the Philadelphia Museum of Art
According to the museum’s official announcement, the new facility will be named the Lois G. and Julian A. Brodsky Learning and Engagement Center, or Brodsky Center. It will transform parts of the north wing into spaces designed specifically for education and public engagement.Initial plans include a family learning centre, art studios, a visitor orientation area and a multipurpose community hub. These facilities will allow visitors to explore art through practical activities and educational programmes, while giving school groups dedicated areas for learning.The museum has appointed Philadelphia-based architecture firm MGA Partners to develop the initial design. The design is expected by summer 2027, while construction is anticipated to be completed within a few years.USA Art News reported that the museum’s existing education facilities cover less than 6,000 square feet. The proposed centre is expected to occupy approximately 19,000 square feet, significantly increasing the space available for educational activities.
Why does the museum need more educational space
The museum currently welcomes approximately 36,000 students annually, but limited dedicated facilities have restricted its ability to expand educational programmes.According to the museum’s announcement, the new centre will provide additional capacity for school visits, alongside studios and rooms for activities connected to its collection. Existing educational rooms will remain, while some areas currently shared between classes and meetings will become dedicated learning spaces.This arrangement is expected to make it easier to accommodate school groups and organise programmes throughout the day. The centre will also support activities for families, adult learners and community organisations.The museum already offers free admission to visitors aged 18 and younger. It also provides free guided school visits and bus transportation for students from the School District of Philadelphia, its preschools and Head Start programmes, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation camps, and Title I schools across the tri-state region and Delaware Valley.The expansion is intended to build on these efforts and help the museum reach more students. It also reflects the Brodskys’ interest in improving educational access for children and families from underserved communities.
How will the centre benefit families and visitors
The planned centre will offer more than space for organised school trips. Its family learning area and art studios will support hands-on activities, while the visitor orientation area will help people navigate the museum and understand its collection. The multipurpose community hub will provide additional room for gatherings and programmes for different audiences.According to Lifestyles Magazine, the institution has been considering whether to extend its weekday opening hours, as it currently closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Any change to the schedule remains under consideration.
Brodsky’s deep connection with the museum
The donation builds on the couple’s longstanding relationship with the museum. Julian Brodsky, one of the founding principals of telecommunications company Comcast, joined the museum’s board of trustees in 1995. He served as vice-chair from 2003 to 2018 and chaired its audit committee from 2018 to 2023. He became a trustee emeritus in 2024 and continues to serve as vice-chair of the Library and Archives Committee.Lois Brodsky began volunteering at the museum in 1982 as a membership guide. She served as a weekday guide from 1986 to 2019, helping visitors explore the permanent collection and special exhibitions. She currently serves on committees covering conservation, European art, and prints, drawings and photographs.The couple have also supported earlier museum initiatives. According to the official announcement, the Constantin Brancusi gallery was renamed the Lois Green Brodsky Gallery in 2005 in recognition of their contribution to the museum’s 125th-anniversary campaign.In 2009, they also helped establish an endowed photography curator position through the Lenfest Challenge, a fundraising initiative supporting permanent funding for important museum roles. The museum said part of the contribution would support capital improvements, while a portion would be placed in an endowment to help sustain educational work.The Brodsky Center will be the museum’s first major capital project since the Core Project, a four-year renovation and expansion designed by Frank Gehry that reopened in May 2021.
