Any visitors to Philadelphia who are checking out the contemporary art scene should include a visit to the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Center City. The words “fabric” and “workshop” may be somewhat misleading—although its innovative founders originally experimented with fabric, the museum’s mission has expanded to encourage education and experimentation in all artistic media. Inside its massive space in a renovated industrial building, there are three large exhibition galleries: a video lounge, construction and print studios (open to the public by appointment), and an outstanding and unique gift shop (more on the shop in a minute). The admission charge for exhibitions is $3 for adults; children under 12 are admitted for free. Museum admission is not required to visit the shop, pictured above, which is accessible just inside the entrance. And this is not your average museum gift shop. In addition to limited edition artists’ works in glass, ceramic, paper, photography, and of course, fabric, there are beautiful one-of-a-kind scarves, bags, and T-shirts and a unique selection of novelty gifts and home accessories. Visit for the cutting-edge art installations and shop for eclectic gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.
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Eclectic Art Exhibits and a Shop to Match
Any visitors to Philadelphia who are checking out the contemporary art scene should include a visit to the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Center City. The words “fabric” and “workshop” may be somewhat misleading—although its innovative founders originally experimented with fabric, the museum’s mission has expanded to encourage education and experimentation in all artistic media. Inside its massive space in a renovated industrial building, there are three large exhibition galleries: a video lounge, construction and print studios (open to the public by appointment), and an outstanding and unique gift shop (more on the shop in a minute). The admission charge for exhibitions is $3 for adults; children under 12 are admitted for free. Museum admission is not required to visit the shop, pictured above, which is accessible just inside the entrance. And this is not your average museum gift shop. In addition to limited edition artists’ works in glass, ceramic, paper, photography, and of course, fabric, there are beautiful one-of-a-kind scarves, bags, and T-shirts and a unique selection of novelty gifts and home accessories. Visit for the cutting-edge art installations and shop for eclectic gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.
