The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Phillies, and renowned muralist Meg Saligman announced major art installations for 2026 at a press conference at the US Travel Association’s IPW Chicago 2025.
Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA), announced A Nation of Artists opening in April 2026, a dual-venue exhibition that will unite three extraordinary collections of American art. This collection will feature more than 1,000 unique pieces on exhibit in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the country, and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), the first art school and museum founded in the US.
The collection is divided into PAFA, which highlights how American artists learn and develop and the PMA, which highlights the evolution of American identity and visual culture through art.
“What makes American art so powerful is not only where it was made, but who made it – and why,” Suda said “A Nation of Artists will highlight the creative contributions of women, immigrants, Indigenous makers, self-taught artists, and academic painters alike and present a broad and vibrant picture of artistic expression that was happening across the country through both familiar icons and voices that have historically been overlooked.
“We couldn’t be happier to partner with PAFA and the Middleton family on this once-in-a-generation exhibition and we look forward to welcoming everyone – from neighbors down the street to visitors from across the region, the country, and around the world – to be part of this celebration.”
To enrich the collection, the majority owner of Philadelphia’s Major League baseball team, the Phillies, John S. Middleton and his family will contribute pieces from their private art collection that have never been seen by the public. The Middleton Family Collection, one of the most significant private holdings of American art, will be integrated across both venues, promoting deeper reflection through the collaborative process.
“This exhibition is for everyone – no prior knowledge of art or history required,” Middleton said. “As someone who believes in the power of storytelling to connect people, I’m thrilled to partner with these two storied institutions to share the works that have brought our family so much joy and inspiration.
“Just like baseball, art has the power to bring people together and surprise us when we least expect it. With every viewing, there’s something new to discover. It’s an honor to help bring American art to life in a new way during this very special commemoration of our country’s 250th anniversary.”
Muralist Meg Saligman to launch Ministry of Awe
Meg Saligman has produced over 40 permanent public works worldwide, but her works in Philadelphia have been considered a catalyst for the contemporary mural movement. At IPW, Saligman revealed new details about her latest project, Ministry of Awe, opening in 2026. Housed in the former Manufacturer’s National Bank in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood, Ministry of Awe will be a traversable, living work of art, dedicated to inspiring awe. With six stories and over 8,500sqft (nearly 750sqm) of interactive space, including immersive exhibits, live performances, and soundscapes for visitors to explore.
Ministry of Awe will also function as a hub for community participation and imagination, teeming with opportunities for visitors to engage with the space in a hands-on manner, which will evolve the artwork’s look and feel over time. For Saligman, the Ministry of Awe’s home in the former bank, which was built in 1870 and designed by Frank Furness, is a key part of the story – redefining the conventional cultural experience by bringing the unexpected and the sublime to a seemingly mundane space.
“We’re creating a living, walkable piece of art that’s deeply rooted in Philly’s rich history, right in the birthplace of American democracy and finance,” Saligman said.
Like Philadelphia itself, both A Nation of Artists and the Ministry of Awe projects are grounded in history but reaching for higher levels of creativity and self-discovery. Philadelphia is well-known to the world as the birthplace of American democracy, but audiences are now recognizing the city as a destination rich in history, culinary innovation, walkable outdoor spaces, and now especially, arts and culture.
