Museum for Art in Wood

The Museum for Art in Wood is a small museum at 141 N 3rd St in Philadelphia’s Old City, devoted to wood as an artistic medium. The first floor holds changing exhibitions, while the second-floor galleries display the permanent collection, with work ranging from traditional woodworking to playful and contemporary sculpture. Staff can share information about the exhibits, and a gift shop sells handcrafted wood objects, jewelry and home goods. Admission is free, with a requested donation. It’s a focused stop for anyone curious about what artists can make from wood and other natural materials.

Changing exhibitions and the permanent collection

The museum focuses on wood as an artistic medium, with work that ranges from traditional woodworking to contemporary sculpture. Exhibitions on the first floor change, so the displays can be different on a return visit. The permanent collection is on the second floor and includes a broad range of approaches to working with wood and other natural materials.

Look closely at the objects: some are intricate, while others use playful forms or challenge expectations of what wood art can be. A folding boat has appeared among the works, and one exhibition has included Jean-François Escoulen’s “Darling, you are getting better looking every day.” Exhibits change, so these pieces may not be on view during your visit.

Getting more from your visit

Staff can provide information about the exhibits and demonstrate how an artwork works when asked. Tours are also offered. The museum has a reading area and a library alongside its collection displays.

Admission is free, and the museum requests a donation. The gift shop sells handcrafted wood pieces, jewelry, home goods and small art objects. The museum is at 141 N 3rd St in Old City. The first-floor galleries change regularly, which gives returning visitors a reason to check what is currently on view.