Philly welcomes Calder

Philly Welcomes Calder
Calder Garden • Barnes Museum • Rodin Museum

When and Where ?

We’ll gather at the main gate of the Franklin Institute at 10:00 am 5TH October 2025
At : 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

The brand-new Calder Garden may be a little tricky to find, so meeting in front of the Franklin Institute will make things easier for everyone. I’ll wait there and guide us over.

Stop 1: Calder Garden

This is a brand-new cultural institution in Philadelphia—and I haven’t seen it yet myself! We’ll take about 2 hours to explore the garden, enjoy Calder’s work, and also get to know each other as a group.
Alexander Calder turned metal and color into poetry that floats in the air. His creations are playful, bold, and full of life — masterpieces that feel at once like serious art and like pure joy.
Stop 2: Barnes Museum

After Calder Garden, it’s just a short walk to the Barnes Museum.

• Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month.
• The collection is truly world-class, featuring works by Renoir, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, and many more.
• The building itself is an architectural masterpiece worth the visit.

Inside, expect a treasure trove of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings displayed in Dr. Barnes’s unique arrangements, mixing fine art with decorative objects. The setting feels more like stepping into a private collector’s salon than a traditional museum.
We’ll also take a break here for lunch—either in the museum café or with your own packed lunch.

Stop 3: Rodin Museum (Optional )

If the group is interested, we’ll continue to the Rodin Museum, right next door. It’s a gem of Philadelphia, featuring many of Rodin’s most celebrated sculptures.
Highlights include The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais — monumental works that changed the course of modern sculpture. The museum’s intimate garden setting makes it one of the most beautiful places in the city to encounter Rodin’s art.

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Notes

• Kids: Children and teenagers under 18 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. My own two kids will be with me.
• Pets: Sorry—no pets allowed at this event.
• Dress Code: Smart casual — relaxed but stylish.

1. Photographers & Models: Bring your SLR if you’re into photography! Calder Garden will be a true paradise workshop for anyone who loves capturing art, architecture, and people. And if you’d like to be photographed with a masterpiece as your backdrop — one that you truly deserve — this is one of the best opportunities you’ll ever get. What an honor to stand with the works of Alexander Calder.

RSVP & Courtesy
In other cities (which will remain unnamed… though let’s just say there’s a big white house there 😉), I’ve seen people RSVP and then disappear without a word. I know Philadelphia—the City of Brotherly Love—is different. Please RSVP responsibly and let me know if your plans change.
Running Late?
No problem—just call or text me and I’ll meet you at the door so you can join the group without stress.
CELL : 571-748-9258

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This is our first event for Modernist Philly, and I’m very excited to meet new friends and help set the foundation for an amazing community of smart and kind friends.
This event will not have a rigid academic atmosphere — it’s meant to be fun, friendly, and open. We’ll take our time with these real treasures and masterpieces… and remember, you yourself are also one of those masterpieces.
We’ll also chat about ideas for future events, including setting up monthly movie screenings of the greatest cinematic classics on the big screen. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and suggestions!