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.