Temple University and specifically its Tyler School of Art and Architecture has entered into a new partnership with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), the two organizations announced on Thursday, Sept. 11. 

Beginning Oct. 15, Tyler will begin leasing space within PAFA’s Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, 128 N. Broad St. Through the partnership, Tyler and PAFA plan to launch new programs and provide valuable studio space for graduates of Tyler’s distinguished MFA programs. Tyler also will be creating a new "critic-in-residence" program that will bring outside perspectives into the Philadelphia arts ecosystem and add increased visibility to the robust arts offerings throughout the city. Additionally, all Tyler students, faculty and staff will now have access to the Museum of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. 

“PAFA is the first art museum and school in the United States and one of the hallmark arts organizations in our city, state and nation,” Temple President John Fry said. “Part of our place-based strategy for the university is developing a multidimensional innovation corridor that stretches along Broad Street, traveling from Temple’s Health Sciences campus to Main Campus, and then south to the Avenue of the Arts. Our vision for where Temple fits in relation to the Avenue of the Arts continues to take shape, especially following the acquisition of Terra Hall at Broad and Walnut. For so many reasons, a strategic partnership with PAFA makes sense, as this is something that will be beneficial for our students, faculty, staff, alumni as well as the arts community in Philadelphia.” 

Since its founding in 1805, PAFA has stood apart as both a school of art and a museum of art—a rare dual role that has shaped generations of American artists while preserving one of the nation’s most important collections of American art. Today, PAFA’s reach extends beyond these two pillars, evolving into a dynamic arts hub where creation, education, exhibition and community engagement converge.  

“For us at PAFA, a partnership with Temple and the Tyler School of Art and Architecture just makes sense for so many reasons,” said Don Caldwell, PAFA board chair. “This partnership is an opportunity to enrich both organizations in ways that will benefit both our student bodies, faculties, staffs and the larger Philadelphia arts community.” 

The PAFA Museum is internationally known for its collections of 19th- and 20th-century American paintings, sculptures and other works. Its collection contains innovative exhibitions of historic and contemporary American art, and PAFA’s alumni is essentially a who’s who list of prominent artists and scholars, including Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch and Henry Ossawa Tanner. 

Through this new partnership, Tyler students will now be able to study not only the museum’s exhibitions but also explore the vast array of works in the collection even when they are not on view in the galleries.  

“There is no overstating just how valuable it will be for our students, faculty and staff to now have access to these collections,” said Susan Cahan, dean of Tyler and professor of art history. “Through that access, we will be able to institute new programming that will elevate our opportunities to the level of other top universities with world-class museums, expand our purview and serve our community in new and different ways.” 

“It also greatly enhances our ability to serve a broader public audience, our students and our alumni,” Cahan added. “When you couple this partnership with the university’s broad strength and commitment to the arts, it is an incredibly exciting time to be a part of Temple University.” 

In the weeks to come, Temple and PAFA will work closely to refine the scope of the partnership.  

“For more than 220 years, PAFA has been an arts powerhouse here in Philly, and the same can be said for the Tyler School of Art and Architecture since its founding 90 years ago,” Cahan said. “Think about what each of our institutions was able to accomplish during that time. Now, think about all that we will be able to accomplish together.”