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Christian Art and Iconography Guide: Museums

Philadelphia Museum of Art

'Altarpiece with Scenes of the Passion'At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, you can see a variety of Christian art and iconography, from "The Annunciation" by Henry Ossawa Tanner to a Flemish alterpiece with scenes from the Passion (pictured on left). You can also see a number of Book of Hours and statues related to Christianity. The museum hosts a number of special exhibits throughout the year, so check their website often to keep up to date with the current exhibits!

Photo: Philadelphia Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Allegory of Catholic FaithThe Metropolitan Museum of Art's earliest roots date back to 1866 in Paris, France, when a group of Americans agreed to create a "national institution and gallery of art" to bring art and art education to the American people. Today, tens of thousands of objects are on view at any given time in the Museum's two-million-square-foot building, including a number of Christian art and iconography like 'The Allegory of Catholic Faith' by Johanne Vermeer (on left). Their website is constantly updating with new information about their exhibitions so be sure to check it out!

Photo: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Barnes Foundation

Virgin and Child with Saints Peter and PaulThe Barnes Foundation was established by Albert C. Barnes in 1922 to “promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts and horticulture.” The Barnes holds one of the finest collections of Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, from Renoir, Rousseau, Matisse, Cézanne, and Picasso, as well as American masters Demuth and Prendergast. There are two campuses, one in Philadelphia, the other in Merion. Go to their website to look at the various educational opportunities they offer, along with campus tours!

Photo: Barnes Foundation

Smithsonian Museums

'Lucifer' by Paul ManshipThere are a number of museums in the Smithsonian Institute complex, but the American Art Museum in particular has several types of artwork dedicated to Christianity. Some are paintings, others are statues and figures like the one pictured on the right. All of these objects can be viewed online through their website's catalog - along with their location in the museum! Happy hunting!

Photo: Smithsonian Museum of American Art