A nation of artists at PAFA marks a special moment—the reopening of the Historic Landmark Building, a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture by Frank Furness and George W. Hewitt. As the first structure in the U.S. designed specifically for both exhibition and art education, its legacy as a museum and school for artistic innovation continues.

At PAFA, the exhibition is curated thematically, grouping artworks as never before assembled to explore new ideas, connections, and interpretations of American art. Through these dynamic juxtapositions, visitors will see centuries of American art through a powerful, new lens.

The installation will also include contemporary art from the 21st century, placing today's most exciting living artists in dialogue with those of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Throughout 2026 and 2027, artist talks and public programs will further enrich the experience of the exhibition, offering opportunities to engage with the artists shaping American art now.