Free and low-cost arts in the Philadelphia area

Many museums, art centers and events in the Philadelphia area offer free and low-cost ways to experience art with your family.

Abington Art Center, Jenkintown
Admission is free to this center’s galleries and Sculpture Park. Every Sunday, the center hosts the Eureka! drop-in program, with art projects for only $5.

Barnes Foundation, Phila.
Kids ages 3-5 can enjoy a free ARTime Storytime every Thursday morning. Watch a movie for free once a month at Artkids @ the Movies. Try out free ArtSee Activities, a monthly weekend drop-in program featuring arts & crafts projects.

Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford
Admission is free every Sunday morning from 9:30am-12noon. Explore a large collection of American art and be on the lookout for special events like story times.

Cheltenham Center for the Arts
Sketch, paint, sculpt and enjoy music and theater demonstrations for free during Family Fun Day on March 17.

Chester County Arts Association, Exton & Kennett Square
At the Exton Square Mall Studio, take classes on jewelry, drawing and collaging and enjoy exhibitions, for $1 per program. Find free classes at the Kennett Square studio.

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts
This month-long celebration kicks off on March 28 and includes a packed schedule of both free and ticketed music, theater and dance performances, art projects, guided explorations of Center City and even trapeze lessons, all with a twist on this year’s theme, “If You Had a Time Machine.” A giant, free all-day Street Fair culminates the festival on April 27, 2013.

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Pay-what-you-wish every first Sunday of the month. (Kids ages 12 & younger are always free.) New this year, pay-what-you-wish every Wednesday night, when the museum stays open until 8:45pm. Enjoy programs like live music, storytelling and art activities.

Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, Oaks
Explore handcrafted artwork from sculptures to designer clothing at this festival featuring more than 250 exhibitors, March 15-17, 2013. Experience live music, gourmet food sampling and storytelling for kids. Individual tickets are $10. Purchase in advance online and in 4-packs for a discount. Ages 11 & younger are free.

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