This month, be inspired at Woodmere, where the full spectrum of the arts comes alive, from captivating visual exhibitions to fascinating gallery talks and unforgettable live performances. Alongside our beloved Friday Night Jazz concerts, May brings three extraordinary Classical Music performances that promise to move and captivate. First up, Academy of Vocal Arts@Woodmere: An Afternoon of Opera will be sure to delight, on Sunday, May 3 at 5 pm.
On Thursday, May 14 at 6 pm, don’t miss an evening of insight and storytelling, when we welcome Victoria Johnson, Professor of Urban Policy and Planning at Hunter College, NYC. In her talk, carrying the same name as her book, Glorious Country: How the Artist Frederic Church Brought the World to America & America to the World, Johnson explores how Church rose to define 19th century American painting with sweeping, awe-inspiring landscapes. His story is deeply intertwined with the history of the United States, making this a particularly meaningful moment to reflect on his legacy as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary and the 200th anniversary of his birth. A book signing will follow the lecture.
We’re also thrilled to introduce something new: a Thursday afternoon docent-led exhibition tour series. It all begins on May 21 with a special look at Syd Carpenter: Planting in Place, Time, and Memory. Join us at 2 pm for a warm welcome reception with refreshments, then dive deeper into the exhibition during the guided tour at 3 pm.
Join us this May and immerse yourself, discover something new, and experience the arts in fresh and exciting ways! And don’t forget, Mother’s Day is May 10, and the Store is full of unique and thoughtful gifts.

Sunday Family Art & StorytellingSunday, May 3 | 11 amChildren ages 3-5, with adultFree with Registration | Space limitedSmith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Introduce your preschoolers to art experiences. Children will focus on one artwork, read a related story picture book, and create an art project with their adult companion. A fun and engaging way for young children to enjoy art. Register here.

Lecture & Book Signing: Glorious Country: How the Artist Frederic Church Brought the World to America & America to the Worldwith Victoria Johnson, Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalistThursday, May 14 | 6 pmFREE with registrationSmith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Join historian Victoria Johnson to explore the life, art, and legacy of 19th-century American landscape painter Frederic Edwin Church, widely regarded for creating some of the most breathtaking landscape paintings in American history. Drawing on her book Glorious Country: How the Artist Frederic Edwin Church Brought America to the World and the World to America, Johnson will examine how Church came to dominate nineteenth-century American painting with expansive, awe-inspiring scenes that honor the natural world. His life is intricately woven into the story of the United States, making him an especially fitting artist to celebrate in the nation’s 250th year—coinciding with the 200th anniversary of his birth. A book signing will follow the lecture. Register here.

Visit The Colored Girls Museum and Garden by Syd CarpenterSunday, May 17 | 11 am$204613 Newhall Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Enjoy a visit to The Colored Girls Museum! Begin in the garden designed by Syd Carpenter, who transformed it into a rejuvenating space where sculpture and plant life come together. Inside, discover the Museum’s unique collection of artifacts that preserve, honor, and interpret objects created by the Colored Girl herself, each representing a facet of her story, personal history, and lived experience. Register here.

NEW Docent Tour: Syd Carpenter: Planting in Place, Time, and MemoryThursday, May 21 | 2 pm reception; 3 pm tourFREE with admissionSmith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Catch Syd Carpenter: Planting in Place, Time, and Memory before it ends! Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a tour of this special exhibition with one of our expert guides. Enjoy a reception from 2-3 pm followed by the tour starting at 3 pm. Already visited the exhibition? See it from a new perspective with docent insight and community conversation. Register here.

Artist Spotlight: 

Frank Bramblett’s Hypothetical Marriage of Monsieur Marcel Duchamp and Miss Helen Keller

Sunday, May 31 | 2 pmFreeMaguire Hall, 9001 Germantown Avenue
Led by Woodmere Docent, Paula Suss, enjoy exploring and discussing Frank Bramblett’s expansive, mirrored double portrait of Marcel Duchamp and Helen Keller. Register here.CALENDARClassical Music

Woodmere is a part of Philadelphia’s vibrant music community with exceptional performers, an acoustically astounding space, and amazing works of art. The concert experience at the Museum is like no other

Academy of Vocal Arts@Woodmere: An Afternoon of Opera with: Ethel Trujillo, soprano; Julianna Smith, mezzo-soprano; Sergio F. Mandujano, tenor; and Richard A. Raub, pianist, conductor, and AVA Master Vocal CoachSunday, May 3 | 5 pm$28 | $18 MembersSmith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Experience an unforgettable evening of extraordinary vocal artistry as the acclaimed Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) performs at Woodmere. This special concert brings the passion, power, and virtuosity of AVA’s rising opera stars in an acoustically astounding space. A welcome reception begins at 4 pm and a friendly meet-and-greet with the performers will follow the show. Register here.

Tempesta di Mare presents Revolution TunesSaturday, May 9 | 5 pm$28 | $18 MembersSmith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Harpsichordist, John Walthausen plays music from the Francis Hopkinson Collection of Music, one of the most important sources of early American music and Philadelphia’s early history. Hopkinson, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, amassed a treasure trove of harpsichord music from both the “old” and “new” worlds. From country dance to tunes from Highland reels and Philadelphia hymns, this recital will provide a glimpse into the popular music at the time of America’s founding. Register here.

Variant 6 presents EquinoxWith: Rebecca Myers, soprano; Lauren Kelly, mezzo-soprano; James Reese, tenor; Daniel Schwartz, bass; and Laura Ward, pianoSaturday, May 16 | 5 pm$28 | $18 MembersSmith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Join us for an evening celebrating the expressive power of voices and piano featuring the vocal virtuosity of Variant 6 in their program, Equinox. Serving as the centerpiece of the program is Philadelphia composer Benjamin C. S. Boyle’s cantata, To One in Paradise. Set to Edgar Allan Poe’s poem of the same title—written during the poet’s mature period and rich with his signature themes of young love, divinity, and death—the cantata, composed twenty years ago, will be heard in an all-new transcription created by Boyle for the vocal soloists of Variant 6 and pianist Laura Ward. Register here.Friday Night JazzSince 2011, Woodmere has celebrated music and community with Jazz concerts.With exceptional performers, an acoustically astounding space, and amazing works of art, the concert experience at the Museum is like no other. WRTI is a partner for Music at Woodmere. Friday Night Jazz is offered in partnership with LifeLine Music Coalition. Next up…

Moody’s Mood & Beyond: Celebrating King PleasureFriday, May 8 | 6 pm$28 | $18 MembersSmith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Emerging in the 1950s, vocalese transformed the human voice into an instrument, mirroring the phrasing and improvisational spirit of the saxophone. Pioneered by artists like King Pleasure, the style brought a fresh, inventive dimension to jazz vocals. TCIII brings this distinctive sound to life with classics such as “Moody’s Mood for Love” and “Red Top.” Get tickets here.SCHEDULEChildren’s ArtmakingSaturdays | 10:30 am -noon, 12:30-2 pm, 2:30-4 pmSundays | noon-1:30 pm and 2-3:30 pmAges 4-12, with an adult present$10 per child | $5 per child for Family Members +Maguire Hall, MacDonald Family Children’s Studio9001 Germantown Ave
Join us at Woodmere’s Children’s Studio at the Frances M. Maguire Hall for Art and Education. Art projects in the studio change on a weekly basis. Visit often to create a variety of different artworks! Register here.Adult Classes & WorkshopsBeyond the traditional drawing and painting classes, Woodmere offers unique classes and workshops for inspiration and well-being. Try something new today!Transforming Cardboard and Discards Into SculptureOffered in Partnership with Mount Airy Learning TreeSaturday, May 2 | 10 am – 4 pm$120 Non-Members | $90 MembersAdult Studio Building, 9201 Germantown Ave 
This workshop is designed to introduce beginners to the fundamentals of sculpting with cardboard and discarded materials and offers skill-enhancing projects for experienced artists. Register here.Botanical Alchemy: Mandala Banners with NatureOffered in Partnership with Mount Airy Learning TreeSaturday, May 9 | 1 pm – 3 pm$44/student plus $20 materials feeAdult Studio Building, 9201 Germantown Ave Step into the magic of the natural world through Botanical Alchemy. In this relaxing, sensory-rich workshop, students will create a nature mandala on a cotton banner using hand-dyed fabric and seasonal botanicals. Explore color, composition, and intuitive design as we work with plants to make something meaningful. Register here.Exploring AbstractionTuesdays, May 12 – 26 (meets 3 times)9:30 am – 12:30 pm$160 Non-Members | $130 MembersAdult Studio Building, 9201 Germantown Ave 
This dynamic class blends guided instruction with open studio time, giving students the freedom to experiment, take creative risks, and refine their artistic voice. Through hands-on projects and demonstrations, participants explore the fundamentals of color theory, composition, and technique while working in the medium of their choice. Register here.Health and Wellness: Five Elements Qigong PracticeSaturdays, May 16—Jun 27 | 10:30 am – 11:30 am (meets 6 times; no class May 23, Class takes place outdoors on June 13 and 20)$145 Non-Members | $135 Members Adult Studio Building, 9201 Germantown Ave Feeling stressed and tired? Ready for some genuine self-care? Join Kelly McLeod for this energizing 6-week Qigong series! Discover how these ancient Chinese practices can transform your energy, calm your mind, and restore your body’s natural vitality. Register here.ADULT CLASSESTuesday Nights at the MoviesOn Tuesday nights, Woodmere’s main gallery is transformed into an intimate setting for screenings of rare and underseen films as well as classics. Tuesday Nights at the Movies is presented with the Chestnut Hill Film Group and sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Local. Donations suggested. Next up…

The Mortal StormTuesday, May 5 | 7 pmSmith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
Set in a small German town during Hitler’s rise to power, this powerful drama follows a close-knit family torn apart by political fervor and growing antisemitism. The film’s moral clarity and emotional urgency make it one of Hollywood’s most pointed pre-war warnings about fascism. Starring James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan, Frank Morgan, and Robert Young.SCHEDULE

MOTHER’S DAY IN-STORE PROMO: May 2-10, get 20% off …and Members get 30%!Smith Hall, 9201 Germantown Avenue
The Museum Store offers a meaningful way to celebrate Mother’s Day, with gifts that feel as thoughtful as the person receiving them. Here, you’ll find beautifully crafted jewelry, art-inspired silk scarves, creative kits, and artisan-made home décor—each piece carrying its own story and sense of intention. Whether she’s drawn to art, culture, or the natural world, the Store invites you to choose something that truly reflects your mother’s passions. Take advantage of 20% off your in-store purchase (Members get 30%), May 2-10, 2026!
Or, for the mom who “has everything,” consider the gift of Museum Membership, which keeps giving all year long, with discounts in the Store, classes, programs, and more!

Bodies & Souls: Robert and Frances Coulborn Kohler Collection

On view at Smith Hall through June 7, 2026

Planting in Place, Time, and MemoryOn view at Smith Hall through May 24, 2026

Arc of Promise

Celebrating America 250Opening at Smith Hall June 20, 2026      

Woodmere | 9201 Germantown Avenue | Philadelphia, PA 19118 US