Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show Returns for Its 98th Year

Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show Honors Nearly a Century of Tradition

Since 1928, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show has brought color, culture, and creativity to the heart of Philadelphia. Returning this September 19th through 21st for its 98th year, the show transforms one of William Penn’s original five squares into a vibrant open-air gallery featuring 145 juried professional artists from across the United States and Canada.

Originally inspired by the bohemian street galleries of Paris, the show began as a student-led “Art Flea Market,” where works were hung on clotheslines stretched between the trees of Rittenhouse Square. Fast-forward nearly a century, and the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show remains a beloved and storied tradition in Philly’s cultural calendar. From its earliest days to today’s curated celebration of artistic excellence, the show continues to embody the progressive, expressive spirit of the city itself.

The show’s enduring charm lies not just in its legacy but in its dedication to presenting original, one-of-a-kind pieces across diverse media. Attendees will find an eclectic and engaging mix of fine art—paintings, prints, sculpture, and more—from emerging talents and established masters alike, all set against the iconic backdrop of Rittenhouse’s historic tree-lined promenade.

Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show Showcases “Healing Through Art”

In a moving evolution of its programming, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show will this year feature a deeply personal and powerful installation at the very center of the park. Presented by the Art Therapy Department of Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation, this special exhibit spotlights the transformative power of creativity in healing.

Titled “Healing Through Art”, the display features works by patients from Jefferson’s Willow Grove location—individuals navigating complex journeys through illness, injury, and emotional trauma. For these artists, painting is not a hobby or profession, but catharsis. The canvases they’ve created reflect inner battles, small triumphs, and the pursuit of peace, offering viewers a raw and resonant window into the recovery process.

Art therapy is just one part of Jefferson Moss-Magee’s holistic, interdisciplinary model, which includes everything from speech-language pathology to horticultural therapy and even animal-assisted care. The inclusion of this work at the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show reminds us all that art is not only something to be admired—it’s something that can heal, elevate, and empower.

Visitors are encouraged not only to engage with the art itself, but to learn more about the critical therapeutic services Jefferson provides throughout the region. This collaboration deepens the show’s mission by blending beauty with impact, tradition with innovation.

Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show Welcomes the Next Generation

While the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show is best known for showcasing top-tier professional artists, it continues to uplift the next generation of creatives. Just like the inaugural student-led exhibition in 1928, today’s show nurtures emerging talent by providing student artists the rare opportunity to exhibit alongside industry veterans. This dynamic exchange energizes the square with the pulse of new ideas, fresh perspectives, and youthful passion.

Through direct exposure to seasoned artists and engaged patrons, students gain vital real-world insight into the creative industry—learning how to connect, present, and grow. This intergenerational aspect is not only inspiring but vital to keeping the tradition of the show alive and evolving. Visitors can expect to be moved by the raw ambition and daring experimentation of these up-and-comers, whose works often challenge and complement those of their more experienced peers.

The show, running Friday through Sunday, September 19–21, is open to the public and free to attend. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, casual browser, or simply in love with the city’s vibrant art scene, the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show offers something undeniably special. For more information, including previews of the artists and their works, visit the official site.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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