Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1898 as the Graphic Sketch Club; oldest free community art school in the United States. Nearly 5,000 students study art here annually. Alumni include Frank Gasparro, former chief engraver for U.S. Mint, and Louis Kahn, renowned architect.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1898 as the Graphic Sketch Club, the Samuel S. Fleisher Art Memorial opened its doors on the principle that art instruction should be free to anyone who wished to learn—making it the oldest free community art school in the country. Generations of students have passed through its studios, among them Frank Gasparro, who became chief engraver at the U.S. Mint, and Louis Kahn, one of the 20th century's most revered architects.
Why it matters
Fleisher's vision of art as a public good, freely offered, made creative training accessible to working-class and immigrant Philadelphians and nurtured talents who shaped American design.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Hill-Physick House0.5 mi away · 321 South 4th Street
- Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial0.5 mi away
- Powel House0.6 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Bridgette Mayer0.6 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall0.7 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Philosophical Hall0.7 mi away · PA
Attractions
- Italian market0.1 mi away · Christian Street
- Second Bank of the United States0.7 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.8 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell0.8 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
- First Bank of the United States0.8 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- City Tavern0.8 mi away · 138 South 2nd Street
Food & drink
- Talula's Garden0.6 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily0.6 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fat Salmon0.6 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cafe Walnut0.6 mi away · 703 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Maya's Pizza & Grill0.7 mi away · 716 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thank You Thank You Coffee Roasters0.7 mi away · 700 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Morris House Hotel0.6 mi away · 225 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Alexander Inn0.6 mi away · 301 301 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites0.7 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- AKA Washington Square0.7 mi away · 834 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City0.8 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philadelphia Marriott Old City0.8 mi away · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Samuel S. Fleisher
- · Frank Gasparro
- · Louis Kahn
Themes & tags
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